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Sponsored Post: Famous Middle Eastern Originated Card Games

posted on: Jun 28, 2023

Card games are widely popular around the world with numerous players. Of course, with such a famous game, variations will be based on factors such as geographical location and culture. 

In this article, we will go over card games whose origin traces to the middle east. Read on to discover more about these card games. 

Tarneeb

This variation is a native favorite in the middle east, particularly in Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria. The game relies heavily on trickery and requires a standard deck of 52 cards. Four players are divided into two teams to play. 

Participants form teams and bid on the average number of tricks they can secure. If successful and hit the bid, the winners earn points. To win, the teams must strategically think and effectively communicate among themselves. 

As in any card game, luck is at the center, and in Tarneeb, this shows in the accuracy of teams predicting their opponent’s moves. The game is highly competitive, and depending on the players’ skill level, it can go on for a long time.

Baloot

Baloot is a card game fancied chiefly by Saudi Arabian natives and other countries in the Gulf. Similar to Tarneeb, this game relies on trickery. It demands a specialized 32-card deck to play. 

The gameplay requires teams of two to participate. It also advocates for some skills and strategies employed throughout the bidding process.  

Trix

This prominent card game, also known as tricks or trex, ranks highly in Gulf countries. Trix requires 52 cards, including the four variations, hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades. 

Four players typically play the game the first team to attain a specific score wins. In Trix, the king of hearts card holds a lot of authority and, in most cases, determines who wins. 

Similar to poker games, Trix involves tricking and bluffing to win. Trix online tournaments are structured to almost simulate famous poker tournaments. If you are interested in events such as the WSOP, you can find more information on the WSOP satellite tournaments on reputable online sites. 

The game also plays on tricking and bidding to win. Additionally, strategic thinking and calculated moves grant an upper hand to players. 

Hokm

This popular middle eastern card game is from Iran and has spread to other Gulf countries. Following the line of most Eastern country card games, Hokm’s foundation is on trick-taking and bidding to win.

The word Hokm means to command or order. In this game, the goal is to be the first team to garner 7 points. Requiring 52 cards, this game heavily depends on a strategy to guarantee a win. 

It has become increasingly popular in countries like Afghanistan and Tajikistan due to its competitive nature. 

Conclusion

Card games have provided entertainment for centuries and are continually assimilating more players. With different variations in the types of games based on rules and gameplay, these frolics entertain and broaden your playing scope. 

The most played variations in the Middle East include Tarneeb, Baloot, and Trix. These variations though similar for the most part, have some slight variations in terms of structure. Nevertheless, if you are a regular card game player, they are worth your time.

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