How To Play: Napoleon

Overview

I have played Napoleon more times than I’ve lost my keys, and that’s saying something. If you’re new to the game or just want to stop losing to your cousin every week, this guide is for you. I’ll cover how to play Napoleon, give a quick outline of the rules, and share the best tips and sneaky tactics for winning. Get ready to call your shots—and maybe even win a hand!

What’s in the box

• 1 standard deck of 52 playing cards
• 1 rulebook
• 5 player aid cards
• 30 bidding tokens
• 1 scorepad
• 2 pencils

How To Play Napoleon: Rules Summary

Setup

1. Grab a standard 52-card deck. You do not need the jokers, unless your friends demand chaos.
2. Seat 5 players around the table. No elbows on the table, unless it’s a dramatic moment.
3. Deal all the cards. Each player gets 10 cards. Place the last two cards face down, forming the “kitty.”

Gameplay

1. Start with the bidding phase. Players take turns saying how many tricks they think they can win. Announce your bid loudly and with pride.
2. The highest bidder becomes “Napoleon.” Don’t let it go to your head.
3. Napoleon picks a partner by calling out a card. Whoever has that card is now Napoleon’s secret helper. Try to stay mysterious.
4. Napoleon takes the kitty, adds those two cards to their hand, then discards any two cards face down.
5. Play proceeds clockwise. The player to Napoleon’s left leads the first trick. Each player has to follow suit or play any card if they can’t.

Winning

1. Napoleon and their partner must win at least as many tricks as they bid. If they do, they win eternal glory (and points).
2. If they fall short, the other players win, and Napoleon faces the shame of defeat.

Special Rules & Conditions

1. If you bid the maximum amount (all 10 tricks!), you become an “Imperial Napoleon.” Don’t mess this up.
2. Some house rules allow for a “Misère” bid, meaning you try to win zero tricks. This is risky and hilarious. Try it if you feel lucky.
3. Always check in with your group for extra rules. Someone might throw in a wild rule like “whoever forgets how to play Napoleon makes the next round of tea.”

That’s how to play Napoleon! My friends and I had a blast, even when I spectacularly failed a Misère bid and had to fetch snacks for everyone. Remember: practice, pay attention, and keep a straight face during secret partner moments. That’s half the fun!

Best Napoleon Strategies

Mastering Card Management and Timing for Napoleon Victory

When I first learned How To Play napoleon, I ignored card timing and lost. But here’s what works best if you want to win more often!

1. Plan Your Exit Cards

1. Save your highest trumps for big moments, not every small skirmish.
2. Never waste your winning cards too early in the round.

2. Watch What Others Play

1. Pay close attention to suits already played.
2. Hold onto cards you know can win in future turns.

3. Time Your Discards

1. If you must discard, choose cards that can’t help you later.
2. Keep track of what teammates may need.

Good card management and perfect timing will leave your friends shaking their heads as you win. Trust me, no one forgets a Napoleon champion!

Mastering Mind Games: Outsmart Your Rivals in Napoleon

Watch Their First Moves

At the start, every card matters. Notice which cards your friends play first. Usually, this gives you a peek into their hand.

1. See if they lead with strong suits or save them.
2. Spot if they hesitate. Hesitation means tough choices.

Track Bids Boldly

Bidding tells the whole table a story. Use that story against them.

1. High bids mean risky hands. Prepare to block them.
2. Low bids? They might be bluffing or just weak.

See Patterns in Play

After a couple of rounds, patterns pop up. Use those patterns to guess what’s left in their hand.

1. Remember which suits they avoid.
2. Notice if they always trump early or hold back.

How To Play napoleon: Staying Alert

Stay sharp throughout the game. When you read your friends well, you will win more often. Trust me, it works! Now, go flex those mind muscles.

Mastering the Art of Bidding in Napoleon

Bidding in Napoleon is no cakewalk. I learned the hard way after losing my first three games and my dignity. To boost your odds, focus on using clever bidding tricks. Here’s my best advice, learned between winning hands and spilled snacks!

Know Your Cards First

1. Count your strong suits right away.
2. Decide if you actually stand a chance before yelling out a bid.

Read the Table

1. Watch for nervous laughs and long pauses from your friends.
2. Avoid high bids if the table looks hungry for a win.

Don’t Overreach

1. Sometimes, passing is an underrated power move.
2. Remember, wild bids can backfire faster than you can ask, ‘How To Play napoleon’ again.

Wrap Up: Go Forth and Conquer (or at Least Outbid Your Friends)

If you made it this far in the wild world of Napoleon, give yourself a round of applause—or at least a celebratory snack! After dozens of heated rounds (and at least three dropped potato chips) with my pals, I’ve learned that Napoleon is as much about reading people as playing the right card. So, remember to keep your poker face strong, count those suits, and maybe try not to spill your drink on your ace of spades.

Now you know How To Play napoleon like a champ. Just stay sharp, play smart, and never trust a friend who grins too wide when bidding. Go on, shuffle up and deal—you’ve got this!

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