Pitch (2 player card game)

Objective: The objective of the card game Pitch is to score points by winning tricks and meeting the bid that players make at the beginning of each round.

Adaptation for 2 Players: Pitch is traditionally played with three or more players, but it can be adapted for 2 players by adjusting the rules and the scoring system.

Setup:

1. Use a standard 52-card deck.
2. Determine the starting dealer. This can be done by any agreed-upon method, such as flipping a coin or drawing cards.
3. Shuffle the deck thoroughly and deal 6 cards to each player, starting with the player to the left of the dealer.
4. Place the remaining cards in the center to form the draw pile.

Scoring: In Pitch, points are scored through tricks won and by meeting or exceeding the bid made by the players at the beginning of each round. The following scoring system is adapted for 2 players:

• High Trump: 1 point
• Low Trump: 1 point
• Jack of Trump: 1 point
• Game: 1 point (if the bidder wins at least 3 of the 6 tricks)
• Game and Point: 2 points (if the bidder wins all 6 tricks)

Gameplay:

1. Starting the Game:
   • The dealer shuffles the deck and deals 6 cards to each player.
   • Each player then examines their hand and makes a bid, indicating the number of points they believe they can win in the round.
2. Taking Turns:
   • Player 1 starts by leading a card from their hand.
   • Player 2 then plays a card, following suit if possible.
   • The player who played the highest card of the leading suit wins the trick and leads the next trick.
   • If a player cannot follow suit, they can play any card.
3. Scoring:
   • After all 6 tricks have been played, players count the points they earned based on the cards they won in tricks and whether they met their bid.
   • If the bidder wins at least the number of points they bid, they score points according to the scoring system. If they fail to meet their bid, they score no points for that round.
4. Winning:
   • The game continues with players taking turns dealing and bidding until a predetermined winning score is reached, typically 11 points.

Differentiating Turns:

• Player 1’s Turn: Player 1 starts the game by leading a card from their hand and continues to lead each trick until the end of the round.
• Player 2’s Turn: After Player 1 completes their turn, it becomes Player 2’s turn to play a card and continue the game.

Summary: Pitch is an engaging 2 player card game where players aim to score points by winning tricks and meeting their bid. By adapting the rules for 2 players, Pitch offers a strategic and competitive experience, challenging players to carefully consider their bids and play their cards wisely to maximize their points. Whether trying to win high-value cards or preventing the opponent from meeting their bid, players will enjoy the depth and excitement of Pitch as a 2 player card game.