tarokk

Tarokk is a term used in Central Europe, especially Hungary, for both Tarot playing cards and the family of trick-taking card games based on that deck. In Hungarian contexts, tarokk denotes the playing deck as well as the games derived from it.

The tarokk deck typically comprises 78 cards: four suits of 14 cards each, plus 22 trump cards and a special card sometimes called the Fool. The trump cards are central to gameplay and determine high-value power within a hand. The exact arrangement and names of cards can vary by variant and region, but the overall structure follows the common Tarot-based concept.

Tarokk games are usually played by four players in two partnerships, though variants for three players exist. Play generally starts with a bidding phase in which players declare their contract or role, followed by a trick-taking phase in which players strive to fulfill the contract and score points. Card values and scoring rules differ among regional variants, but success depends on strategic use of trumps and the timing of high-value cards.

Königrufen is the best-known international tarock game, played widely in Austria and neighboring areas; Hungarian tarokk has its own regional traditions and rule sets. The games have a long-standing presence in Central Europe, with clubs, casual play, and periodic tournaments contributing to their continuity. The term tarokk is often used interchangeably with tarot in contexts related to playing cards rather than divination.