What is a 'Renuncio' in a card game?

A renuncio (renege) happens when you play a card that breaks the rules, such as failing to follow suit when you have a card of that suit. Traditional trick-taking games treat this seriously: in many, the penalty is losing the hand or even the whole match.

A simple example

You are in the arrastre (trumping) phase of Guiñote [a popular trick-taking game from Aragon]. Your opponent leads with an Oros (coins) [gold coins] card and you have an Oros in your hand. You must play it. If you play a Copas (cups) [cups] card to save your Oros, you have committed a renuncio. It doesn't matter if it was accidental: the table will notice sooner or later because that Oros will eventually turn up.

Why is it so serious?

Because it breaks the game for everyone else. All players count cards and deduce what their rivals hold based on what has been played. If someone commits a renuncio, those deductions fail and the entire hand ceases to make sense. That is why the punishment is usually exemplary.

Asistir, montar, and fallar

Committing a renuncio is linked to three terms that are worth clarifying:

• Asistir: to follow suit by playing a card of the same suit as the lead.
• Montar: to play a card that beats the one currently winning the trick, if you are able.
• Fallar: to play a trump card when you do not have any cards of the lead suit.

If you get confused by the trump suit, we have a guide on what the triunfo (trump) or muestra is and another on what a baza (trick) is.

You cannot commit a renuncio when playing online

On Lascuarenta, the game itself only allows you to play valid cards, so there are no renuncios due to oversight. It is a great way to learn the rules and obligations without the fear of making a mistake at the pub table.