Rules that must be observed for sanctioned play:
- A 4 person game where all players are AHA members - i.e. know the rules and are good people
- A 3 card pass must be made in all directions(one direction per hand and a keeper and scatter are optional - no other passing variants)
- The 2 of clubs starts play
- A negative 5 point bonus is awarded for the taking of no tricks
- There is nothing significant about the Jack of diamonds
- Hearts cannot be led until broken
These are the only rules that must be in effect for a match to be sanctioned.
Recommended Rules Additions
The AHA strongly recommends the following protocols for play, although they are not mandatory.
- No keeper
- An extra 5 points for someone with no tricks in the event of a moon shot
- No hearts or the queen can be played on the 1st trick
- "When it's laid, it's played." - Once a card is played, you cannot take it back.
- No option for taking -26 points after a moon shot
- The game cannot end if there are any ties
- The Grand Slam - "Anyone can win at anytime"
- - The Ultimate display of power
- The Grand Slam
- When a player takes all 13 of the tricks, he/she is immediately declared the winner regardless of score unless there is a tie between any of the players.
- The Ivan Lendl
- When, either before or after the pass, a player can place all their cards face up before he/she has played a card and declare, "They're all mine." If the claim is true, then the 'Ivan Lendl' has been achieved! The game is over, even if some players are tied. There should probably be several minutes of wild celebration.
Should an 'Ivan Lendl' be erroneously declared, it is up to the members present to determine a proper penalty.
A final word on AHA Rules
If you are considering a house rules addition that is unusual, do two things - one, use your judgement as to whether or not this rule will compramise the nature of the game. If it passes that test, then proceed to step two, which is to contact the AHA for a ruling on the matter.
