طرنيب Tarneeb

Blackjack, known across Arab countries and particularly in the Levant, is a popular game played with standard playing cards.

Tarneeb Blackjack is widely recognized throughout the Arab world, especially in the Levant region. In Gulf states, it is commonly referred to as "rule." The primary objective of this partnership-based card game is to win consecutive rounds known as Tarneeb groups. Typically involving four players divided into two opposing teams, the match continues until all scheduled groups are completed and a winner is declared.

The standard rules utilize a 52-card deck (excluding Jokers). Play proceeds clockwise starting from the player immediately to the left of the dealer. The game features four participants arranged in two pairs facing each other as teammates.

Cards are dealt sequentially beginning with the player on the right side of the dealer.

Bidding follows a specific hierarchy, ranging from 7 up to 13 (often referred to locally as "Kaboot" or similar terms). Bids commence clockwise starting from the player to the right of the distributor. The highest bidder selects the trump suit for that round.

Scoring is calculated based on points collected versus bids made. For instance, if a team bids for 10 but only collects 9 tricks, they lose those 10 points, while their opponents gain the difference (4 points in this case). Conversely, if the opposing team achieves 5 or more of their bid, they receive full credit without deduction.

The match concludes as soon as one team reaches a predetermined score threshold, typically 61 points per team or individual players depending on pre-game agreements.

Card Hierarchy: A (Ace) K (King) Q (Queen) J (Jack) Followed by cards descending in value from 10 down to 2.