How to Play Oh Hell
Oh Hell is a trick-taking game where the challenge is precision. Before every hand, each player bids exactly how many tricks they will win. You only score if you hit your bid exactly, and the number of cards changes from round to round.
- Players
- You + 3 computer players
- Cards
- Standard 52 cards
- Game length
- 15–25 min
- Difficulty
- Medium
The goal
Predict exactly how many tricks you will take in each round, then take exactly that many. Not one more, not one less.
Rounds and dealing
- Four players use one standard 52-card deck. The game has 13 rounds.
- Hand sizes change every round: 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, then back up 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. That is why the game is also called "Up and Down the River".
- The deal passes to the left every round. After the deal, the next card is turned face up: its suit is trump for the round.
Bidding
- Starting left of the dealer, each player says how many tricks they expect to take. Zero is a perfectly good bid.
- The hook: the dealer bids last and may not bid the number that would make all the bids add up to the number of tricks in the round. So at least one player will always miss.
Playing the tricks
- The player left of the dealer leads the first trick.
- Everyone must follow the suit that was led if they can. If you cannot, play any card, including a trump.
- The highest trump wins the trick; if no trump was played, the highest card of the suit led wins. Aces are high. The winner leads next.
Scoring
| Result | Points |
|---|---|
| You take exactly the tricks you bid | 10 + your bid (a bid of 0 made scores 10) |
| You take more or fewer tricks | 0 |
After 13 rounds the player with the most points wins.
Strategy tips
- Aces and high trumps usually win tricks; kings in short suits sometimes do. Count those to decide your bid.
- Once you have your tricks, get rid of your dangerous high cards on tricks someone else is already winning.
- Bidding zero is strong with low cards and no trumps, but a single unlucky trick ruins it.
- Watch who still needs tricks: players who need them will fight for them, the others will try to duck.
Rule variations
Many groups score differently, for example 1 point per trick plus a bonus of 10 for an exact bid, or a penalty for every trick you are off. Some play with more rounds or without the hook. Our version uses the common rules above.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called Oh Hell?
The name comes from what players tend to say when they realize they are going to take one trick too many or too few.
Is Oh Hell the same as Contract Whist?
Yes, Contract Whist and Up and Down the River are common names for the same game. Scoring details vary by region.
Card games have many house rules. This page describes the most common way Oh Hell is played, and the version you play on Card Sunday. Does your family play differently, or have you spotted a mistake? Tell us and we will check it.
