Super Tarot: your next game starts here

Welcome to Super Tarot!

Trumps, bouts and contracts give French Tarot its distinctive character. Take the lead or join the defence and enjoy the twists that make every deal different.

Rediscover a card-game classic. Get to know the rules, sharpen your strategy and get ready for your next hand.

Tarot Overview

Geographic Popularity

Tarot is clearly one of the most iconic and symbolic card games in France. Everyone knows this card game, accessible to all and highly appreciated both in high school – where it is undoubtedly the game of choice – and at friendly gatherings. Its popularity has significantly increased in recent years with the advent of mobile gaming.

In addition to its popularity in France, this game has also won over players in Belgium, Switzerland, and even Canada, where many dedicated Tarot enthusiasts can now be found. Federations and clubs have even been established to meet the demand in these countries. In recent years, English-speaking players have joined the movement and have been captivated by this highly strategic game where skill trumps luck.

Game Variants

Tarot is a game that has existed for several centuries. It has been passed down from generation to generation, which has allowed the rules of the game to undergo numerous modifications. This is why today you can find several variants of this thrilling card game.

French Tarot consists of 78 cards: 56 suit cards, 21 trumps, and one special trump that serves as a joker – the excuse. Some variants are played with completely different decks, notably Italian Tarocchi or Königrufen.

Classic Tarot Features

Super Tarot leagues

When you start on the platform, you automatically begin in the lowest league. Every week, your league is updated based on the points you earn during games. The top 10 players in each league advance to a higher league, those in the middle remain in the same league, and the bottom 10 players drop to the lower league. The "league" feature allows players to outperform themselves week after week and win very attractive rewards. It is possible to win a bonus that increases your winnings from 10% to 150% every 4 hours. There are 15 leagues, each with 30 players competing.
Super Tarot leagues

Super Tarot tournaments

Do you dream of becoming a Tarot champion? The tournament feature is made for you. Discover weekly tournaments that allow you to compete against players from around the world. The tournament is divided into three phases: quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a final. The points earned over three rounds in the three phases determine the winners in a ranking. Participating in tournaments is a unique experience as all players are more focused compared to a regular game and the emotions are heightened. Moreover, players of the same level play together. For competitors, it's an opportunity to prove that you can maximize the number of points obtained during 3 consecutive games.
Super Tarot tournaments

Super Tarot missions

To spice up the game, you can complete daily and weekly missions. These are different objectives that you must achieve each day. This might include, for example, earning a certain number of XP or league points, or winning 2 consecutive games. Each mission you successfully complete awards you points, which then lead to rewards such as tokens or free tickets to play.
Super Tarot missions

Super Tarot villages

Discover a whole new gaming experience without leaving your Tarot game. By winning games in your favorite card game, you earn hammers to build and upgrade items in beautiful villages available every two weeks. Each upgrade lets you collect collectible cards and rewards. Progress at your own pace and in a fun way to complete the village and win the final reward!
Super Tarot villages

Super Tarot tables

The main advantage of our online Tarot platform is that it is accessible to all players, regardless of their level, even for someone who has never played before. In fact, we offer 4 different types of tables based on your level: Beginner, Pro, Legend, and Cyborg. Beginner tables are perfect for learning Tarot and starting to understand scoring. Once you have mastered the basics and wish to develop strategies, you can switch to Pro tables, then Legends, and finally to Cyborg tables. The latter is reserved for the most experienced and strategic players, winning will be much more challenging!
Super Tarot tables

Become the Best Tarot Player

Master the art of Tarot by developing your own strategy to become a champion and climb to the top of the rankings. Each game is a unique opportunity to showcase your skill and win exclusive bonuses that will allow you to become the best Tarot player on the platform. Know that you will never be bored and there will always be a new challenge to meet and an opponent at your level to face.
Become the Best Tarot Player

How to Play

  1. Introduction

    Depending on the number of players, Tarot can be both a team game and an individual game that requires a lot of strategy to win. It also requires a good understanding of the game dynamics and the various cards. A Tarot deck consists of a total of 78 cards, including 56 standard cards and 22 trumps.

