Classic Gong Zhu tactics, adjusted for our house scoring. The robots play by these same tips.
The basics
- Any card may be led. You must follow the suit led; if you can't, discard anything.
- Highest card of the led suit wins the trick, and the winner leads next.
- Only 16 cards score: the hearts, Q♠ the Pig (−100), J♦ the Sheep (+100) and 10♣ the Double.
- The game ends when someone hits the losing score (−1000 by default). Highest total wins.
Scoring at a glance
- 2♥–10♥ = minus face value · J♥ −20 · Q♥ −30 · K♥ −40 · A♥ −50.
- All 13 hearts in one hand = +500 instead (the Pig still costs −100).
- 10♣ doubles everything else you took. Alone it's +50.
- J♦ + 10♣ = +200, but Q♠ + 10♣ = −200. The Double cuts both ways.
Dodging the Pig (Q♠)
- Without the Pig: lead spades below the Queen to force it out early.
- Holding the Pig: empty a short side suit so you can dump the Pig when that suit is led.
- If someone plays K♠ or A♠, drop the Pig under it.
- A♠ and K♠ without small spades are dangerous. Discard them when you're void in a suit.
Catching the Sheep (J♦)
- Lead A♦, K♦ or Q♦ to pull the Sheep out while the Pig is still hidden.
- Holding the Sheep: save it for a trick you know you'll win, ideally as the last player.
- Never discard the Sheep to someone else. That's a 100-point gift.
Playing the Double (10♣)
- Take the 10♣ only when your pile is already positive (say, holding the Sheep).
- When a rival with a negative pile wins a club trick, slip the 10♣ to them to double their pain.
- A lone 10♣ is a pleasant +50. Don't fear it on an empty pile.
Hearts and shooting the moon
- Play under the winning heart when you can. Dump your A♥ and K♥ when void.
- Only try for all 13 hearts with a long heart suit and the A♥ and K♥.
- Stop a moon shot: if one player has taken every heart so far, win one heart trick yourself.
Table sense
- Count what's been played, especially spades above the 10 and the high diamonds.
- Watch who's void in each suit. They can dump the Pig on you.
- Near the losing score, play safe. When you're behind, take the Sheep and Double risks.
Full house rules