All Fours Rules
All Fours is a classic [American card game](/) that has been enjoyed for generations. Players who appreciate traditional gameplay often explore related games like [Cribbage](/cribbage) and [Euchre](/euchre). For comprehensive game rules, [Bicycle Cards](https://bicyclecards.com/how-to-play) provides authoritative resources for classic American games.
- Category: American Classics
- Players: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Objective
Your goal is to race to 7 points by snagging the four key rewards of the game: High, Low, Jack, and Game. Every trick you take nudges you a little closer. It’s quick, lively, and full of small moments où tout bascule. Pay attention, steal the right tricks, and you’ll feel the rhythm of All Fours click into place.
Material
- Standard 52-card deck
- Cards rank: A (high), K, Q, J, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 (low)
2♠ 3♠ 4♠ 5♠ 6♠ 7♠ 8♠ 9♠ 10♠ J♠ Q♠ K♠ A♠
Card Ranking
A♠ K♠ Q♠ J♠ 10♠ 9♠ 8♠ 7♠
Point Values for "Game"
| Card | Point Value | Example | |------|-------------|---------| | Ace | 4 points | A♥ = 4 pts | | King | 3 points | K♦ = 3 pts | | Queen | 2 points | Q♣ = 2 pts | | Jack | 1 point | J♠ = 1 pt | | Ten | 10 points | 10♥ = 10 pts | | All others | 0 points | No value |
Setup
Deal 6 cards to each player in two batches of 3. Turn the next card face up - this proposes the trump suit.
Example Setup
Your hand:
A♥ K♥ 8♥ Q♠ 7♣ 3♦
Trump proposal:
9♥
Hearts are proposed as trump!
Accepting or Rejecting Trump
Non-dealer decides first:
"Stand" - Accept - Hearts become trump "I beg" - Reject - Request different trump
If dealer accepts the rejection, deal 3 more cards each and turn a new trump card.
If dealer insists on original trump, non-dealer gets 1 point gift.
How to Play
Playing Tricks
Once trump is determined, play tricks. Leader may play any card. Players must follow suit if able, or may play any card including trump.
Trick Example 1: Following Suit
Hearts are trump:
K♦ A♦
Result: Player 2 wins with A♦ (highest Diamond, no trump played)
Trick Example 2: Trump Power
Hearts are trump:
A♠ 3♥
Result: Player 2 wins with 3♥ (trump beats all non-trump)
Strategy Tips
Lead trump early - Draw out opponent's trump cards Save high cards - Keep A, K, Q for winning important tricks Count points - Track who is collecting valuable cards for "Game" Watch the Jack - If Jack of trump is in play, try to win that trick
Scoring
Four points are available each hand. You score these based on the trump suit:
The Four Points
| Point | Value | Description | |-------|-------|-------------| | High | 1 point | Highest trump card dealt (awarded automatically) | | Low | 1 point | Lowest trump card dealt (awarded automatically) | | Jack | 1 point | Win the trick containing Jack of trump | | Game | 1 point | Capture most card point value in tricks |
Scoring Example
Trump suit: Hearts
You were dealt:
A♥ 5♥
- A♥ is highest Hearts dealt = You score High (1 pt)
- Opponent dealt 2♥ (lowest) = Opponent scores Low (1 pt)
During play:
- Opponent won trick with J♥ = Opponent scores Jack (1 pt)
- You captured A♥ (4) + K♦ (3) + 10♣ (10) = 17 points
- Opponent captured Q♠ (2) + J♥ (1) + K♣ (3) = 6 points
- You have more card points = You score Game (1 pt)
Round total: You 2 points, Opponent 2 points
Card Point Tracking
A♣ K♦ Q♥ J♠ 10♣
This collection = 4 + 3 + 2 + 1 + 10 = 20 card points
What if Jack Not in Play?
If the Jack of trump is not dealt to anyone, that point is not awarded. Only 3 points available that hand.
Tie for Game Point?
If both players capture equal card points, neither scores the Game point.
Ending the Game
First player to reach 7 points wins!
Important: If both players reach 7 in the same hand, points count in this order:
- High
- Low
- Jack
- Game
Example: Close Finish
Both players have 6 points. This hand:
- You score High and Jack (2 points) = 8 total
- Opponent scores Low and Game (2 points) = 8 total
You win! High counted first, giving you 7 points before opponent.
Strategy Deep Dive
Trump Selection
Good hand for Hearts trump:
A♥ K♥ Q♥ 10♥ 8♥ 7♥
Six trump cards! Definitely stand (accept).
Bad hand for proposed trump:
9♠ 8♠ 7♠ 3♣ 2♣ 4♦
No high cards, weak trump. Say "I beg" (reject).
Playing Strategy
- Lead trump if you have several to draw out opponent's trump
- Save Aces and Tens for capturing Game points
- Win the Jack trick if Jack of trump is played
- Remember who has High/Low - these are locked in at deal
Defensive Play
If opponent has High (highest trump), lead non-trump suits to avoid giving them tricks with trump.
Variants
Pitch (Seven-Point All Fours)
Play to 7 points but with bidding. Highest bidder names trump and leads first.
Auction Pitch
Similar to Pitch but with auction bidding where players compete to name trump.
California Jack
Trump is determined by turning cards from a widow (extra cards).
Seven Up
Earlier name for All Fours, referring to the goal of seven points.
Frequently asked questions
What are the four points in All Fours?
The four points are: High (highest trump in play), Low (lowest trump in play), Jack (Jack of trump if in play), and Game (most card points in tricks). These give the game its name.
What does 'begging' mean?
If the non-dealer isn't satisfied with the turned trump, they can 'beg.' The dealer can then choose to accept (giving non-dealer a point) or deal three more cards to each player and turn a new trump.
How do you score the Game point?
Count the value of cards captured in tricks: Aces=4, Kings=3, Queens=2, Jacks=1, Tens=10. The player or team with the highest total wins the Game point.
What happens if the Jack of trump isn't dealt?
If the Jack of trump isn't in anyone's hand, no one scores the Jack point for that hand. The other three points are still awarded normally.
Can both teams score in the same hand?
Yes, absolutely. The dealer's team might win High and Jack while the non-dealer's team wins Low and Game, for example. Points are awarded independently.
What if there's a tie for the Game point?
If both teams have the same card point total, the non-dealer's team wins the Game point. This gives a slight advantage to the non-dealer.
Do you have to follow suit in All Fours?
Yes, you must follow the suit led if you have it. If you can't follow suit, you may play any card, including trump.
How many points win a game?
Games of All Fours are typically played to 7 or 11 points. The first team to reach the target score wins.
What is Pitch?
Pitch is a popular American variation of All Fours that adds a bidding phase and slightly different scoring. It's sometimes called Setback, High Low Jack, or Auction Pitch.
Who deals the cards?
The deal alternates between players or teams. The non-dealer has the advantage of seeing trump first and deciding whether to 'stand' or 'beg.'