Briscola Chiamata (1800) Board Game

Briscola Chiamata is a traditional Italian card game that has been played since the 1800s. It is a variation of the popular Briscola game, with the addition of a bidding component where players can call a specific card to be their partner.

Game Components of Briscola Chiamata

Deck: A standard Italian 40-card pack, using either Italian suits (swords, batons, cups, and coins) or French suits (spades, clubs, hearts, and diamonds).

Cards: The deck excludes the 8, 9, and 10 cards, with each card having specific point values.

How To Setup Briscola Chiamata

To set up the game, all 40 cards are dealt evenly among the five players, each receiving eight cards. The game begins with an auction phase where players bid by stating the rank of the card they wish to call, without mentioning the suit. The bidding continues counter-clockwise until only one bidder remains. The final bidder names the trump suit and calls a card, whose holder becomes their partner. The identities of the partners remain secret until the gameplay reveals them.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Bidding: Players bid by calling the rank of a card, with the lowest bid winning.

Partnership Formation: The winner of the bid calls a trump suit and a card, whose holder is their secret partner.

Trick Taking: Players take turns playing any card they wish, with no requirement to follow suit.

Winning Tricks: Tricks are won by the highest trump card or the highest card of the suit led if no trumps are played.

Objective: The team must take at least as many card points as were bid to win the game.

Player Experience

Briscola Chiamata offers a dynamic and strategic gameplay experience. Players must balance their bids carefully and strategize during the trick-taking phase to ensure they meet their bid. The secret partnership adds an element of suspense and intrigue, making the game highly engaging and interactive.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The game combines bidding, trick-taking, and secret partnerships, offering a rich and challenging experience.

Social Interaction: Players must communicate subtly to reveal their partnership without alerting the opposing team.

Dynamic Gameplay: Each hand is unique due to the variable partnerships and bidding process.

Easy to Learn: The basic rules are straightforward, making it accessible to new players.

Cons

Complex Bidding: The bidding system can be confusing for beginners.

High Dependence on Luck: The initial deal and the identity of the partner can significantly influence the outcome.

Lengthy Games: Games can be quite long, especially if players engage in multiple rounds.

Personal Thoughts on Briscola Chiamata

Briscola Chiamata is ideal for those who enjoy complex card games with a mix of strategy and social interaction. It’s perfect for groups of friends or family who are looking for a game that requires both skill and a bit of luck. The game’s dynamic nature and the secret partnership mechanic make it highly engaging and memorable. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those who prefer simpler rules, as it does require some time to master the bidding and gameplay mechanics.

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