What is Tarneeb?

Tarneeb (طرنيب) is one of the most beloved trick-taking card games in the Arab world, especially popular in the Levant (Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine). The name comes from the Arabic word for 'trump,' reflecting the game's central mechanic. Played by 4 players in two partnerships with a standard 52-card deck, Tarneeb rewards strategic bidding, careful card play, and strong teamwork with your partner. The game has been a staple of Arabic social life for generations, played in homes, cafés, and now online.

How to Play Tarneeb

Tarneeb is a partnership trick-taking card game. Here's how it works:

1. Setup: 4 players form 2 teams. Each player receives 13 cards from a standard 52-card deck.
2. Bidding: Starting from the dealer's right, players bid on how many tricks their team will win (7-13). The highest bidder declares the trump suit.
3. Play: Play 13 tricks. You must follow the led suit if possible. The highest trump or highest card of the led suit wins each trick.
4. Scoring: If the bidding team wins at least their bid, they score the tricks taken. If not, they lose their bid amount. First to reach the target wins.

Frequently Asked Questions