Video Conference Trick Taking Games

The following is from the book Video Conference Card Games by Gerald Beaudry, ISBN-13: 9798848193183, Copyright © 2021, 2022 by Gerald Beaudry, all rights reserved. 

Introduction

Video Conference Trick-Taking Games are real-life card games adapted for play on video calls. Trick-taking games use card denominations, card suits, and trump suits for gameplay. They are commonly referred to as whist games. Our goal is to bring trick-taking games to the virtual world while maintaining the integrity of the games. We created gameplay rules and procedures to play on a video call using real playing cards. 

There are many trick-taking games, each with its own rules and house rules variations. We provide an example game of Whist, then explain variations for other trick-taking games, including Hearts, Spades, Kaiser, and Contract Bridge. The gameplay method can be adapted to your preferred version of the games and house rules. We do not explain rules unrelated to how to play on a video call. 

Video Conference Trick-Taking Games are played by 4 players from 2 locations, with 2 players in each location, or by 2 players from 2 locations. This step-by-step instruction guide includes Communications Device Set-Up, Game Set-Up, Gameplay System and Example Gameplay. 

Game Set-Up

Video Conference Trick-Taking Games require each location's card-playing area to be on camera. See "Communications Device Set-Up."

Video Conference Trick-Taking Games use a Split Deck system to simulate real-life play. The Split Decks are made from a standard 52-card deck equally divided into 2 Split Decks. 

There are two kinds of Spit Decks. One is based on Aces considered low, and the other is based on Aces considered high. They are the "Aces Low Split Decks," and the" Aces High Split Decks." Each of these Split Decks has different implications for gameplay. 

Aces Low Split Decks

The Aces Low Split Decks are the "Aces Low Red Aces Deck" and the "Aces Low Black Aces Deck." Aces have a denomination of 1. These decks are opposite Split Decks. 

Aces Low Red Aces Deck 

Clubs: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, Q, (even numbers)

Diamonds: A, 3, 5, 7, 9, J, K, (odd numbers)

Hearts: A, 3, 5, 7, 9, J, K, (odd numbers)

Spades: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, Q, (even numbers)  

Aces Low Black Aces Deck 

Clubs: A, 3, 5, 7, 9, J, K, (odd numbers)

Diamonds: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, Q, (even numbers)

Hearts: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, Q, (even numbers)

Spades: A, 3, 5, 7, 9, J, K, (odd numbers)

Aces High Split Decks

The Aces High Split Decks are the "Aces High Red Aces Deck" and the "Aces High Black Aces Deck." Aces have a denomination of 14. These decks are opposite Split Decks. 

Aces High Red Aces Deck 

Clubs: 3, 5, 7, 9, J, K, (odd numbers)

Diamonds: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, Q, A, (even numbers)

Hearts: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, Q, A, (even numbers)

Spades: 3, 5, 7, 9, J, K, (odd numbers)

Aces High Black Aces Deck 

Clubs: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, Q, A, (even numbers)

Diamonds: 3, 5, 7, 9, J, K, (odd numbers)

Hearts: 3, 5, 7, 9, J, K, (odd numbers)

Spades: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, Q, A, (even numbers)  

Use either the "Aces Low Split Decks" or the" Aces High Split Decks." based on your preference for the game. The Split Decks chosen do not affect whether Aces are high or low during gameplay. 

The Split Decks create different card combinations. For example, if the "Aces Low Split Decks" are selected, players may be dealt an Ace-King combination in the same suit. This combination is impossible if the "Aces High Split Decks" are chosen. 

Experiment with the Split Decks to determine which Split Decks work best for the game you are playing and the skill level of the players. The Split Decks add different strategic elements to games. 

To make the Spilt Decks, separate a standard 52-card deck into suits, and organize the suits into odd and even number cards. Then combine the odd number red suits with the even number black suits and the odd number black suits with the even number red suits. During gameplay, refer to the Split Decks as the "Red Aces Deck" and the "Black Aces Deck." 

Video Conference Whist

Gameplay System

We use a basic version of Whist as our example game of how to play Video Conference Trick-Taking Games. The game is played by 4 players from 2 locations, with 2 players in each location. Players 1 and 2 are in Location A. Players 3 and 4 are in Location B. The "Game Variations" section describes variations in gameplay procedures for 2 players. 

Location A           Player 1           Player 2

Location B           Player 4           Player 3

Player 2 is sitting on the left of Player 1. Player 3 is considered to be on the left of Player 2. Player 4 is on the left of Player 3, and Player 1 is considered to be on the left of Player 4. 

Players 1 and 3 are partners on the same team, and Players 2 and 4 are partners on the same team. For individual play procedures, see Hearts and Spades card games below. 

