Two-player · Reviewed 2026-10-17

Mate card game: players, deck & rules

A perfect-information card game for two players. Setup notes and a link to the documented rules.

What to expect

Both players know where the cards are. The reduced pack uses A, 10, K, Q and 7 in each suit. The aim involves leading a card the opponent cannot match by suit or number, rather than simply collecting the most tricks.

Sources: Pagat: Mate

Before dealing

Players: 2. Deck: 20 cards. Check the linked rules for any local changes to the deal or scoring.

Sources: Pagat: Mate

Following a lead

Follow the suit led if you can. If you cannot, play the same rank instead. When you can match neither the suit nor the rank, your opponent has given mate and the game ends.

Sources: Pagat: Mate