How to Play Trix: The Complete Guide to the Middle Eastern Card Game
Master the rules, scoring, and strategies of Trix (تركس / تريكس)
Trix (also spelled Trex or Trix, known as تركس / تريكس in Arabic) is a popular card game that originated in the Middle East. It's a game of strategy and skill with a touch of luck that's enjoyed by millions of players across the Arab world and beyond.
The game is typically played with 4 players using a standard 52-card deck. What makes Trix unique is its five different minigames (called 'kingdoms') that players cycle through, each with its own scoring rules and strategies.
Players and Cards
- Number of Players: 4 players (can be played individually or in teams of 2)
- Deck: Standard 52-card deck (no jokers)
- Card Ranking: Ace (highest) to 2 (lowest)
- Deal: Each player receives 13 cards
Game Modes
Trix can be played in two main ways:
- Solitaire: Every player for themselves
- Partners: Opposite players form teams (Player 1 & 3 vs Player 2 & 4)
A complete Trix game consists of five rounds called 'kingdoms'. Each kingdom has different rules and scoring:
1. Collections (Lotosh)
Objective: Avoid winning tricks
Scoring: Each trick you win = -15 points
Strategy: Play high cards early to avoid winning tricks later. Try to force other players to take tricks.
2. Diamonds (Dinari)
Objective: Avoid collecting diamond cards
Scoring: Each diamond card = -10 points (13 diamonds total = -130 points)
Strategy: Get rid of diamonds early. If you must take a trick with diamonds, try to take several at once to prevent others from dumping them on you later.
3. Queens (Banat)
Objective: Avoid collecting Queen cards
Scoring: Each Queen = -25 points (4 Queens total = -100 points)
Strategy: Similar to Diamonds, but Queens are rarer. Be careful when leading with high cards in suits where you don't have the Queen.
4. King of Hearts (Malek Al-Koba)
Objective: Avoid taking the King of Hearts
Scoring: King of Hearts = -75 points
Strategy: This is the most dangerous single card in the game. Avoid winning heart tricks unless you're certain the King has already been played.
5. Trix
Objective: Domino your cards starting from the Jack
Scoring: Based on finishing position:
- 1st place: +200 points
- 2nd place: +150 points
- 3rd place: +100 points
- 4th place: +50 points
Strategy: This is the only kingdom where you can earn positive points. Play your highest cards when others lead, and lead with your lowest cards.
- Leading: The player to the dealer's left leads the first trick by playing any card.
- Following: Players must follow suit if possible. If you can't follow suit, you may play any card.
- Winning: The highest card of the led suit wins the trick (there are no trump suits in Trix).
- Next Trick: The winner of the trick leads the next one.
- Continue: Play continues until all 13 tricks have been played.
In some variations of Trix, players can 'double' certain kingdoms before cards are dealt, which doubles the points (both positive and negative) for that kingdom:
- Queens Doubling: If you double and take a Queen, you lose -50 points instead of -25. The player who doubled gains +25 points.
- King of Hearts Doubling: If you double and take the King, you lose -150 points instead of -75. The doubler gains +75 points.
Doubling adds an extra layer of strategy and risk to the game, making it more exciting for experienced players.
A complete Trix game consists of 5 kingdoms. After playing all five kingdoms, the player (or team) with the highest score wins!
Remember: In most kingdoms, you're trying to avoid negative points. The Trix kingdom is your main opportunity to earn positive points, so play it strategically!
Pro Tip:
Use our Trix Calculator to easily track scores throughout your game. It handles all the complex scoring automatically, so you can focus on strategy and fun!
- Count Cards: Keep track of which high cards have been played in each suit
- Manage Your Hand: Try to get rid of dangerous cards (like Queens and King of Hearts) early
- Watch Other Players: Pay attention to what cards others play to predict what they might have
- Save the Trix Kingdom: This is your chance to score big positive points, so play it carefully
- Partners Communication: In partners mode, try to help your partner avoid negative points
- Practice Makes Perfect: Trix is a game of skill that improves with experience
Can Trix be played with 3 or 5 players?
Trix is traditionally played with 4 players. While variations exist for different player counts, the standard game is designed for 4.
What's the difference between Trix and Hearts?
While both are trick-avoidance games, Trix has five different minigames with varying rules, while Hearts focuses on avoiding hearts and the Queen of Spades. Trix is more complex and strategic.
How long does a game of Trix take?
A complete game (5 kingdoms) typically takes 30-60 minutes, depending on player experience and speed.
Is Trix the same as Tarneeb?
No, Tarneeb is a different Middle Eastern card game that involves bidding and trump suits. Trix has no trump suits and focuses on trick avoidance.