Game
Four play, each for himself in the long run, though temporary alliances may be formed from deal to deal. Each should start with an equal number of counters, but never fewer than forty. A 40-card pack is used and cards rank K Q J 7 6 5 4 3 2 in ♠ and ♣ and A K Q J 2 3 4 5 6 7 in ♥ and ♦. The current trump suit, however, has certain peculiarities. The highest trumps ranks downwards and bear names as follows:
- Spadille, ♠A
- Manille, the nominally lowest trump (2♠ ♣ and 7♥ ♦)
- Basto, ♣A
They are called "matadors" and have special powers in play. When a black suit is trump, the fourth highest trump is the King, and so downwards to the 3 (2 being Manille). When a red suit is trump, the fourth highest trump is the Ace, called Punto or Ponto, but it is not considered a matador, and so downwards to the 6 (7 being Manille).
Read more about this topic: Quadrille (card Game)
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