Last Updated on May 27, 2026 by The Official Game Rules Team
Hokm is a classic Persian trick-taking game that has been played for generations in Iran and remains one of the most popular card game choices among families and friends. The name hokm translates roughly to “command” or “trump,” which reflects the central mechanic of the game. While it shares similarities with other trick-taking games, hokm stands out because of the importance of teamwork, timing, and the powerful role of the hâkem, also known as the governor or ruler.
Played with a standard 52-card deck, hokm is easy to learn but offers plenty of depth once you start paying attention to strategy and coordination with your teammates. Each round, or current hand, becomes a battle to control the flow of play, manage the trump suit, and outmaneuver your opponent.
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How to Play Hokm
Objective
The main goal in hokm is to be the first team to reach 7 points.
- Each round consists of 13 tricks
- The team that wins the majority of the tricks (at least 7) earns 1 point
- The first team to reach 7 points wins the game
Every trick matters, and even a small mistake can shift the outcome of the round.
Players and Setup
- Players: 4 players split into two teams
- Teammates sit across from each other
- Deck: standard 52-card deck with no jokers
Card Ranking
From highest to lowest rank:
Ace, King, Queen, Jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2
The ace is the strongest card in any suit unless a trump suit is played.
Dealing and Choosing the Trump Suit
At the start of the game, a dealer is chosen randomly. This player becomes the hâkem for the first round.
- The dealer deals the first cards, giving 5 cards to each player
- After reviewing these first cards, the hâkem chooses the trump suit
- The dealer deals the remaining cards so that each player ends up with 13 cards
Choosing the trump suit is one of the most important decisions in the game. A strong trump suit can completely control the pace of the round, especially if your hâkem’s team has multiple high cards in that suit.
Gameplay
The First Trick
The player sitting to the dealer’s right is the first player and starts the first trick by playing any card.
From there, play continues clockwise around the table.
Following Suit
Each player must follow the suit that was led if possible.
- If you have cards of the suit, you must play one
- If you are void of the suit, you may play any card
Being void of the suit can be a powerful advantage because it allows you to use trump cards or discard weaker cards strategically.
Winning a Trick
A trick is won based on the following rules:
- The highest card of the suit led wins the trick
- If any player plays a trump suit card, the highest trump card wins instead
The winner of the hand (each trick) becomes the leader and plays the next card.
Understanding the Trump Suit
The trump suit is what gives hokm its identity.
- It overrides all other suits
- Even a low trump card can defeat a high card like an ace in another suit
- The highest trump card played in a trick always wins
Managing your trump cards is critical. Playing them too early can leave you exposed later, while holding them too long might mean missing opportunities to win key tricks.
End of the Round
After all 13 tricks in the current hand are completed:
- The team that wins 7 or more tricks scores 1 point
- If a team wins all 13 tricks, it is called a kot
Kot and Special Wins
- A kot usually awards 2 points instead of 1
- Some groups use the term hâkem koti when the hâkem’s team achieves a clean sweep
Winning a kot is a big moment and can quickly shift the momentum of the game.
Role of the Hâkem (Governor or Ruler)
The hâkem plays a unique and powerful role in hokm.
- Chooses the trump suit
- Plays last in the first trick, giving a positional advantage
- Often sets the tone for the entire round
Because the hâkem has control over the trump suit, their decisions can directly influence whether their team wins the round.
After each round, the first team that wins typically determines who becomes the next hâkem, often rotating within the team.
Next Deal
- The team who won the previous round, stays in power of the next trump suit (the Hâkem)
- A player on the opposite team (to the left of the last Hâkem), deals the cards
Strategy Guide
1. Pay Attention to Played Cards
Keeping track of cards of the suit that have already been played helps you predict what your opponent might still have.
2. Use Trump Cards Wisely
Your trump suit is your strongest weapon. Save your highest trump card for critical moments rather than using it too early.
3. Support Your Teammates
Hokm is a team game. Sometimes the best move is not winning a trick yourself but setting up your teammates to win.
4. Control the Flow
Winning a trick allows you to control the next card played. This can force your opponent into unfavorable situations.
5. Recognize When Players Are Void
If a player is void of the suit, they may start using trump cards aggressively. Adjust your strategy to avoid losing control of the round.
Practical Tips for Beginners
- Start by playing your strongest suits early to gather information
- Avoid wasting high cards unless necessary
- Watch how experienced players time their trump cards
- Think ahead before playing your next card
- Stay aware of how many tricks each team has won
As your understanding improves, you will begin to anticipate moves and plan several steps ahead.
Common Variations
3-Player Hokm
- No teams
- Each player competes individually
2-Player Hokm
- A third dummy hand is dealt
- The discard pile may be visible or hidden depending on house rules
Kot Variations
- Some groups increase the value of kot
- Others apply penalties if the hâkem’s team performs poorly
Different groups may also introduce house rules, so it’s always good to clarify before starting.
Etiquette and Fair Play
Like many traditional games, hokm relies on trust and fair play.
- Avoid signaling directly to teammates
- Do not reveal your hand
- Respect the flow of the game
While modern discussions sometimes touch on topics like data privacy, data types, or security practices in digital games, hokm remains a face-to-face experience built on honesty and shared understanding.
FAQ
Hokm means “command” or “trump,” in Persian referring to the chosen trump suit.
If you are void of the suit, you may play any card, including a trump.
The player to the dealer’s right starts the first trick.
A kot is when a team wins all 13 tricks in a round.
The hâkem chooses it after seeing their first cards.
Yes, any trump suit card can beat an ace from another suit.
The first team to reach 7 points wins.
Conclusion
Hokm continues to be one of the most popular card game traditions in iran because of its balance between simplicity and depth. With just a standard 52-card deck, players can experience a highly strategic game where every decision matters. From choosing the trump suit to working closely with your teammates, success in hokm comes down to timing, awareness, and smart play.
Whether you are new to the game or improving your understanding, hokm offers endless replay value and a strong sense of competition. Once you get comfortable with the flow of each current hand and learn how to anticipate your opponent, the game becomes even more rewarding.