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Bezique (1860) Board Game

ByMichail

Bezique is a classic card game that originated in France in the 19th century. It became popular in England and throughout Europe in the 1860s. The game is known for its unique combination of set collection and trick-taking mechanics, which sets it apart from other traditional card games.

Game Components of Bezique

  • Number of Players:** 2
  • Number of Cards:** 2 standard 52-card decks without 6s-2s, totaling 64 cards.
  • Card Rank:** Ace (high), King, Queen, Jack, 10, 9, 8, 7.
  • Game Category:** Trick-Taking, Melding
  • Designer:** No specific designer mentioned, but introduced to England by Dr. Pole in 1861.

    How To Setup Bezique

    To set up Bezique, players cut the cards to determine the first dealer. Each player receives 8 cards, dealt in groups of 2 or 3. The remaining cards form a stockpile, with the top card flipped over to determine the trump suit. The non-dealer leads the first trick.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Objective:** Score 1000+ points by melding cards and winning valuable tricks.
  • Game Phases:** Preliminary and Play-off.
  • Preliminary:** Focus on melding combinations to score points. Players draw from the stockpile after each trick and can meld cards if they fulfill specific conditions.
  • Play-off:** After the stockpile is exhausted, players focus on winning tricks with valuable cards and the last trick of the game.
  • Melding Combinations:**
    – Bezique (Q of Spades & J of Diamonds): 40 points
    – Double Bezique: 500 points
    – Royal Marriage (Q & K of trumps): 40 points
    – Common Marriage (K & Q plain suit): 20 points
    – Four Aces: 100 points
    – Four Kings: 80 points
    – Four Queens: 60 points
    – Four Jacks: 40 points
    – Sequence (A, 10, K, Q, J of trumps): 250 points

  • Scoring:** Points from melds and tricks, with additional points for winning the last trick and specific cards like Aces.

    Player Experience

    Bezique offers a complex and strategic gameplay experience, combining the elements of trick-taking and melding. Players need to balance the need to score points through melds with the necessity of winning tricks, especially the valuable ones. The game requires careful planning and strategy, making it engaging for those who enjoy intricate card games.

    Pros

  • Strategic Depth:** Offers a rich and complex gameplay experience.
  • Historical Significance:** Introduced to England in 1861 and once popular among notable figures like Winston Churchill.
  • Variants:** Has several variants, including Rubicon Bezique and Six-Pack Bezique, offering different ways to play.

    Cons

  • Complex Rules:** The game has detailed and sometimes confusing rules, which can be a barrier to new players.
  • Limited Popularity:** While it had a significant following in the 19th century, it is not as widely known or played today.
  • Specific Card Requirements:** Requires a specific setup of cards, which can be different from standard card games.

    Personal Thoughts on Bezique

    Bezique is a game for those who appreciate complex card games with deep strategic elements. It is ideal for players who enjoy games like Pinochle and other trick-taking, melding card games. While it may not be as popular today, it remains a fascinating piece of card game history and can provide a unique and challenging experience for enthusiasts. If you’re looking to explore a game with a rich historical background and intricate gameplay, Bezique is definitely worth considering.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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