How to avoid arguments during a card game

To avoid arguments during a game, agree on the rules before you start and choose someone to keep score: 90 % of arguments come from interpreting the rules differently. Save any advice for your partner until after the hand, and accept that sometimes you’ll lose.

1. Clear rules before you deal

Every household has its own customs: can you declare combinations when trumps are led? How many rounds will you play? Can you look at the last trick? Two minutes spent agreeing at the start saves half an hour of shouting. Our page of rules and tutorials can act as a neutral referee.

2. Put someone in charge of the score

It’s best written down on paper where everyone can see it. Keeping score in your head is the number one cause of ‘that’s not right’.

3. No having a go at your partner

Criticising your partner’s play in the heat of the moment only makes them play worse next time. If you need to discuss it, wait until the end of the hand and keep it friendly.

4. Be careful with signals

In games such as Mus (a Spanish partnership card game), signals are allowed; in others, they aren’t. Make that clear. Saying too much to your partner is the second biggest cause of rows.

5. Be a good loser (and a good winner)

Celebrate, yes; rub it in, no. A game is time spent together, and you can play again tomorrow. For more ideas, take a look at how to organise a tournament with friends.