Learn to Play

Spar

Be the last player to win a trick!
Game Type
Trick Taking
Age
10+
Players
2, 3, 4

The Pack

This game uses 35 cards from a standard 52 card deck.

Rank of Cards

Cards are ranked in order from high to low: A, K, Q, J, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 with the Ace of Spades being removed.

Object of the Game

Spar is a trick playing game where the object is to win the last trick.

The Deal

Starting with the player to the dealers left, the dealer will deal 3 cards to each player, then deal two cards to each player.

The Play

The player to the dealers left leads by laying one card face up in the center of the table. The other players in turn must play a card of the same suit if they can. Players who have no card of the suit led may play any card they choose.

When all players have played one card, the first trick is complete. The player with the highest card of the suit is the winner of the trick. The cards played are not gathered in but remain in a face up pile. The winner of the trick leads any card from their hand to begin the next trick, playing it face up on top of the pile, and once again the other players must each play a card. Players who have no card of the suit led may play any card they choose.

Play continues until five tricks have been played.

How to Keep Score

The player who wins the fifth and last trick wins the hand and scores:

3 points if the winning card is a 6

2 points if the winning card is a 7

1 point for winning with any other card 8 or higher