Setup and the Hâkem
Partners sit opposite. One player is the Hâkem (ruler). The Hâkem is dealt 5 cards first and declares the trump suit from those five. Then the rest of the deck is dealt so everyone holds 13.
Playing a trick
The Hâkem leads the first trick. Follow the suit led if you can; otherwise play any card. The highest trump wins, or the highest card of the suit led if no trump was played.
Winning a hand
The first team to take 7 tricks wins the hand and scores 1 point. If the hand is a Kot (a 7–0 sweep), it is worth more: 2 points when the Hâkem's team sweeps, 3 when the opponents sweep the Hâkem.
Winning the game
The first team to 7 points wins. If the Hâkem's team loses a hand, the Hâkem role passes to the next player.
Court Piece
The app also includes Court Piece, the South Asian version of the same game, where a sweep (a “court”) is worth 2 to either side.
Tips to win
- As Hâkem, pick the suit where your five cards are longest, not just highest.
- Count trumps: there are 13, and knowing how many are left wins the late tricks.
- Watch for a Kot: if the opponents have none after five tricks, fight hard for just one.
FAQ
What does Hokm mean?
It means “command” in Persian: the Hâkem commands the trump suit.
Can I play Hokm on iPhone?
Hokm is on Google Play now, and the iPhone version is coming soon.
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