Callbreak Superstar 9.5.8

Call Break is a strategic trick-based card game that bears similarity to Spades. It is played with four players utilizing a standard deck of 52 playing cards. The game has gained considerable popularity in Nepal and certain regions of India, and closely resembles other trick-based games, particularly Spades.

Call Break introduces specific terminology where the term "Hand" is used instead of "trick," and "Call" replaces "bid."

In each round, players are required to place a "Call" or "bid" on the number of hands they anticipate capturing. The objective is to capture at least the number of hands bid and to obstruct other players from achieving their calls. Points are tallied at the conclusion of each round, with a player's total points from five rounds determining the final winner.

Deal & Call

A complete game consists of five rounds or deals. The first dealer is randomly determined, after which the dealing rotation progresses clockwise. The dealer distributes all 52 cards evenly among the four players, granting each player 13 cards. Subsequently, the player to the left of the dealer places a Call - indicating their estimate of hands or tricks they are likely to win. The call rotation continues clockwise until all four players have made their bids.

Bidding

Starting with the player to the right of the dealer, all four players bid the number of tricks they commit to winning in that particular round. A positive score is awarded if the player achieves their bid, otherwise they receive a negative score.

Play

Once each player has made their call, the player next to the dealer makes the first move. This initial player can play any card, determining the led suit. Subsequently, each player must follow with a higher-ranking card of the same suit; if they lack a higher-ranked card of the led suit, any card of the led suit can be played. If a player does not possess any cards of the led suit, they can break the suit using a trump card (typically a Spade of any rank). In the absence of a trump card, players can play any other card. The hand is won by the player with the highest-ranking card of the led suit, unless the led suit was broken by a Spade, in which case the highest-ranking Spade wins. The winner of each hand leads the next hand, and this pattern persists until all 13 hands are completed and a new deal begins.

Scoring

A player who takes at least as many tricks as their bid receives a score equivalent to their bid. Additional tricks (Over Tricks) are worth 0.1 points each. If a player fails to meet their stated bid, their score is reduced by the amount of their bid. Scores accumulated over four rounds aid players in establishing a target for their final round. After the conclusion of the final round, winners and runner-ups are determined.

This game is known by various names locally, such as Lakdi or Lakadi in India, Call Break in Nepal, and Ghochi as well.