How to Play Trix: The Complete Guide to the Middle Eastern Card Game
Master the rules, scoring, and strategies of Trix (تركس / تريكس)
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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)
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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.
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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
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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.