How To Play: Napoleon

Overview

Let me tell you, my last Napoleon game turned into a shout-fest when someone forgot the rules. That’s why I put this guide together! Here, you’ll find a simple outline of how to play Napoleon, plus my best (and sometimes sneaky) strategies for winning. If you want to avoid family drama—or just want to beat your friends—you’re in the right place.

What’s in the box

• 1 deck of 52 standard playing cards
• 2 Joker cards
• 1 rulebook
• 5 player reference cards
• 1 score pad
• 2 pencils

How To Play Napoleon: Rules Summary

Setup

1. Gather five players and a standard 52-card deck. You will also need chips or paper for scorekeeping. Get comfy. I recommend snacks. And maybe a referee for the inevitable rule arguments.

2. Deal out all the cards, so everyone gets 10 cards. There will be 2 cards left over, called the “kitty.” Place the kitty face down.

Gameplay

1. Players take turns bidding, starting with the player left of the dealer. So bid high if you’re brave—or reckless, like my friend Dave.

2. Highest bidder becomes “Napoleon” and names a trump suit. They also get to secretly peek at the kitty and add those two cards to their hand, discarding two facedown.

3. Napoleon can pick an ally by calling a card. For example, “Ace of Spades.” Whoever holds it is now a secret teammate.

4. Play proceeds around the table. Players must follow suit if they can, or play a trump if they can’t. Highest card in the leading suit, or highest trump, wins the trick.

Winning

1. Napoleon and their ally must win at least as many tricks as Napoleon bid. Otherwise, they crash and burn. It happens a lot. Ask me about last Saturday.

2. The other players, called “defenders,” try to stop Napoleon. If they do, defenders win the round and Napoleon loses points.

Special Rules & Conditions

1. If someone bids “Napoleon Solo,” they play alone. If you win, you’re a legend. If you lose, you get mocked in the group chat forever.

2. No table talk allowed during play! That means no winking, sighing, or trying to signal your partner by coughing. Just play the cards.

3. Keep score each round. First to the agreed number of points, or the last one with chips, wins the game!

Now you know the basics! How To Play napoleon is easy to pick up but packed with sneaky fun. Trust me—I’ve lost in every way you can imagine.

Best Napoleon Strategies

Mastering Card Management and Timing in Napoleon

Winning at Napoleon often comes down to sharp card management and clever timing. I learned this the hard way when my friend Simon ran the table with his ridiculous patience. Now, I watch every card like a hawk. Let’s break it down.

Track Played Cards

1. Keep mental notes of suits played.
2. Know when key cards have left the game.

Save Power Cards

1. Don’t play your trumps too early.
2. Wait for opponents to waste theirs first.

Time Your Attack

1. Launch big moves when others run low.
2. Capitalize on weak turns to strike hard.

For more tips, just remember: timing is everything in How To Play napoleon and avoid Simon at all costs.

Mastering Mind Games: Reading Opponents in Napoleon

Spotting Early Bids

First off, always watch who jumps to bid. They often have a game plan. Let them lead, then react smartly.

1. Note unusual confidence—don’t ignore cocky moves.
2. If someone hesitates, that player might be weak, so pressure them.

Tracking Card Play

As the rounds go on, study the cards your rivals play. You may catch patterns or bluffs.

1. Remember which suits are favored or avoided.
2. Count missing suits to spot bluffs or blunders.

Tells and Table Talk

Last but not least, listen for huffing, sighs, or jokes. People often reveal secrets this way when learning how to play napoleon.

Master The Trump Cards in Napoleon: Win Big With Smart Plays!

Recognize When To Use Trump Cards

1. First, always watch what’s already been played. If your friends toss out low trump, stay patient!
2. Next, strike when a big trick is up for grabs. Don’t waste your trump cards on small gains.

Baiting Opponents

1. Sometimes, lead a weak suit to lure out trump cards from other players. It works wonders, especially against overconfident friends.
2. After you see a trump drought, hit hard with your best trump card.

Count Those Trumps

1. Keep count of all the trump cards played. It sounds boring, but it’s the secret sauce to victory.
2. With fewer trump cards left, you plan moves with more confidence. Your friends will wonder how you pull off bold plays in How To Play napoleon!

I learned the hard way by losing to Lisa three games in a row. Now, I count trumps and play smart. Next time, you’ll rule the table!

Ready to Command Like Napoleon?

There you have it – the secrets my friends wish I’d kept to myself! If you want to master How To Play napoleon, remember to keep your poker face, play those trumps wisely, and take mental notes on who’s getting suspiciously quiet. Every game brings a new twist, so don’t take it too serious. Because even Napoleon had bad days… just ask his hat! Now go show your table who’s boss.

Want to know what we think of Napoleon? Read our detailed review of Napoleon here