Barbu (2 player card game)

Objective: Barbu is a trick-taking card game where players aim to avoid certain cards and earn points by winning specific tricks. Originally designed for multiple players, Barbu can be adapted for two players.

Setup: A standard deck of 52 cards is used. Remove all Jokers. Shuffle the deck and deal 13 cards to each player.

Gameplay:

1. Player 1’s Turn: Player 1 begins by leading a card from their hand. The other player must follow suit if possible. If not, they may play any card.

2. Trick-taking: Players take turns playing cards until each has played one card. The highest-ranking card of the suit led wins the trick. The winner of each trick leads the next one.

3. Scoring: Points are awarded based on the cards won in tricks:

   • Hearts: Each Heart card won in a trick scores 1 point.
   • Queen of Spades: Winning the Queen of Spades scores 13 points.
   • No Tricks: Avoiding winning any tricks (called a “Barbu”) scores 10 points.
   • King of Hearts: If a player wins the King of Hearts in a trick, they lose 10 points instead of gaining them.
   • Last Trick: Winning the final trick scores 1 point.

4. Player 2’s Turn: Player 2 leads the next trick, and gameplay continues as before.

5. End of Round: Once all 13 tricks have been played, players tally their scores. The game usually consists of several rounds until a predetermined point total is reached.

Summary: In this adaptation of Barbu for 2 players, participants compete to avoid certain cards and earn points by winning specific tricks. By modifying the rules and scoring system, Barbu transforms into an engaging 2 player card game experience.