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Call Break rules and score calculator
Call Break is the four-player trick game where spades are always trumps and you must win at least what you call. Here's how to play and score it, with decimals handled for you.
Players4
Cards52, 13 each
TrumpsSpades, always
Game5 rounds
Start Call Break scorecardOpen a Call Break scorecard. It's set to call points, +0.1 per extra hand, minus your call for a miss, and 5 rounds.
How to play Call Break
- Deal all 52 cards, 13 to each of the 4 players.
- Call. Each player calls how many hands they will win, usually at least 1. There's no restriction on the total.
- Play 13 hands. Follow the suit that was led. If you can, you must play a card that beats the highest card on the table.
- No card of the led suit? You must play a spade if you have one, and beat any spade already played if you can.
- The highest spade wins the hand, or the highest card of the led suit if no spade was played. The winner leads next.
Call Break scoring
| Result | Points | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Win exactly your call | Your call | Call 3, win 3 → 3 |
| Win more than your call | Call + 0.1 per extra hand | Call 3, win 5 → 3.2 |
| Win fewer than your call | Minus your call | Call 4, win 3 → −4 |
After 5 rounds, the highest total wins.
Example round
| Player | Called | Won | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asha | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Ravi | 3 | 5 | 3.2 |
| Meera | 2 | 1 | −2 |
| Kiran | 3 | 3 | 3 |
Some groups cap calls at 8 or give a bonus for a call of 8 or more. Change the rules in the scorecard and save them as your own game.
Start Call Break scorecardOpen a Call Break scorecard. It's set to call points, +0.1 per extra hand, minus your call for a miss, and 5 rounds.
Common questions
What is the minimum call in Call Break?
Usually 1. Most groups don't allow a call of zero.
What do you get for extra hands in Call Break?
0.1 points for each hand you win above your call, so calling 3 and winning 5 scores 3.2.
Do you have to beat the card on the table in Call Break?
Yes. If you can follow suit with a higher card, you must play it. If you're out of that suit, you must trump with a spade if you can.
How many rounds are in a game of Call Break?
Five rounds is standard. The highest total after the fifth round wins.
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