Minnesota Whist Board Game – Board Game Guys

Minnesota Whist is a classic trick-taking card game that originated in the United States in the 19th century. It is a variation of the popular game Whist, with some unique twists and rules that make it stand out.

Game Components of Minnesota Whist Board Game

Number of players: 4 players in two partnerships.

Deck: A standard 52-card deck.

Scorekeeping: Pencil and paper or any other scoring method.

How To Setup Minnesota Whist Board Game

To set up Minnesota Whist, players sit in partnerships across from each other. The dealer is determined by a high-card draw or mutual agreement. The dealer shuffles the deck and deals 13 cards to each player. Partnerships can form randomly or by agreement, with partners sitting across from each other.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Bidding:
– Players choose a black card to bid high (grand) or a red card to bid low (nullo).
– Bidding cards are revealed starting from the player to the left of the dealer; if a black card is shown, the hand is played high, and if all cards are red, the hand is played low.

Gameplay:
– In a high bid hand, the player to the right of the granding player leads the first trick. In a low bid hand, the player to the left of the dealer leads.
– Players must follow suit if possible; otherwise, they can play any card. The highest card in the led suit wins the trick.

Objective:
– In a high bid hand, the objective is to win 7 or more tricks. In a low bid hand, the objective is to win 6 or fewer tricks.

Scoring:
– For a high bid hand, the winning team scores 1 point for each trick above 6. For a low bid hand, the winning team loses 1 point for each trick above 6.

Player Experience

Minnesota Whist offers a engaging and strategic team-based card game experience. Players need to carefully select their bidding cards and strategize their tricks to achieve the game’s objectives. The game’s lack of a trump suit adds a unique twist, requiring players to rely solely on the ranking of the cards in each suit.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Requires careful planning and strategy in bidding and playing tricks.

Teamwork: Encourages communication and coordination between partners.

Simple to Learn: Basic rules make it accessible to new players, while the strategy keeps it interesting for experienced players.

Social Interaction: Ideal for social gatherings and card game nights.

Cons

Limited to Four Players: Not adaptable for other numbers of players.

No Trump Suit: May be less appealing to players who enjoy games with a trump suit.

Repetitive Rounds: The game continues until a team reaches 13 points, which can lead to several rounds and potentially lengthy gameplay.

Personal Thoughts on Minnesota Whist Board Game

Minnesota Whist is perfect for those who enjoy classic trick-taking card games with a unique twist. It is an excellent choice for social gatherings, card game nights, and anyone looking to engage in a game that requires both strategy and teamwork. While it may not offer the complexity of games with trump suits, its simplicity and strategic depth make it a compelling option for both new and experienced card game enthusiasts.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.