Card games
Up and Down the River
Ten cards down to one and back up, hit your bid exactly
Every player bids exactly how many tricks they will take. Only an exact hit scores. From 10 cards each down to 1, then back up to 10. 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
- 30–45 min per game
- Type
- Card games
Play Up and Down the River online with friends
At Masa, Up and Down the River 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
Every player bids exactly how many tricks they will take. Only an exact hit scores.
- 2
From 10 cards each down to 1, then back up to 10.
- 3
After the deal the next card is turned up: its suit is trump. When every card is dealt there is no trump.
- 4
The dealer bids last and may not make the bids add up to the number of tricks: somebody always misses.
- 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 Up and Down the River the same game as Batak?
No. Up and Down the River 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 Up and Down the River online with friends?
Yes. Open a Up and Down the River table and share its code or link. Empty seats fill with other players or bots, so a game always starts.
Is Up and Down the River free to play?
Yes. You play with Chips, which have no cash value: nothing can be won or cashed out.
