29 card game rules and scoring
Twenty-nine is the partnership trick game loved across India and Bangladesh. Card ranks, point values, bidding and how to keep score.
Card ranks and points
| Card | Rank (high to low) | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Jack | 1st | 3 |
| 9 | 2nd | 2 |
| Ace | 3rd | 1 |
| 10 | 4th | 1 |
| King, Queen, 8, 7 | 5th to 8th | 0 |
There are 28 points in the deck. Many groups add 1 for the last hand, which gives 29.
How to play 29
- Deal 4 cards each and bid on them, from 16 up to 28. The highest bidder chooses trumps secretly by placing a card face down.
- Deal 4 more cards each, so everyone has 8.
- Play 8 hands. Follow suit if you can. If you can't, you may ask for the trump to be revealed. After that, trumps beat other suits.
- Count points in the hands each team won.
Scoring
| Result | Bidding team's game score |
|---|---|
| Made the bid (points won ≥ bid) | +1 |
| Failed the bid | −1 |
Teams traditionally track this with the 6s from the deck. The first team to reach +6 wins; a team that falls to −6 loses.
Bonuses for holding the King and Queen of trumps (a "pair") and double or redouble bids vary between groups. Agree them before you start.
Common questions
Why is the game called 29?
The cards are worth 28 points, and many groups add a point for winning the last hand, making 29.
What is the highest card in 29?
The Jack, followed by the 9, then the Ace and the 10.
What is the minimum bid in 29?
Usually 16. Some groups start at 15 or 17.
How do you win a game of 29?
Your team gains a game point for each bid it makes and loses one for each bid it fails. First to +6 wins.