Meishin

Meishin is a traditional Japanese card game played with a deck of 32 cards, typically derived from a standard playing card deck by removing the 2s through 6s. The goal of Meishin is to be the first player to score a predetermined number of points, usually 200.

The game is played by two to four players. Players are dealt seven cards each, and the remaining cards form a draw pile. A trump suit is determined by turning over the top card of the draw pile. Players take turns playing cards, aiming to win tricks. A trick is won by the player who plays the highest card of the suit led, or the highest trump card if trumps are played.

Points are scored based on the cards captured in tricks. For example, Aces are often worth 11 points, Tens worth 10 points, and Kings worth 4 points. Specific combinations of cards, like a King and Queen of the trump suit (known as a "meishin"), can also award bonus points. The game involves strategic thinking, as players must decide when to play their high cards and how to manage their trump cards to maximize their score and prevent opponents from doing the same. Meishin is known for its relatively simple rules but offers strategic depth, making it a popular choice for casual gaming.