What is a Leaster?

The special hand where everyone plays for themselves - and FEWEST points wins

Quick Answer

A Leaster happens when all 5 players pass (nobody picks up the blind). In a Leaster, there are no teams - everyone plays for themselves, and the player who captures the fewest points wins the hand.

When Does a Leaster Happen?

After the cards are dealt, players take turns deciding whether to "pick" (take the blind) or "pass." Starting from the player to the dealer's left, each player has one chance to pick.

If all 5 players pass → It's a Leaster!

Note: Some groups play "Forced Pick" where the dealer must pick if everyone else passes. In that variant, Leasters don't happen.

How a Leaster Works

1. No Teams

Everyone plays for themselves. There's no picker, no partner, no defenders.

2. The Blind Stays Hidden

The 2 blind cards stay face-down. Whoever wins the last trick also takes the blind cards.

3. Lowest Points Wins

After all 6 tricks, the player who captured the fewest points wins.

4. Last Trick Risk

Winning the last trick is risky - you get the blind, which might have points in it!

Leaster Strategy Tips

✓
Dump your high point cards early
Get rid of Aces and Tens when someone else is winning the trick
✓
Avoid winning the last trick
The blind often contains point cards that will hurt you
✓
Use low trump strategically
Low diamonds can help you duck winning tricks
✗
Don't hold onto Aces hoping to win tricks
In a Leaster, winning tricks with points is BAD

Leaster Scoring

The winner (player with fewest points) typically wins 2 points from each other player, for a total of +8 points. Each loser gets -2 points.

Some variants score Leasters differently - check your house rules!

Example Leaster Result

You

points

WINNER!