whist for three
Quick Summary
Whist is a trick-taking card game that originated in England. It evolved from earlier games and became a prominent intellectual card game in the 19th century, later being superseded by bridge.1
A common form is partnership whist, played by four players in two teams, each receiving 13 cards from a standard 52-card deck. The last card dealt determines the trump suit. Players aim to win tricks, scoring points for tricks taken beyond six.
"Whist for three" is a variation where typically each player receives 16 cards, and four are set aside as a kitty. The dealer names the trump suit, discards four cards, and takes the kitty. Players have individual trick targets, with points awarded or deducted based on whether they meet their quota.1
Another three-player variant is "dummy whist," where a fourth hand is dealt face-up and managed by one of the players. This game is considered an ancestor of bridge.21
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