Introduction

Kaiser is a Canadian trick-taking game played by four people in two partnerships (North/South vs East/West). A 32-card pack is used. The goal is to reach a cumulative score of 52 points.

The Pack

32 cards are used: 7 through Ace in each suit, but with two special replacements:

• The 7 of Spades is replaced by the 3♠.
• The 7 of Hearts is replaced by the 5♥.

Rank (High to Low): A, K, Q, J, 10, 9, 8, 7 (or 5 or 3).

Card Values

• 1 Point for each trick won.
• 5♥ is worth +5 points to the team taking it.
• 3♠ is worth -3 points to the team taking it.

Deal

Deal and play are clockwise. Each player receives 8 cards.

Misdeal: If you are dealt no Aces, no Face Cards (K, Q, J), and no 3 or 5, you may declare a misdeal. The cards are reshuffled and redealt by the same dealer.

Bidding

Starting left of the dealer, each player bids once. Bids range from 6 to 12, either in a Suit or No Trump.

• "No Trump" bids outrank Suit bids of the same number (e.g., "7 No" beats "7 Hearts").
• Each bid must be higher than the previous one.
• Exception: The Dealer only needs to equal the current high bid to take it.
• If everyone passes, the Dealer is forced to bid 6.

The Play

The high bidder names the trump suit (unless bidding No Trump) and leads the first card.

• You must follow suit if able.
• If you cannot follow suit, you may play any card (including trump).
• Highest trump wins. If no trumps, highest card of the led suit wins.
• The winner of the trick leads the next one.

Scoring

The Bidding Team:

• If they make their bid: Add points taken to score. (Doubled for No Trump).
• If they fail: Subtract bid amount from score. (Doubled for No Trump).

The Opponents:

• Score whatever points they took.
• 45 Point Rule: If opponents have 45 or more points, they cannot add positive points (they can only lose points by taking the 3 of Spades).