Overview
500 is a trick-taking & bidding card game. This guide uses a straightforward common ruleset and notes where versions often differ.
Objective
Win tricks and score points by successfully making bids with your partner.
What You Need
- 43-card 500 deck or adapted standard deck
- 3–6 (commonly 4) player(s), as appropriate
- A clear table or playing area
Setup
For four players, sit opposite your partner. Deal 10 cards to each player and place 3 cards face down as the kitty. Agree on the target score and bidding rules before play.
How to Play
- Players bid for the number of tricks they believe their partnership can take and nominate a trump suit or no-trump.
- The highest bidder takes the kitty, adds it to their hand, then discards the same number of cards.
- The successful bidder leads the first trick. Players follow suit when able.
- Trump beats non-trump cards; otherwise the highest card of the suit led wins the trick.
- The trick winner leads next. After all tricks, score the contract and defenders according to the agreed table.
Scoring / Winning
A successful bidding partnership adds the value of its contract; a failed contract normally subtracts that value. Defenders score for tricks taken. A common winning target is 500 points.
Worked Example
If your partnership bids 7 Hearts, you must take at least seven tricks with Hearts as trump. Taking seven or more makes the contract; taking fewer fails it.
Strategy Tips
- Bid from both high-card strength and useful trump length.
- Remember which high trumps and bowers have already been played.
- As partner of the bidder, protect entries and support the contract rather than competing for every trick.
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting that the left bower belongs to the trump suit.
- Overbidding a hand with too few likely tricks.
- Failing to follow suit when able.
Variations & House Rules
Deck composition, bidding ladders, misère/open misère and scoring tables vary by region. Agree on the version before dealing.
FAQ
What is the kitty?
A small set of undealt cards that the winning bidder takes before discarding the same number.
What is the left bower?
The jack of the same colour as trump; in common 500 rules it counts as a trump card.
Score Card
Open the CS17 fillable 500 Game Sheet to enter names and results on screen, then print it or save it as a PDF.