How To Play Call Break Rules, Tips & Tricks

Introduction

Call Break is a popular trick-taking card game that originated in Nepal. It is also known by names like Lakdi, Laat, and Missed Call. This game is played with a standard deck of 52 cards and is typically enjoyed by four players.

What is Call Break?

Derived from Spades, Call Break is a fun card game for four or more players. It is played with a standard 52-deck card. The game begins with everyone getting 13 cards each and calling a bid.

You win if you can achieve the called bid. The cards are ranked high to low, starting with Ace, King, Queen, Jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, and 2.

Basic Call Break Rules

Here are some call break game rules you need to learn before playing:

• The game is played between 4-6 players.
• The seating arrangement and the dealer are decided in advance.
• Each player gets 13 cards.
• Before playing the cards, everyone has to call the number of tricks they plan to score.
• To win, you must score the number of tricks you have made above.
• The game goes in an anti-clockwise direction.
• Spades are pre-defined Trump. You cannot call any other Trump.

Objectives of Call Break Game

The objective of Call Break is quite simple. Before the game begins, You look at your cards and declare the number of tricks you will win.

The tricky part is that to win, you have to score those number of tricks.

Card Dealing

• A dealer is chosen, and the entire deck is shuffled
• The dealer distributes all 52 cards equally among the four players, typically dealing 13 cards per player

Bidding/Calls

• Players take turns to make bids or ‘calls’ before the game begins.
• Bids consist of the number of tricks and the suit chosen as the trump suit.
• Each player must announce the number of tricks they expect to win in that round. The player making the highest call becomes the ‘dealer’ and is allowed to name the trump suit for that round.

Trump Suit

The dealer selects the trump suit, the dominant suit for that round. The trump suit prevails over all other suits.

Playing a Trick

• The player initiates the first trick to the dealer's left by playing a card.
• The following players must play a card in the same suit as the card led. If they don't have that suit, they can play any card.
• The player who plays the highest-ranking card of the led suit wins the trick and leads the next one.
• If a player has no cards of the led suit but has trump cards (if trump has been declared), they can play a trump card to win the trick.
• The game continues until all 13 tricks have been played.

Scoring

• Players earn points based on their successful bids and the number of tricks they won.
• Points are awarded: Each successful trick bid earns the player 10 points, plus an additional point for each trick won. For instance, if a player bid three tricks and won all 3, they would earn 30 + 3 = 33 points.

Penalties

If a player fails to win the number of tricks they bid, they incur a penalty. The penalty is usually equal to the number of tricks they bid. For example, if a player bid four tricks but only won 3, they would receive a penalty of -4 points for that round.

Joker

In some variations of Call Break, the Two of Spades is designated as the Joker. It can be used as a trump card and holds the highest rank in the game.

Winning

• The game is played over several rounds, with players keeping track of their scores.
• The player with the highest cumulative score at the end of the agreed-upon number of rounds is declared the winner.

Call Break Variations

Here are some common variations of Call Break:

Number of Players

You can modify the rules and increase the number of players to three or five. This may require adjusting the number of cards dealt and the bidding structure.

No Trump Suit

In some variations, there is no trump suit, and players must only play cards of the led suit.

Special Bids

Players can make special bids in certain variations, such as ‘No Tricks’ or ‘Double Tricks’.

Doubling Scores

Some players introduce a rule where scores for tricks and bids are doubled if a player successfully fulfils their bid.

Penalties for Failing to Win Bids

Some variations assign penalties based on the number of tricks short of the bid; for example, if a player bids four tricks but only wins 2, they would receive a -2 penalty.

Negative Bidding

In negative bidding, players attempt to avoid winning tricks. They bid a negative number, and if they succeed in losing tricks, they earn points equal to their negative bid; for example, a bid of -3 means the player aims to lose three tricks.

Scoring System Variations

Call Break often uses a 10-point base score for successful bids. Some versions may modify the scoring system, awarding more or fewer points for tricks and bids.

Card Rankings

While the standard ranking of cards is Ace high to 2 low, some variations may reverse this order, making the two the highest-ranking cards and the Ace the lowest.

Call Break Winning Strategies

Here are some key strategies to help you win at Call Break:

Trump Card Management

It is crucial to manage your trump cards wisely. Avoid wasting them on low-value tricks. Try to save them for situations where you have a good chance of winning a high-value trick.

Leading with High Cards

Leading with high cards at the beginning of a round can be a good strategy. This forces opponents to use their trump cards early or risk losing high-value tricks.

Assessing Your Hand

Evaluate your hand at the beginning of each round and determine your overall strategy. Consider using a few high-value tricks if you have a strong trump suit and high-value cards. If your hand is less powerful, focus on taking fewer tricks to avoid getting set.

Bluffing and Deception

Don't be afraid to bluff or deceive your opponents. If you have a strong hand, you can play weaker cards early on to make your opponents believe you have a weaker hand.

Observing Your Opponents

Pay close attention to your opponents' behaviour and card patterns. Try to deduce their strategies and adapt accordingly.

Remember the Score

Keep track of the current score and your relative position in the game. If you are ahead, you can play conservatively to maintain your lead. If you are behind, take calculated risks to catch up.

How to Play Call Break Game

Here’s a step-by-step guide to playing the Call Break game:

• The game is played with a standard 52-deck of cards distributed in an anti-clockwise direction.
• After the card distribution, all players must declare the number of tricks they will score.
• You can declare the call from 2-8; if you declare eight tricks and win, you get 13 points.
• The game begins with the player sitting right next to the dealer.  The winner of each trick leads the throw.
• You will throw the same colour and highest-ranking cards to win the round.
• If you don’t have the same colour card, you can use the Spade cards(Trump).

Tips on How to Win a Call Break Game

Here are some tips to win a Call Break game:

• Before playing, learn and understand the game. Read the rules and develop strategies for winning.
• Understand the ranking and position of each card. Understand the importance of the Trump card and call accordingly.
• Try to win your call in the early rounds and keep your strong cards for later. These cards can help you score more tricks and win.
• Never make a call that you are not confident of. Check your cards and analyse them before declaring the number of tricks.
• Don’t rely on Spades as others may also have. For example, if you have 8 of spades, your opponents might have 9 or a stronger card than yours.
• Always pay attention to your opponent’s cards and their gameplay. This will help you strategise the game.
• Practice before playing live. Call your friends or sit with your family and have a game.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you play Call Break online?

Find a multiplayer card game platform or app. Create or join a game, follow the rules, and aim to win tricks by playing strategically.

Can we play Call Break online with friends?

You can play Call Break online with friends by creating a private room or joining a multiplayer game. This allows you to enjoy the game together over the internet.

Can two people play Call break?

Call Break is traditionally played with four players, but variations for three players also exist.

How are Call Break points calculated?

Call Breakpoints are calculated based on the number of tricks won, the ‘call’ or prediction made, and bonus points for specific card combinations like a flush or royal flush, resulting in the final score.

Can I declare any other suit as Trump in the Call Break Game?

No. You cannot declare any other suit as Trump in the Call Break Game.

How is the score evaluated in Call Break?

The scores are equal to the number of calls you made at the game's beginning. Call Break often uses a 10-point base score for successful bids.

How do you make money playing call break?

You can make money by bidding wisely. You can also keep track of the Trumps and high-value cards.

Conclusion

Call Break is a captivating and strategic card game that requires skill and foresight. Playing it online offers a convenient way to enjoy the game with friends and competitors worldwide. Practice and experience are key to becoming a skilled call-break player.