The players determine who the Dealer is to start the game. The Dealer decides which Split Deck they wish to deal from in their location. If Player 1 is the Dealer, Player 3 deals from the opposite Split Deck in the other location, and vice versa. If Player 2 is the Dealer, Player 4 deals from the opposite Split Deck in the other location, and vice versa. The other Split Decks are set aside and not used. 

Before the cards are dealt, the Dealer determines which direction gameplay will be conducted. This could be clockwise or anticlockwise. With Split Decks, players know the cards in the Split Deck in each location. They also know the cards in the hands of the other player in their same location. Changing the direction of play compensates for this.

For example, Player 1 always plays directly into Player 2's cards with a clockwise direction of play. Changing the direction of play provides Player 2 with the opportunity to play directly into Player 1's cards. This also applies to Players 3 and 4. 

In some situations, a Dealer may strategically not want to play directly into the cards of the player in their location. Changing the direction of play provides this opportunity.

Players are dealt 13 cards. The suit of the last card dealt to the Dealer is the trump suit for the hand. 

If the direction of play is clockwise, the player on the Dealer's left plays the first card to start gameplay. If the direction of play is anticlockwise, the player on the Dealer's right plays the first card to start gameplay. 

As cards are played, they are placed in a card-playing area for each location where they can be seen on camera. Tricks are collected based on the rules of the game. Players in each location collect trick cards for their team. 

Players verbally communicate cards as they are played and tricks as they are taken. Players must disclose the number of tricks taken when asked. 

Game Variations

Whist For 2 Players

The game of Whist can be played by 2 players. It is played with the same gameplay system as the example 4-player Whist game, with the following variations: 

Players play as individuals.

Two hands are dealt in each location, with one hand remaining face-down and not played. 

The player who is not the Dealer plays the first card.

Players collect their trick cards and trick cards on behalf of the player in the other location. The player in Location A collects and keeps separate the trick cards for the player in Location B and vice versa. 

Video Conference Hearts

The game of Hearts is played with the same gameplay system as the example 4-player Whist game, with the following variations: 

Players play as individuals.

There is no trump suit.

After the deal, cards are passed between players in the same location.

The player with the 2 of clubs plays the first card to start gameplay, with gameplay continuing in the direction determined by the Dealer. 

Players collect their trick cards and trick cards on behalf of players in the other location. Player 1 collects and keeps separate the trick cards for Player 3 and vice versa. Player 2 collects and keeps separate the trick cards for Player 4 and vice versa. At the end of each hand, players count points from their trick cards in both locations. 

The Split Deck system creates different card combinations. 

For example, if the "Aces Low Split Decks" are selected, the Ace and Queen of Spades will be in different locations. If the "Aces High Split Decks" are chosen, the Ace and Queen of Spades will be in the same location and perhaps the same player's hand.

Hearts For 2 Players

The game of Hearts can be played with the same gameplay system as the 4-player Whist game, with the following variations: 

Players play as individuals.

There is no trump suit.

Two hands are dealt in each location, with one hand remaining face-down and not played. 

Unlike 4-player Hearts, cards are not passed between hands after the deal.

The player who is not the Dealer plays the first card.

Players collect their tricks and trick cards on behalf of the player in the other location. The player in Location A collects and keeps separate the trick cards for the player in Location B and vice versa. At the end of each hand, players count points from their trick cards in both locations. 

Video Conference Spades

The game of Spades is played with the same gameplay system as the example 4-player Whist game, with the following variations: 

Players play as individuals.

Spades are always trump.

If the direction of play is clockwise, the player on the Dealer's left starts the bidding process. If the direction of play is anticlockwise, the player on the Dealer's right starts the bidding process. 

Players collect their trick cards and trick cards on behalf of players in the other location. Player 1 collects and keeps separate the trick cards for Player 3 and vice versa. Player 2 collects and keeps separate the trick cards for Player 4 and vice versa. 

Spades For 2 Players

The game of Spades can be played with the same gameplay system as the 4-player Whist game, with the following variations: 

Players play as individuals.

Spades are always trump.

Two hands are dealt in each location, with one hand remaining face-down and not played. 

The player who is not the Dealer starts the bidding process. 

The player who is not the Dealer plays the first card.

Players collect their tricks and trick cards on behalf of the player in the other location. The player in Location A collects and keeps separate the trick cards for the player in Location B and vice versa. 

Video Conference Kaiser

The game of Kaiser is played with the same gameplay system as the example 4-player Whist game, with the following variations: 

The Split Decks are modified by removing the 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 of each suit. The 7 of Hearts is then replaced by the 5 of Hearts, and the 7 of Spades is then replaced by the 3 of Spaces. 

After the deal, cards are passed between players in the same location.

If the direction of play is clockwise, the player on the Dealer's left starts the bidding process. If the direction of play is anticlockwise, the player on the Dealer's right starts the bidding process. 

