Tarabish (often called “Bish”) is a complex, trick-taking card game played primarily on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada. History and Origins
Lebanese Roots: It was brought to Canada in 1901 by a Lebanese immigrant named George Shebib.
Belote Family: The game belongs to the Jass family and is closely related to the French game Belote.
Cultural Icon: Over the last century, it has evolved into a quintessential Cape Breton pastime, often played in local tournaments. The Deck and Setup
The Deck: Played with 36 cards. All 2s, 3s, 4s, and 5s are removed from a standard deck.
Players: Typically played by four players in two competing partnerships.
The Deal: Every player receives nine cards. They get six cards initially, after which bidding occurs. The final three cards (the kitty) are picked up after trump is chosen. Card Ranking and Point Values
Tarabish features an unusual point-scoring system where cards have different values depending on whether they are trumps: Trump Value Non-Trump Value Jack 20 points (Highest) Nine 14 points Ace 10 King Queen 8, 7, 6 Core Rules and Gameplay
Bidding: The player to the dealer’s left can “take” the card turned face-up as trump, or pass. If everyone passes, players can choose any of the other three suits.
The Goal: The bidding team must win more than half of the total points available in the round.
Going “Bait”: If the bidding team fails to secure the majority of points, they get zero, and all points go to the opponents.
Following Suit: Players must follow the suit led. If they cannot, they must play a trump card.
Playing to Beat: When playing a trump card, you must beat any trump already on the table if you are able to do so.
Winning: The game ends when a team accumulates 500 points over multiple hands. Special Declarations (Bonus Points)
Players can declare card combinations held in their initial hands for extra points:
Bella: Holding both the King and Queen of the trump suit (worth 20 points).
Twenty: A run of three consecutive cards in the same suit (worth 20 points).
Fifty: A run of four consecutive cards in the same suit (worth 50 points).
Last: Winning the very final trick of the hand awards 10 points.
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