Bezique, in the Old West

Bezique, a card game of French origin was far more popular in the United Kingdom than in the U.S. but still it was a game enjoyed in the 1880's by many American's.

In its original state the game was designed for two players with a double deck of 64 (cards 2 thru 6 were stripped out) cards and two counters. It has been called the forerunner of Pinochle by some but that would be the Scottish version and not the French version that was fashioned after the game Piquet.

Many versions of the games existed, such as; 500 Bezique, Rubicon Bezique, Bezique without a turned Trump, Polish Bezique and three handed or four handed Bezique. But here, we are talking about the original game in its original form. The Ace being the high card and 7 the lowest. The object is to take tricks and if the same denomination and suit card is played on a turn the first played is considered the superior. Players cut for deal and 8 cards, dealt 3 at a time, then 2, then 3. The next card in the deck is then turned up and its suit is trump.

Melds come in three classes; A, B and C and points are awarded for the various melds in each class.

Class "A"

A-K-Q-J-10 of Trumps ----- = 250
K-Q of Trumps ------------- = 40 (royal marriage)
K-Q not Trump ------------ = 20
7 of Trump ---------------- = 10 (dix)

Class "B"

Q/Spades & J/Diamonds ---- = 40 ( Bezique)
2Q's/Spades-2J's/Diamonds = 500 (Double Bezique)

Class "C"

4/A's any suits -------------- = 100
4/K's any suit --------------- = 80
4/Q's any suit --------------- = 60
4/J's any suit --------------- = 40

For any Ace or Ten a player wins in a trick he scores 10pts at once. Last trick is worth 10 points. First person to score 1000 points wins.

I can't see the likes of Wyatt Earp or Bat Masterson playing Bezique but no doubt they were familiar with the game and may even have know people who played the game. This was a friendly game played in the home on a parlor table and may even have been the game children played as their first exposure to cards.

p.s. keep in mind that Old West Antiques would love to talk to you about listing your items.

p.s.s. we can also provide a seasoned group of Old West Reenactors for your upcoming events

tag: Bezique