The winner of the bid names trump (or no-trump if bid) and plays the first card to start gameplay, with gameplay continuing in the direction determined by the Dealer.

The Split Deck system creates different card combinations. 

For example, if the "Aces Low Split Decks" are selected, the Ace, King, and 5 of Hearts will be in the same location and perhaps the same player's hand. If the "Aces High Split Decks" are selected, the Ace and 5 of Hearts will be in different locations. 

Similarly, if the "Aces Low Split Decks" are selected, the Ace, King, and 3 of Spades will be in the same location and perhaps the same player's hand. If the "Aces High Split Decks" are selected, the Ace and 3 of Spades will be in different locations. 

Kaiser For 2 Players

The game of Kaiser can be played with the same gameplay system as the 4-player Whist game, with the following variations: 

Players play as individuals.

The Split Decks are modified by removing the 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 of each suit. The 7 of Hearts is then replaced by the 5 of Hearts, and the 7 of Spades is then replaced by the 3 of Spaces. 

One player sits in the Player 1 position, and the other player sits in the Player 4 position. The hand dealt for the Player 2 position in Location A will be a dummy hand played in partnership with and directed by the Player 4 position in Location B. The hand dealt for the Player 3 position in Location B will be a dummy hand played in partnership with and directed by the Player 1 position in Location A. The dummy hands remain face-down until the first card is played. An additional device may be needed in each location for the dummy hands to be on camera. 

Unlike the 4-player game, cards are not passed between hands after the deal.

The player who is not the Dealer starts the bidding process.

The winner of the bid determines trump (or no-trump if bid) and plays the first card to start gameplay.

Players collect their tricks and trick cards on behalf of the player in the other location. The Player 1 position collects and keeps separate the trick cards for the Player 4 position's dummy hand and vice versa. 

If a dummy hand wins a trick, the next card must be played from the dummy hand. 

Video Conference Contract Bridge

The game of Contract Bridge is played with the same gameplay system as the example 4-player Whist game, with the following variations: 

The bidding process determines the trump suit (or no-trump). 

The Dealer starts the bidding process. If the direction of play is clockwise, the player on the Dealer's left is the next to bid, and the bidding process continues clockwise. If the direction of play is anticlockwise, the player on the Dealer's right is the next to bid, and the bidding process continues anticlockwise. 

If the direction of play is clockwise, the player on the left of the Declarer plays the first card to start gameplay. If the direction of play is anticlockwise, the player on the right of the Declarer plays the first card to start gameplay. 

The Declarer's partner in the other location plays the dummy hand cards as directed by the Declarer. An additional device may be needed in each location for the dummy hands to be on camera. 

Contract Bridge For 2 Players

The game of Bridge can be played with the same gameplay system as the 4-player Whist game, with the following variations: 

Players play as individuals.

One player sits in the Player 1 position, and the other player sits in the Player 4 position. The hand dealt for the Player 2 position in Location A will be a dummy hand played in partnership with and directed by the Player 4 position in Location B. The hand dealt for the Player 3 position in Location B will be a dummy hand played in partnership with and directed by the Player 1 position in Location A. The dummy hands remain face-down until the first card is played. An additional device may be needed in each location for the dummy hands to be on camera.

The bidding process determines the trump suit (or no-trump). 

The Dealer starts the bidding process.

If the direction of play is clockwise, the player position on the left of the Declarer plays the first card to start gameplay. If the direction of play is anticlockwise, the player position on the right of the Declarer plays the first card to start gameplay. 

Players play the dummy hand cards on behalf of and as directed by the player in the other location.

If a dummy hand wins a trick, the next card must be played from the dummy hand. 

Players collect their tricks and trick cards on behalf of the player in the other location. The Player 1 position collects and keeps separate the trick cards for the Player 4 position's dummy hand and vice versa. 

Game Flow Tips

Players should review the game's rules before learning to play on a video call. 

Players can benefit from learning to play with the game set-up and rules in a real-life setting. 

Each hand should have a coordinator or lead, such as the Dealer. The host of the video conference can also play this role. 

When possible, match the order of play with the players and their devices on the screen. 

The dummy hand system for "Contract Bridge For 2 Players" can be used for 2-player Whist, Hearts, and Spades. 

Games can be played using a 3-player game system where players alternate sitting out for a hand while the other players use 2-player rules. 

 

From The Author

Thank you for purchasing our book. We hope “Video Conference Card Games” bring you many hours of enjoyment with family and friends. 

We invite you to join our regularly scheduled video conference card game events. Visit our website, subscribe to our newsletter, and follow us on social media to learn about our card game events. We appreciate your reviews, likes, saves, and social media endorsements. 

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House Rules Notes

We recommend that you document your house rules and game variations.