  2. Card Distribution and Scoring

    The number of players determines the number of cards each player receives. The deal is done in two stages: first, cards are distributed to the players, and then a reserve is set aside in the middle, known as "the Dog". This reserve is used by the bidder after the auction. Depending on the variant, the cards are dealt as follows:

    • 3-player Tarot: Each player receives 24 cards and the “chien” consists of 6 cards.
    • 4-player Tarot: Each player receives 18 cards and the “chien” consists of 6 cards.
    • 5-player Tarot: Each player receives 15 cards and the “chien” consists of only 3 cards.

    The trumps are more important than the standard cards and are each worth 4.5 points. The King is worth 4.5 points, the Queen is worth 3.5 points, the Knight is worth 2.5 points, and the Jack is worth 1.5 points. Every other numbered card is worth only 0.5 points. The Petit is one of the three important cards, called "bouts", the other two being the 21 and the Excuse.

  3. Game Progression

    When the game begins, each player first chooses whether to be the bidder or to be part of the defense: this is the bidding phase. If a player decides to bid, they must choose one of the following four contracts: petite, garde, garde sans chien, or garde contre chien. If no player bids during a round, the cards are redealt.

    During the game, players play one card in turn, following the suit led in the trick. If a player does not have a card in the led suit, they must play a trump, or, if they have none, any other card.

  4. Winning the Game

    A game consists of three rounds, and each round contains several tricks. A player may be the bidder in one round and part of the defense in the next. The most important point is that each side must achieve its objective: the bidder must score a predetermined number of points based on their contract and the bouts they possess, while the defense must do everything possible to prevent that.

    In any case, winning a game of Tarot requires great anticipation and strategic use of the cards in hand. The player who accumulates the most points over the three rounds wins the game.

History & Origins of Tarot

Origins of Tarot

The exact origins of the tarot game remain rather obscure, many consider it an authentic heritage passed down through the ages. It was introduced to Europe from Spain and finds its roots in ancient Arab card games to which illustrated cards called “trumps” were added. These cards give the game its unique character and pave the way for various strategies to win. The history of tarot is estimated to have begun in the 14th century, when the Italian nobility played a card game known as “Tarocchi.” After that, the game spread throughout Europe, particularly in France and Germany. The rules gradually transformed to reach the familiar rules we know today.

Origins of Tarot

Tarot Today

Today, tarot remains a highly popular game that is still widely played. It is a fascinating pastime that perfectly combines strategy, luck, and anticipation. Many people engage in this activity for pleasure, and there are even various competitions organized around it that attract a large number of participants worldwide.

Apps such as Super Tarot have helped revive and spread the game. Players can find opponents and partners at any time or invite friends without having to arrange a physical meeting. It is also quite remarkable to see that our elders have fully embraced these apps and play many games daily. These applications serve a public purpose by helping to prevent the isolation and loneliness of these vulnerable individuals.

Tarot Today

Glossary of Terms

Trump

A trump represents an illustrated card with a number, there are 21 trumps in Tarot. These are the strongest cards in Tarot, and the strength of a trump is indicated by its number.

The Dog

This is a reserve of 6 or 3 hidden cards at the beginning of the game. When the bidder chooses their contract, these cards are added to their hand.

The Petit

This term is used to define the smallest trump, namely the one numbered 1. It plays a key role in a game of Tarot.

Bidding

Bidding takes place at the beginning of each round, where each player chooses a contract or passes. The bidder is the one who opts for the most challenging contract.

The Excuse

This card acts as a joker and can be played at any time during a round. If a player wishes to avoid losing another card, they can play the Excuse. It is impossible to win a trick with the Excuse.

Hand Announcement

When a player holds 8, 10, or 13 trumps, they can choose to reveal them to the other players at the beginning of the game. Although this reveals part of their strategy, it earns them additional points.

Contract

This is the commitment chosen by the bidder at the beginning of the round. Each contract has its own level of difficulty. The more challenging the contract, the more points the bidder scores at the end of the round.

Calling a King

This term appears in the 5-player variant of Tarot. When the bidder is designated, they choose a king of a specific suit to select a partner whose identity is only revealed when that king is played.

