How to play Oh Hell
An exact-bidding trick game where taking too many tricks can be as bad as taking too few.
- Players
- 3–7
- Cards
- 52 cards
- Time
- 30–60 minutes
Objective
Predict and take exactly the number of tricks bid each hand.
Setup
- 1
Deal a changing number of cards each hand, commonly rising and falling between one and a practical maximum.
- 2
Turn a card to set trump or rotate through no-trump hands.
How play works
- 1
Each player bids an exact trick total. Common rules prevent the dealer from making total bids equal total tricks.
- 2
Follow suit if able. Highest trump or highest card of the led suit wins.
Scoring and winning
- 1
A correct bid receives a fixed bonus plus points per trick.
- 2
An incorrect bid scores zero or a penalty under the chosen system.
Rules to settle before play
- 1
Several scoring systems are common.
- 2
Record the full hand schedule and trump method before starting.
Rule reference
Card games develop regional and household variations. This guide states a common form and flags important choices. For formal or tournament play, consult the linked rules.
Pagat Oh Hell rules