Whist is the classic British trick-taking card game — the 18th-century ancestor of bridge and euchre. Four players in two partnerships play out all thirteen tricks; there is no bidding, because the dealer's last card is turned face up to name the trump suit. Each odd trick beyond six scores a point, and the first team to five points wins the game.

Here you can play Whist online free, straight from the browser: hit Quick Play to join a table in seconds, or create a room and share its code so you and your friends can team up 2 vs 2.

• Completely free — plays in any modern browser, no app needed
• Quick match puts you at a real table in seconds
• Private rooms with invite codes for team play with friends
• Authentic Whist rules: flipped-card trumps, follow suit, odd-trick scoring
• House rules: play to 5 points (British) or 7 points (American)

→ Full Whist rules · Glossary

Whist in a nutshell

Played with the full 52-card deck by four players in fixed partnerships, 13 cards each, 13 tricks per hand. There is no bidding: the last card dealt — to the dealer — is turned face up and its suit is trump for the hand. Everyone must follow suit if able; a void player may discard or ruff. The highest trump wins the trick, otherwise the highest card of the suit led. The first six tricks score nothing; the side with more tricks scores 1 point per odd trick beyond six, and the first team to 5 points wins the game.

Frequently asked questions

How many cards are used in Whist?

All 52 — ranks 2 through Ace in the four suits, with 13 cards dealt to each of the four players.

How many players play Whist?

Four players in two fixed partnerships, partners sitting opposite each other; their tricks are counted together.

How is trump decided in Whist?

There is no bidding. The last card dealt — the dealer's 13th card — is turned face up and its suit is trump for the hand. The dealer picks the card back up when first playing to a trick.

Can you lead trumps in Whist?

Yes — any card may be led, including trumps, even on the very first trick. There is no "breaking trumps" rule in classic Whist.

What happens if I am void in the led suit?

You may play any card: ruff with a trump to try to win the trick, or discard a card of another suit. Following suit is only compulsory when you hold the led suit.

How does scoring work in Whist?

The first six tricks score nothing. Only the side with more tricks scores: 1 point for each trick beyond six. A 7–6 hand scores 1 point, 9–4 scores 3, and a 13–0 sweep scores 7.

What score wins a Whist game?

The first team to 5 points wins — the British Short Whist standard. This site also offers a 7-point American game as a house rule.

Is this Whist game really free?

Yes — you can play Whist online free at whist.yeeqia.com directly in your browser, no download or sign-up required to try a table.

Does Whist work on mobile?

Yes — the site is mobile-first and runs in any modern Android or iOS browser, with a full English interface.

© 2026 Yeeqia Games — Whist online · Rules · Glossary