How to Play Hok-1000

Game Overview

Hok-1000 is a trick-taking, bidding card game based on the Persian game Hok, similar to Euchre, played in teams of two. Players bid for the chance to declare trump and aim to win point-scoring cards through strategic play. If you enjoy Euchre or Hok, and you want to a more challenging game that requires more strategy, this is the game for you. The goal: be the first team to reach 1000 points.

Setup

  • 4 players split into 2 teams (partners sit opposite)
  • Standard 52-card deck
  • Dealer gives 12 cards to each player, 4 face-down as kitty
  • Players bid in turn (starting left of the dealer)

Bidding

Each rounds begins with the player to the left of the dealer making a bid or passing. Players continue to bid, each stating the number of points their team will try to earn. The highest bidder wins the right to:

  • Pick up the 4 kitty cards
  • Discard any 4 cards
  • Declare Hok (trump) by leading the first card (Suit of first card played is Hok)

Tip: Bid carefully — if you fail to meet your bid, your team loses that many points!

Gameplay

  1. The highest bidder leads the first trick with a trump card
  2. Players must follow suit if able; otherwise, play any card
  3. Highest trump wins; if no trump, highest of the suit led wins
  4. Each trick is worth 5 points, plus bonuses for certain cards

Scoring

Points

  • After each round, add up the points for each trick the opposing team won
  • Each trick: 5 points
  • Plus 5 points for each 5 pip card (number card)
  • Plus 10 points for each 10 pip card
  • Plus 15 points for each Ace
  • For example: A trick containing an Ace and a 5 is worth 25 points (Trick: 5, Ace: 15, 5: 5)

Bid Penalty

If your team does not earn at least the number of points you bid, you lose the full bid amount.

Bonus

Earn all 185 available points in a round? Your team gets a bonus +100 points! That's 285 points!

Tips

Tip: Counting Points

  • It's easier to count the opposite team's points because there are usually less points to count, our scorekeeper app does this for you.

Tip: Strategy

  • When making trump, you will usually be able to discard cards such that you only have 3 different trumps in your hand. This is important because it will allow you to "cut" hands that score high points.
  • If you're on the opposing team, and you hold an ACE of a hand that the Hokem can cut, it can be a liability. Try to create an opportunity to discard the ACE to your partner.

Winning

The first team to reach 1000 points wins the game. Play multiple rounds, track bids and scores, and strategize with your partner to come out on top. But, remember, no table-talk!