Small

This is a contract in which the bidder must only score more points than their opponents. It is the basic contract, also known as "small". The points gained and lost are minimal compared to other contracts.

Guard Without the Dog

This is a contract where the bidder chooses to play without the Dog. In this case, the Dog's cards remain hidden. The risks are greater, but so are the rewards.

Guard Against the Dog

Not only does the bidder not use the Dog's cards, but at the end of the round, the points from the Dog are directly awarded to the defense. This is a risky contract that requires a strong hand.

Camp

In Tarot, there are only two sides: the bidder and the defense. The bidder plays alone (or with their partner in the 5-player version), while the remaining players, constituting the defense, play as a team.

Trick

A trick represents the collection of cards played by the players during a round, there are several tricks in each round. The player who plays the highest card wins the trick.

Capot

This term is used when one of the players wins every trick in a round. It is a rather rare situation, as the player achieving this must have a very strong hand from the beginning.

Misère

This is an announcement that must be made at the beginning of a round by one of the defensive players when they are sure they will win no tricks during the round.

Petit au Bout

The Petit is the trump numbered 1. When a bidder manages to hold onto the Petit until the end of the round and wins the last trick thanks to it, they earn extra points.

Valat

This is a very rare situation. A valat is declared when one side wins every trick in a round. To achieve this, one must not only have excellent cards but also demonstrate great strategic skill.

Announcements

These are special declarations made by players during or at the beginning of a round to earn extra points. If the player fails to achieve the announced goal, they systematically lose points.

Popular Card Games in France

Belote

Belote is also one of the favorite card games among the French, played both among friends and in competitions. It is a strategic game composed of 32 cards. It can be played by 2 up to 6 players, but the most played and appreciated version is the 4-player game.

Coinche

Coinche is another form of Belote, enjoyed primarily for its strategic nature and the anticipation required based on the contracts announced by opponents. It is also very well-known, as it is quite similar to Tarot, but is played with a standard 52-card deck.

Manille

This is a flagship card game from the south of France with Spanish origins. It is played with 32 cards and two teams compete against each other. The team that scores the most points wins the game. Once dethroned by Belote, this game is also played in 2 teams of 2 players. This game includes numerous regional variants.

Bridge

Bridge is a trick-taking game highly appreciated for its simple-to-understand rules. It pits two teams of two partners against each other and is played exclusively with a 52-card deck. Although its rules are easy to grasp, the strategies are very numerous, and one must join one of the many bridge schools to master this game that is both simple and complex at the same time.

Whist

This trick-taking card game, with and without trumps and without bidding, originally from England, has perfectly captivated the French. It is somewhat similar to Bridge but features simpler rules. It is played with 52 cards and the 4 players are divided into 2 teams of 2. It is a very popular game across the Atlantic.

Piquet

Originating from 16th-century France, this card game, where strategy and bluff are key, continues to be played centuries later. It is generally played with 32 cards, and usually, it is played by two people, unlike other card games. However, there are also 4-player variants.

Scopa

This is the quintessential Mediterranean card game! Originating in Italy centuries ago, Scopa is a fascinating game still played today all over France. The cards are quite unique, and the goal of the game is to capture specific cards to score points.

Hearts

Hearts is certainly one of the most played online card games, and it has been so for many years. The objective is very simple: avoid taking the Queen of Spades as well as the Hearts, and force your opponents to take them. It was widely popularized with the Windows operating system, which included it by default.

War

This is a very simple card game, enjoyed by both adults and children. The rule is very simple: play your cards one by one, the player who plays the highest card wins the trick. There is very little strategy, just luck, but this game has always been popular and always brings lots of laughter.

Écarté

Écarté was once the most played and appreciated card game among the nobility. Today, it has maintained its place at the heart of the French by being one of the most beloved games. Originally played by two, with variants for three or four players, it includes concepts such as the deal and the discard.

Trente et Quarante

If you enjoy games of chance, this game is for you! It is a card game widely played in French casinos. Very similar to blackjack, it will delight casino players.

Poker

When it comes to card games, it is impossible not to mention poker. It is the favorite game of those who appreciate strategy, psychology, and probability calculations. While there is always the beginner's luck, in this game, the importance of skill increases with experience.