How to Win at Briscola: Strategy Tips
To win at Briscola, don't spend your Aces, Threes and trumps on small tricks: use a small trump to take an Ace or a Three, and lead cheap cards worth no points. Count the Aces and Threes already played, and keep the last trumps for the end. In partners, pass points to your partner when they are winning the trick.
1. Lead small
When you lead, play a card worth no points and not a trump (2, 4, 5, 6 or 7). If the opponent takes it, they gain almost nothing; if they have to answer cheaply, you keep your strong cards for later.
2. Use a small trump on a big prize
A trick holding an Ace (11) or a Three (10) is worth a small trump. A trick with only a King or less is rarely worth your trumps.
3. Don't lose your Ace for nothing
An Ace of a plain suit can only be beaten by a trump, so play it when few trumps are left. Keep an Ace of the trump suit for the end: nothing can beat it.
4. Count the Aces and Threes
There are only 8 heavy cards (four Aces and four Threes), and they are worth 84 of the 120 points. Watching which ones have been played tells you what the other hand can hold, especially near the end.
5. Help your partner
In 2 vs 2, when your partner is already winning the trick and you play last, add a card with points (an Ace or a Three if you have one). If an opponent is winning, take the trick with the cheapest card that wins.
6. Play the last three tricks with care
When the deck is empty, everything is known: your hand and the cards played tell you the other hand. Count the points left and think two tricks ahead.
Practise in Briscola with Teach me, and review the rules or how to play first.
Frequently asked questions
How do I win at Briscola?
Lead cheap cards, use small trumps to take Aces and Threes, keep an eye on which heavy cards are gone and play the last three tricks carefully.
When should I use a trump?
When the trick holds an Ace, a Three or several points. Avoid spending a trump on a trick worth nothing.
What's the best card to lead?
A card worth no points that isn't a trump: a 2, 4, 5, 6 or 7.
How do I play with a partner?
Give your partner points when they are winning the trick, and take the trick with your cheapest winning card when the opponents are ahead.
Can I count cards in Briscola?
Yes, and you should: only 8 heavy cards (Aces and Threes) decide most games.