Card games

Contract Whist

A version of Batak

Seven cards down to one and back, a point a trick, ten if exact

Every player bids exactly how many tricks they will take. Only an exact hit scores. From 7 cards each down to 1, then back up to 7. After the deal the next card is turned up: its suit is trump. When every card is dealt there is no trump. Every trick you take scores 1 point; an exact bid adds 10.

Players
4 players
Length
20–30 min per game
Type
Card games
Contract Whist illustration

Play Contract Whist online with friends

At Masa, Contract Whist is a game of its own right next to Batak: pick it in the games list, open a table and share its code or link with your friends, or sit at a house table. Bots fill the empty chairs, and voice chat keeps the table talking.

How to play

  1. 1

    Every player bids exactly how many tricks they will take. Only an exact hit scores.

  2. 2

    From 7 cards each down to 1, then back up to 7.

  3. 3

    After the deal the next card is turned up: its suit is trump. When every card is dealt there is no trump.

  4. 4

    The dealer bids last and may not make the bids add up to the number of tricks: somebody always misses.

  5. 5

    Follow suit if you can; otherwise play any card. The highest trump wins the trick, else the highest card of the suit led.

Frequently asked questions

Is Contract Whist the same game as Batak?

No. Contract Whist is played at the same kind of table as Batak, but with rules of its own — see “How to play” above. At Masa it is a game of its own, with its own tables, stats and achievements.

Can I play Contract Whist online with friends?

Yes. Open a Contract Whist table and share its code or link. Empty seats fill with other players or bots, so a game always starts.

Is Contract Whist free to play?

Yes. You play with Chips, which have no cash value: nothing can be won or cashed out.