Oh Hell

Oh Hell, also called Contract Whist, is an exact-bid trick-taking game. This version uses the common Wikipedia-described structure: a 52-card deck, changing hand sizes, trump from the next turned card, and a goal of taking exactly the number of tricks you bid.

How the Deal Works

The match moves down and back up the river: 7 cards, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, then back to 7. After the deal, the next card sets trump for the round.

Bidding

Before play starts, choose how many tricks you expect to win. Your bid is a promise, not a target to exceed. Taking too many tricks misses the contract just like taking too few.

Playing Tricks

You must follow the lead suit if you can. If you cannot follow suit, you may play any card. A trump card beats non-trumps; otherwise, the highest card in the lead suit wins the trick.

Scoring

This game uses the common simple scoring variation: exact bids score 10 plus the number of tricks taken. Missed bids still keep one point per trick, which makes every trick matter even after a busted bid.

Strategy Tips

Bid conservatively when your high cards are off-suit from trump. Low trumps can still win late tricks after everyone runs out of the lead suit. When you have already reached your bid, start shedding winners before they force unwanted tricks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to follow suit?

Yes. If you have a card in the lead suit, you must play that suit.

What happens if I take more tricks than I bid?

You miss the contract. This version still awards one point per trick, but you do not receive the 10-point exact-bid bonus.

How is trump chosen?

After the cards are dealt, the next card from the deck is turned up and its suit becomes trump for that round.

Related Games

Try Euchre for partnership trump play, Spades for fixed-trump bidding, or Hearts for trick avoidance.