bourré

Bourré is a trick-taking gambling card game with multiple regional variants, most closely associated with Cajun and Creole communities in Louisiana. While rules differ by locale, the game generally centers on bidding, taking tricks, and managing a pot or score through contract play.

Players and setup: Bourré is commonly played by four players in fixed partnerships, though it can be adapted for three to six players. A standard 52-card deck is used, and some versions remove certain low cards. A pot is created at the start of a round through antes or blinds, and may be claimed by the successful declarer or by the player with the best result, depending on the variant.

Deal and bidding: After shuffling, cards are dealt to each player. A bidding phase allows players to declare a contract—often the number of tricks they intend to win or a declaration that they will try to win a specified amount of tricks. The declarer’s goal is to meet or exceed the bid, sometimes with a chosen trump suit or with a special rule dictating trump.

Play: The round proceeds with standard trick-taking play. Players must follow the lead suit if able; the highest card of the lead suit or a card of the trump suit wins the trick. The declarer tries to win at least the agreed number of tricks to secure the pot or score; failing to meet the contract typically results in penalties or the pot passing to opponents, depending on the variation.

History and culture: Bourré developed within Louisiana’s card-playing circles and reflects regional gambling and social traditions. The game has many local rules and names, and modern play often occurs in informal gatherings, festivals, and online or home game settings.

See also: Card games, Trick-taking games, Cajun culture.