Oshaka Trick
Oshaka Trick Rulebook
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Components
- Rulebooks x2 (Japanese / English)
- Lead Player Marker x1
- Cards x52 (4 colors x 13 cards) (Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, numbered 1-13)
Game Overview
The game consists of 2 rounds (First Half and Second Half). Each round consists of 13 tricks. A slight rule change is added in the Second Half.
The player with the highest total score wins the game.
1. Setup
Cards used depending on the number of players:
- 3 Players (39 cards total): Use numbers 1-10 of all 4 colors. Take these 40 cards, and randomly remove 1 card face down without looking.
- 4 Players (52 cards total): Use all cards (Numbers 1-13 of all 4 colors).
Shuffle the cards well and deal 13 cards face down to each player. This is your hand. Determine the Lead Player (the player who plays the first card).
The player who most recently helped someone becomes the lead player. If no one qualifies, choose randomly.
For Trick-Taking Veterans
This game is "Must Follow" and "Lowest Rank Wins". The trump suit is "any color other than the lead suit", and "ties are won by the later player". If you understand these terms, you can skip to "4. Placement Rules".
2. How to Play a Trick
Following the rules below, starting with the lead player and moving clockwise, each player plays exactly 1 card.
(The process of all players playing 1 card is called a "Trick". You will play a total of 13 tricks per round.)
- The Lead Player chooses any 1 card from their hand and plays it face up to start the trick.
- Subsequent players must play a card based on the lead card's color and the current cards in their hand:
If you have a card of the same color (Must Follow): You MUST play 1 card of that exact same color face up.
If you DO NOT have a card of the same color: You may freely play ANY 1 card from your hand face up.
The trick ends once every player at the table has played one card.
3. Winning a Trick
When all players have played 1 card, determine the winner of the trick based on the following rules:
If all cards played are the SAME color: The player who played the smallest number wins the trick.
If 2 or more colors are played: Among the cards that are a "different color" from the lead card, the player who played the smallest number wins the trick. (If there is a tie for the smallest number, the player who played later wins.)
The winner of the trick takes all the cards played, places them in front of themselves according to "4. Placement Rules", and becomes the Lead Player for the next trick.
4. Placement Rules
Cards you win in a trick must be placed in front of you, one by one, in ascending order (smallest number first).
Place cards of the same color in front of you in a vertical column, slightly overlapping them so that the numbers remain visible.
The largest number visible at the very top of each color column becomes your final Score for that specific color.
See "5. Placing Cards" for details.
Crucial Rule: Cards that cannot be placed according to this ascending rule (i.e., a number smaller than the card already placed at the top of that color's column) CANNOT be scored. These become a forced major penalty called the "Oshaka Penalty".
See "6. About the Oshaka Penalty" for details.
Smaller numbers are a forced penalty!
5. Placing Cards (Scoring vs. Minor Penalty)
When you win a trick, resolve the cards one by one starting from the smallest number. For each card, you may choose A or B:
A. Place Face Up as a "Score Card"
Place it in front of you to build your score. Cards must be placed by color, in ascending order (smallest to largest). (Overlap these cards vertically, face up)
B. Place Face Down as a "Penalty Card"
Place it face down in front of you. This counts as a -1 point penalty. (Overlap these cards horizontally to keep track)
Once the cards have been placed, start the next trick.
Hint: To avoid devastating Oshaka Penalties, it is sometimes wise to intentionally place cards face down as "Penalty Cards" (-1 pt) to manage your columns and accept a minor loss.
6. About the "Oshaka Penalty"
If you acquire a card smaller than your top face-up card of that color, you cannot choose A or B. This forced penalty is called the "Oshaka Penalty".
Place this card sideways (horizontally) in front of you. Its printed number becomes a negative score value (e.g., "4" = -4pts).
Smaller numbers are a forced penalty!
7. Round Scoring Summary
Score Cards: The largest number visible in each color column face up. Add these together.
Example: (11pts) + (9pts) = (20pts)
Penalty Cards: Face down cards. Each card is -1 point.
Example: (-1pts) x (3 cards) = (-3pts)
Oshaka Penalties: Sideways face up cards. Subtract the exact number printed on each card.
Example: (-5pts) + (-4pts) = (-9pts)
Once all players have recorded their scores, the Second Half begins. One new rule is added for the Second Half.
End of Round Scoring Example
(20pts) + (-3pts) + (-9pts) = (8pts)
Score: 20pts. Penalties: -3pts. Oshaka: -9pts. Total: 8pts.
8. End of the First Half (Round 1)
The First Half ends after all cards from the 13th trick have been placed. Calculate your score by summing your points and penalties.
9. Start of the Second Half (Round 2)
The Second Half consists of 13 tricks, just like the First Half. After dealing a new hand of cards to all players, the player with the lowest score from the First Half (if tied, decide randomly) chooses the Lead Player to start the Second Half.
However, in the Second Half, in addition to the First Half rules: If you acquire a "card of a color other than the 3 colors you have already placed (a 4th color)", it also becomes an Oshaka Penalty!
The 4th color is a forced penalty! (Round 2 only)
Hint: If you lock in a 3rd color for scoring, the probability of taking an Oshaka Penalty in subsequent tricks skyrockets!
10. End of the Game
Just like the First Half, the Second Half (and the game) ends after the cards from the 13th trick have been placed. Sum your scores from the First Half and the Second Half. The player with the highest total score is the winner! If there is a tie, share the victory.
FAQ
Q: Are face-up cards public information? A: Yes. All players can see them.
Q: Can players look at face-down cards? A: No. Not even the player who placed them can look at them.
Q: How should scores from the first half be recorded? A: Record them using a smartphone, memo pad, or similar.
Q: Is the lead player marker required? A: No. It is optional and may be used if desired.