If you’ve always been curious about learning how to play truco, now is the perfect time to dive into this game full of excitement and tradition.
This game offers several benefits: you connect with Brazilian culture, develop quick-thinking skills, and have fun with friends.
In this guide, we’ll explore the basic rules, special cards, and valuable tips to help you get started and make the most of this experience.
The Deck and Special Cards
To play truco, you use a traditional deck of 52 cards, but with a small modification: cards 8, 9 and 10 are removed, totaling 40 cards in play. The cards have a specific hierarchy, which differs from the conventional deck.
Order of Cards (from strongest to weakest):
- Triples: These are the most powerful cards and vary depending on the card turned over at the beginning of the round.
- 3
- 2
- A (Ace)
- K (King)
- J (Jack)
- Q (Queen)
- 7
- 6
- 5
- 4
The cards are determined according to the card that is turned over after the cards are dealt to the players. For example, if the card turned over is a 5, the cards will be the 6 of each suit, with a specific order of strength among them: Clubs (strongest), Hearts, Spades and Diamonds (weakest).
Basic Rules of Truco
Truco is usually played by four people, forming two pairs. Each player receives three cards, and the objective is to win two of the three rounds of the hand to score points.
Step by Step:
- Forming the pairs: the players sit alternately.
- Dealing the cards: each player receives three cards.
- Turning the card: a card is turned over to determine the cards.
- Plays: the players play one card per round.
- Scoring: whoever wins two rounds wins the hand and scores 1 point.
The game continues until a pair reaches 12 points.
Scoring and Betting System
Truco is known for its exciting bets. At any time, a player can call “Truco!”, increasing the value of the hand to 3 points. The opponent can accept, refuse or increase the bet to “Six!”, increasing the value to 6 points, and so on, up to “Twelve!”.
Betting Scale:
- Truco: 3 points
- Six: 6 points
- Nine: 9 points
- Twelve: 12 points
If the opponent refuses the bet, the pair that called wins the points corresponding to the last bet accepted.
Signals and Communication in Truco
Communication between partners is an essential part of truco. Discreet signals are used to indicate possession of strong cards, such as manilhas.
Examples of Signals:
- Blinking the eye: indicates the Zap (strongest manilha).
- Raising the eyebrows: signals possession of the Espadilha.
- Biting the lips: can indicate the Sete de Copas.
These signals vary according to the region and the group of players, and it is important to agree in advance which ones will be used.
Regional Variations of Truco
Truco has different versions in Brazil, each with its own particularities.
Truco Paulista:
- Uses movable cards determined by the card turned over.
- Initial bet of 1 point per hand.
- Betting scale: 3, 6, 9 and 12 points.
Truco Mineiro:
- Fixed cards: Zap (4 of Clubs), Sete de Copas, Espadilha (Ace of Spades) and Sete de Diamantes.
- Initial bet of 2 points per hand.
- Betting scale: 4, 6, 10 and 12 points.
Top Apps for Playing Truco Online
If you’re looking to practice and have fun playing truco at any time, apps are an excellent option. They allow you to play with friends or challenge players from all over Brazil. Below, we present the five best apps for playing truco online:
1. Truco MegaJogos
Available for Android and iOS, Truco MegaJogos offers the São Paulo and Minas Gerais versions of truco. With a user-friendly interface, it allows you to play online with friends or against random opponents. The app also offers tournaments and rankings for the most competitive players.
2. Smart Truco
Smart Truco is ideal for those looking for a complete experience. With over 10 million downloads, it offers online and offline modes, as well as allowing games in pairs or trios. It’s a great option for practicing and improving your skills. Available for Android and iOS.
How to Organize a Perfect Round of Truco at Home
Learning how to play truco is just the beginning, the next step is to live the full experience! And there’s nothing better than organizing your own round of truco with friends or family. Even if you’re a foreigner or a beginner, creating a relaxed and fun atmosphere can turn the evening into an unforgettable event.
What you will need:
- 1 traditional deck of cards (without the 8, 9 and 10 cards)
- 4 chairs and a comfortable table
- Pencil and paper or an app to keep score
- Snacks and drinks to create a relaxed atmosphere
- Light background music (optional, but recommended!)
Step by step for organization:
Set up the pairs with balance
If you have beginners and experienced players, mix the levels to make the game fairer and more fun.
Agree on the version of Truco
Decide with everyone whether you will play Truco Paulista, Minas Gerais or Rio Grande do Sul. This will avoid confusion during the game.
Define the signals (or prohibit them!)
Want to make the game more fun? Allow signals! But if everyone is a beginner, it is worth playing only with what is on the table.
Set the symbolic bets (optional)
It can be something light, like the loser pays for the soda, or simply play for fun and pride.
Keep the sportsmanship
Truco is about having fun, so bluff, tease and laugh, but always with respect and good humor.
Tips for Beginners
Watch experienced players: learning from those who already play can speed up your understanding of the game.
- Practice with apps: There are several apps that simulate truco, allowing you to practice before playing with others.
- Learn the signals: Agree on signals with your partner to improve communication during the game.
- Keep calm: Truco is a game of bluffing and strategy; staying calm can be an advantage.
- Have fun: Truco is a game to have fun with friends.
Conclusion
Learning to play truco is an excellent way to integrate into Brazilian culture, develop strategic skills and have fun with friends. By understanding the basic rules, special cards and regional variations, you will be ready to participate in exciting games.
Now that you know the basics of truco, how about practicing with an app or getting friends together for a game? Remember: practice makes perfect, and each game is a new opportunity for learning and fun.
Good luck and have fun playing truco!