Last Updated on April 10, 2025 by The Official Game Rules Team

All Fours is a classic trick-taking card game played with two to four players. It uses a standard 52-card deck and aims to be the first player or team to score a predetermined number of points, typically 11 or 15. Players try to win tricks by playing higher cards, and scoring is based on specific card values and hands. The game involves strategy, teamwork (in team play), and skillful card management.

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How to Play All Fours

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Overview

Materials: Deck of Cards, Paper and Pencil for Scoring

Players: 2-4

Skills Practiced: Addition, Planning, Strategy, Adaptability

Goal: Capture valuable cards to accumulate the most points.

Card Values:

Kicked Cards (The top card turned over by the first player)

• Ace = 1 point
• Six = 2 points
• Jack = 3 points

Trump Cards (A trump suit is higher than the other suits)

• Highest Trump = 1 point
• Lowest Trump = 1 point
• Jack of Trump = 1 point (unless “hung”)
• The card that “hangs” the Jack of Trump = 3 points

Cards Taken in Tricks (A round of play)

• Ace = 4 points
• King = 3 points
• Queen = 2 points
• 10 = 10 points

Setup:

• The dealer shuffles the deck and deals six cards to each player.
• The player to the left of the dealer begins play and “kicks” (turns over) the top card, revealing the trump suit.
• If the trump suit is not accepted, the card is placed at the bottom of the deck, three additional cards are dealt to each player, and the first player “kicks” again.

Rules for Play:

1. After the trump suit is established, play moves clockwise.
2. The first player may play any card, and subsequent players must follow suit.
3. The player who plays the highest card in the leading suit or the highest trump card wins the trick.
4. The winner of a trick leads the next one, and play continues until all cards are played.
5. The player with the highest score at the end of the game wins.

Special Rules for Certain Cards:

• If a Jack from the trump suit is played, it earns a point unless a higher trump card (Ace, Queen, or King) is played, which blocks the point.
• The player who plays a higher trump card to block the Jack of Trump earns 3 points.

Scoring:

The player with the highest total points wins the game.

After all six cards are played, each player tallies their points.

• 1 point per trick won.
• 1 point for the highest number of tricks won in the game.

Card points: Ace = 4 points, King = 3 points, Queen = 2 points, 10 = 10 points.

• 1 point for each time a player “kicked” a valuable card (Ace = 1 point, Six = 2 points, Jack = 3 points).
• 1 point for the highest trump card, 1 point for the lowest trump card.
• 1 point for playing the Jack of Trump (unless blocked).
• 3 points for blocking the Jack of Trump with a higher trump card.

All Fours is a dynamic and strategic card game that requires a blend of skill, memory, and timing. Whether played individually or in teams, players must carefully manage their cards and win tricks to outscore their opponents. It offers both competitive play and opportunities for tactical decision-making, making it a favorite for card game enthusiasts.