Shelem

Shelem is an Iranian trick-taking card game with four players.

Shelem is an Iranian trick-taking card game with four players in two partnerships, bidding and competing against each other. Bidding and trump are declared in every hand by the bidding winner. Both the name and the point structure of this game are similar to the American game Rook, there being a possible connection between the two games. Though it isn't clear from which game it is derived.

What's New in the Latest Version 1.03

Last updated on Apr 18, 2024

1.03
Some bugs fixed.
1.0
Shelem released.

Shelem, an enthralling trick-taking card game, captivates players with its strategic depth and engaging gameplay. Played with a standard 52-card deck, Shelem challenges players to navigate a dynamic landscape of bids, tricks, and point scoring.

Objective:

The primary objective of Shelem is to accumulate the highest number of points by capturing tricks and fulfilling bid contracts.

Setup:

Shelem accommodates 2 to 6 players, forming partnerships of two. The deck is shuffled and dealt equally among the players. The player to the left of the dealer leads the first trick.

Bidding:

Bidding in Shelem is a crucial phase that sets the stage for the game. Starting with the player to the left of the dealer, each player makes a bid indicating the number of tricks they believe their partnership can take. Bids range from 1 to 13, with 13 representing the highest possible number of tricks.

Trick-Taking:

After the bidding round, the game progresses into trick-taking. The player who led the first trick continues to lead until a trick is won. The player who captures the highest card in the suit led wins the trick and leads the next one.

Point Scoring:

Points are awarded based on the number of tricks taken and the fulfillment of bid contracts. Each trick taken above the bid earns 10 points, while failing to meet the bid incurs a penalty of 5 points per undertrick. Additionally, players earn bonus points for fulfilling certain bid contracts, such as taking all 13 tricks (known as a "Grand Slam") or capturing all four aces.

Special Rules:

Shelem incorporates several unique rules that add depth to the gameplay:

* No Trump: Players can declare "No Trump," eliminating the trump suit for the duration of the game.

* Reneging: Failing to follow suit when possible is considered a "renege" and results in a penalty of 10 points.

* Bagging: If a partnership captures all 13 tricks, they "bag" their opponents, doubling the point value of all tricks taken.

Variations:

Shelem has several variations that modify the gameplay slightly, such as:

* Bridge Shelem: Played with a different bidding system and point scoring scheme.

* Chicago Shelem: Features a rotating trump suit and different bidding rules.

* Russian Shelem: Played with a 36-card deck and incorporates additional special rules.

Conclusion:

Shelem is a highly engaging and rewarding card game that combines strategic bidding, skillful trick-taking, and point accumulation. With its versatile gameplay and numerous variations, Shelem offers countless hours of entertainment for players of all skill levels.