How to Play Pitch: Simple Card Game Rules

Introduction

If you are looking for a card game that requires strategy and sharp decision-making, Pitch is the perfect choice! It offers endless fun, unlimited thrills, and a great social experience.

But what exactly is Pitch, and why has it remained a popular choice among card players for generations?

Let’s find out.

What is a Pitch?

Pitch is a trick-taking card game known by different names, such as ‘Setback’, ‘High-Low-Jack’, or ‘Auction Pitch’. It originated in the 18th century and has evolved into several regional variations across the U.S. It was popular in gaming saloons and is still played in competitive and casual settings today.

Pitch can be played with 2, 3, 4, or 6 players, but the most common format is 4 players (2 teams of 2). The game uses a standard 52-card deck (Jokers are not used).

The objective of Pitch Card Game

The main objective in Pitch is to win tricks that contain scoring cards and meet the bid declared at the start of the round. The team or player who reaches the target score first (typically 21) wins.

Rules of Pitch Card Game

1. Players & Teams

• 4-Player Game: Two teams of two players and partners sit across from each other.
• 3-Player Game: Each player plays individually.
• 2-Player Game: One-on-one match.
• 6-Player Game: Three teams of two or two teams of three.

2. The Deck

• A standard 52-card deck is used.
• Cards are ranked from Ace (high) to 2 (low).

3. The Deal

• The dealer shuffles and deals six cards to each player (sometimes nine in some variations).
• The deal rotates clockwise after each round.

How to Play Pitch Card Game

Step 1: Bidding

• Each player places a bid (or passes), starting with the player to the dealer's left.
• The bid represents how many points the player/team thinks they can win in the round.
• The minimum bid is 2, and the maximum is usually 4, 5, or 7, depending on the variation.
• Players must either bid higher than the last bid or pass.
• The highest bidder chooses the trump suit for the round.

Step 2: Playing the Hand (Trick-Taking Phase)

• The bid-winning player leads the first trick by playing any card.
• Other players must follow suit if they can.
• Players who cannot follow suit may play a trump card or any other card.
• The highest Trump wins the trick. The highest card in the led suit wins if no Trump is played.
• The winner of the trick leads to the next trick.

Step 3: Scoring

Scoring is based on the cards won during tricks. The standard 4-Point Pitch game awards points as follows:

Card Values for ‘Game’

• Ace = 4 points
• King = 3 points
• Queen = 2 points
• Jack = 1 point
• 10 = 10 points (very important for winning ‘Game’)
• Other cards do not contribute to the ‘Game’.

Step 4: Ending the Round

• If the bidder meets or exceeds their bid, they score the points won.
• If the bidder fails to meet their bid, they lose points equal to their bid (called ‘going set’).
• The first team or player to reach 21 or 31 points (based on game rules) wins.

Variations of Pitch Card Game

There are multiple versions of Pitch, including:

• 5-Point Pitch

Adds one extra scoring category:

• Off-Jack (Jack of a suit the same colour as Trump) = 1 point.

• 7-Point Pitch

Includes:

• Off-Jack = 1 point.
• Off-High (highest non-trump card played) = 1 point.

• 10-Point Pitch

Includes:

• Five (The Five of the trump suit) = 5 points.
• Off-Game = 1 extra point.

Winning Strategies for Pitch

Here are some strategies that can help increase your chances of winning the game:

1. Evaluate Your Hand During the Bidding Phase

The most important aspect of the game starts even before any cards hit the table - it's all about bidding. Holding powerful trump cards such as the Ace, King, or Jack could justify placing higher bids since you have a better chance at winning tricks. Conversely, if you are dealt mostly lower-ranked cards, passing or taking a more cautious approach with your bid is wiser.

2. Understand the Importance of the Trump Suit

Be cautious not to overplay your trump cards early in the round. If you can hold off on using them until later, you may be able to win more tricks as the game progresses.

However, don’t be afraid to use your trump cards when the opportunity arises. Playing the highest trump card in a trick can force opponents to use their own trump cards, which weakens their hand for future tricks. Remember the suits that have already been played, as this can help you decide whether to play your trump card or save it for later.

3. Bid High When You Have the Off-Jack or High Trump Cards

In variants of Pitch where the Off-Jack (the Jack sharing the same colour as the trump suit) is highly valued, possessing it can boost your winning prospects. Holding both the Trump's Jack and its Off-Jack gives you a powerful hand, warranting an aggressive bidding strategy. These cards enable you to secure two essential points—the Jack and the Off-Jack—while capturing tricks throughout that round.

4. Keep Track of Cards Played

One of the most important aspects of Pitch's strategy is card tracking. Since Pitch is a trick-taking game, it’s essential to track which cards have been played, particularly the high-value and trump cards. This knowledge will help you plan your plays more effectively.

For example, if the Ace of Trump has already been played, and you still have the King of Trump, you know your King is now the highest trump card remaining. Similarly, if you know that your opponents have played their lower cards, you can confidently play your higher cards to win tricks. This tracking is key to deciding when to hold back or play your strong cards.

5. Take Advantage of the Low Point

In Pitch, the ‘Low’ card is another valuable point awarded to the player with the lowest trump card. It may seem small, but it can be crucial in close games. If you can hold onto the lowest trump card (often the 2 of trump or a low-ranked card from your hand) until the end of the round, you may be able to steal the Low point from your opponents.

However, ensure you are not too eager to play the Low card too early. Timing is key, and if you play it too early, your opponents could outsmart you by taking the trick with their high trump cards. Wait for the right moment when you can ensure that no other player can beat your low trump card.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the goal of the Pitch card game?

The goal of Pitch is to be the first player or team to reach a certain number of points, usually 11 or 21. Points are earned by winning tricks, claiming specific high-value cards (like the Ace, King, and Jack), and sometimes by winning the ‘Low’ card (the lowest trump card).

How to bid in Pitch?

In Pitch, bidding requires assessing the strength of your hand to estimate the number of points you can win. Bidding begins at one point, and whoever offers the highest bid gains control over selecting the trump suit. If your hand includes powerful cards such as high-ranking trumps like Ace, King, Jack, or other valuable cards, placing a higher bid is wise.

Can Pitch be played with more than two players?

Yes, Pitch can be played with multiple players in teams or as individuals. In team play, players are paired and collaborate to win tricks and accumulate points. The number of players can vary, but the most common formats include two-player and four-player Pitch.

Conclusion

Success in Pitch relies on evaluating your hand, making wise bids, and understanding the power of trump cards. With practice and experience, you will anticipate your opponents' moves and refine your strategies, making Pitch a rewarding game to play time and again.