Mendicot Card Game With Rules

Mendicot, also known as Mendikot or Mindi, is a popular card game played in various regions, including India and Nepal. It is played with a standard deck of 52 cards and is best enjoyed by 2 to 4 players. 

The game involves strategic play and careful planning, making it both challenging and entertaining for participants.

Objective

The goal is to win as many tricks as possible containing cards with the number ten. The players aim to collect the highest number of tens from all four suits to win the game.

Origin of Mendicot card game

Mendicot is an ancient Indian card game believed to have originated in the Indian states of Maharashtra and Gujarat. It shares similarities with the card game "Dehla Pakad" and is popular in these regions. The game has historical roots in Indian culture and has spread to various parts of the world from India.

In English, the term "Mendicot'' loosely means "tens collector." The word 'mendi' is derived from the Gujarati word ‘minimum’', which means 'zero.'

It represents 10 in the game because it is the only number card with a '0'. In South Indian languages, the term 'kot' or 'cot' refers to a victory in which the opponent scores a 'zero.'

What is the Mendicot card game?

Mendicot is a trick-taking card game typically played by four players in teams of two. The objective is for a team member to win at least two tricks containing tens to earn points.

It uses a standard 52-card deck. Cards are dealt in the opposite direction, with each player receiving an equal number of cards. Players take turns playing cards, trying to win tricks by playing higher-ranking cards or following suit.

Points are earned by winning tricks containing tens. The first team to win two such tricks earns the most points. The game continues until a team reaches the predetermined point threshold, typically set at 100 or 500 points.

Selection of Trump suit

In Mendicot, the selection of the trump suit is a crucial aspect of the game. Here's how it typically works:

• Initial Trump Selection: Before the game starts, players must choose a trump suit. This is done by drawing a card from the deck. The suit of the card drawn becomes the trump suit for that particular round.
• Cut Hukum: Alternatively, some variations of the game begin with no trump suit chosen initially. Instead, when a player is unable to follow suit for the first time, the suit of the card they choose to play becomes the trump suit for that round.
• Strategic Considerations: Players should pay close attention to the trump suit, as it can significantly impact gameplay. Using the trump suit strategically can help win valuable tricks and gain an advantage over opponents.

How to play Mendicot

Mendicot is played by four players with a standard deck of 52 cards. After shuffling, the dealer deals 13 cards clockwise to each player until all cards are distributed.

• To begin with, the player to the dealer's left starts by leading with any card from their hand.
• Other players follow suit (play a card of the same suit) if possible. If a player doesn’t have a card of the same suit, they can play any card.
• The highest-ranking card in the current suit wins the trick and leads the next one. The game continues until all 13 tricks have been played.
• Players aim to win tricks and collect Tens (10-point cards). The team with the most Tens or the most tricks wins the game.

Variation: Mindi Game

• Mindi games are similar to Mendicot but with a trump suit. Before starting, players choose a trump suit by drawing a card from the deck.

• Players must follow suit, but if unable, they can play any card, including a trump card.

What are the rules of the Mendicot card game?

Mendicot is a card game often played by four people in teams of two. The main goal is to win tricks that contain Tens. Each player must play a card from the suit of the Mendicot trick. If there's a trump card, it can be used to win tricks. If there's no declared Trump, players can use a dominant suit from their hand as Trump. 

The team with three or four Tens at the end wins. If Tens are evenly split, the team with seven or more tricks wins. Here are some basic rules of the games:

• The game consists of 13 tricks.
• The player to the dealer's right leads the first trick.
• Players must follow suit if possible; otherwise, they can play any card. The highest card wins the trick.
• Trump cards win over non-trump cards. The winner collects the cards for their team.

How to score in Mendicot?

To score in Mendicot, you have to:

Collect Tens:

• You win points by getting three or four tens with your team's cards. If both teams have two tens each, the team with seven or more winning tricks wins the round.
• The more tens you collect, the better your chances of winning!

Mendikot:

• If your team collects all four tens, it's called "Mendikot." This is a big win and can help your team score more points.
• Taking all thirteen tricks in a round is also called a "Mendicot" or whitewash, which is a super special win!

Deal Rotation:

• If your team loses, the next dealer is your teammate. But if your team wins, the dealing direction changes to the next player in a clockwise order.
• Score in Mendicot by aiming to collect Tens, achieving Mendikot, and strategically winning tricks while enjoying the game's unique challenges and rewards.

Mendicot card game v/s poker game

Mendicot is a trick-taking game where players aim to win specific tricks containing Tens to score points. In contrast, Poker is a game of skill and strategy where players compete to win chips or money by forming the best hand or bluffing opponents.

Mendicot involves partnerships and trick-taking with a standard deck of cards. Poker features various variants, such as Texas Hold'em and Omaha, with distinct rules for betting, hand rankings, and gameplay.

Mendicot relies on strategic play and partnership coordination, focusing on winning specific tricks, while Poker demands skills in hand reading, probability assessment, and psychological tactics like bluffing.

Mendicot is popular in India and neighbouring countries, while Poker enjoys global popularity, particularly in the West.

Frequently asked question

How do you play the Mendicot card game?

When you play Mendicot, everyone gets a chance to put down a card. You try to match the first card played if you can. The person with the highest card of the same kind or the special trump card wins that round.

How many cards do you distribute in Mendicot?

Each person gets 13 cards from a big set of 52 cards. This makes sure everyone has the same chance to play and have fun.

How many players can play Mendicot?

You can play Mendicot with 4 people, making 2 teams of 2. But if you have more friends, like 6 or 8, you can still play by making teams with equal numbers of players.

Conclusion

Mendicot is a game blending strategy and tradition, rooted in Indian culture and enjoyed worldwide. It started humbly but remains popular across ages, showcasing the enduring charm of traditional card games, uniting generations, and preserving heritage.