Last Updated on December 3, 2025 by The Official Game Rules Team

Manni is a traditional Icelandic card game known for its rotating trumps, clever hand-management, and a unique extra hand called the Manni—a face-down pile that players may exchange with. Because there are many local variations across Iceland, the core manni rules serve as a foundation, with popular versions such as Trjámann and Hornafjarðarmanni adding their own twists. The guide below explains the basic game first, then walks you through the major variants, strategy tips, and frequently asked questions.

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How to Play Manni Card Game

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Basic Manni Rules

Players & Cards

• 3 players
• 48-card deck made by removing all twos from a standard 52-card pack
• Rank in each suit: A (high) → 3 (low)
• The four removed twos are kept aside as trump indicators
• Trump rotation each deal: Hearts → Spades → Diamonds → Clubs → repeat

Deal

• Deal 12 cards to each player (in packets of four).
• The remaining 12 cards form the Manni, placed face-down in the center.

Exchanging Cards

Starting with the player left of the dealer:

1. They may exchange all 12 of their cards with the 12 cards in the Manni (sight unseen).
2. If they decline, the opportunity moves clockwise.
3. Once a player exchanges, no other player may exchange.
4. If all decline, the Manni remains untouched and nobody looks at it.

Gameplay

• Player left of dealer leads the first trick.
• Follow suit if you can; otherwise you may play any card.
• Highest trump wins the trick; if no trumps were played, highest card of the led suit wins.
• Trick-winner leads the next trick.

Scoring

• A running score starts at 0 for all players.
• Each round:
  • More than 4 tricks: +1 point for each trick above 4
  • 4 or fewer tricks: score 0
• The game ends when any player reaches 10 points or more.
• The player with the highest total wins.

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Trjámann Rules (Tree-Man Variant)

A more advanced version using contracts.

Players & Cards

• Use a full 52-card deck
• Each player receives 16 cards
• 4 cards form the Manni

Contracts

The player left of dealer becomes the declarer and must choose one of four contracts (each must be chosen once over 12 deals):

1. Nullo – avoid taking tricks; no trumps
2. Grand – take tricks; no trumps
3. Spades – spades as trumps
4. Other – any trump suit chosen by the declarer

Exchanging Cards

• Declarer may discard up to 4 cards, drawing the same number from the Manni.
• Other players may not exchange.

Scoring

• For Grand, Spades, or Other:
  • Declarer’s target = 8 tricks
  • Opponents’ targets = 4 tricks
  • Score +1 for each trick over target, –1 for each below.
• For Nullo:
  • Declarer’s target = 4, opponents = 6
  • Score +1 for being under target, –1 for being over target.

After 12 hands:

• Negative points are subtracted from positive points.
• Highest net score wins.

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Hornafjarðarmanni Rules

A popular festival version played in Hornafjörður.

Deal

• Use the full 52-card deck
• Manni receives 4 cards at a time until it holds 16
• Players receive 3 cards at a time until they each have 12

Determining Contract

The player to dealer’s right cuts the deck; the cut card sets the contract:

• 10 or higher – No trumps
• 6 to 9 – Trumps = suit of cut card
• 5 or lower – Nóló (avoid tricks; Ace is low)

The cut card goes to the dealer’s hand.

Card Exchange

• Player left of dealer may discard up to 7 cards and draw from the Manni.
• Player right of dealer may discard up to 5.
• Dealer may discard up to however many remain in the Manni (usually 4).
• Discards are removed from the game.

Gameplay & Scoring

• Tricks work as standard (follow suit, trumps beat non-trumps).
• Each player has a target of 4 tricks.
• As usual:
  • When tricks should be taken → +1 per trick above target, –1 per trick below
  • In Nóló → +1 per trick below target, –1 per trick above
• Track positive and negative points separately.
• When a player reaches 10 positive points, the game ends and negative totals are subtracted.
• Highest net total wins.

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Additional Manni Variants

Guðmundsson’s Hornafjarðarmanni

• Similar to Trjámann but with six contracts:
  Nullo, Grand, Spades, Hearts, Clubs, Diamonds
• 18 deals total
• Aces are always high
• Declarer must eventually play all six contracts once.

Laugavatnsmanni

• Also features six contracts
• Other players may “overcall” with great contracts targeting 14 tricks
• Great contract scoring includes bonus points for 15 or 16 tricks
• Declarer may exchange up to 4 cards as in Trjámann.

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Strategy Tips for Manni

These strategy notes help you play stronger under the core manni rules and most variants.

1. Evaluate Whether to Exchange

If your hand is weak in the basic game, exchanging with the Manni can flip the round in your favor. But declining may force another player to gamble blindly—sometimes the safer play.

2. Track Trump Rotation

Knowing what trump suit is coming next helps you plan long-term scoring and hand management.

3. Count Dangerous High Cards

Especially in Nullo contracts (across variants), avoid getting stuck with high lone cards that force trick wins.

4. Watch Opponents’ Voids

Once a player shows they cannot follow suit, expect aggressive trumping or strategic discarding.

5. Aim for 4 Tricks (Basic Game)

Four tricks is the “safe zone,” and anything above that scores. Don’t overreach early—wait for strong leads or control of the trump suit.

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Manni Rules FAQ

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Conclusion

Manni is a rich, flexible Icelandic card game with a surprisingly deep set of local variations. Whether you prefer the straightforward basic manni rules, the contract-driven structure of Trjámann, or the dynamic exchanges of Hornafjarðarmanni, the game rewards smart timing, careful trick-tracking, and bold decisions. With practice, you’ll learn when to push for points and when to avoid tricks entirely—making every deal a new challenge.