Blackjack, commonly referred to as Tarneeb in many Arab countries—especially across the Levant region—is a popular card game often played with strategic depth and competitive spirit. In Gulf Arab states, it is sometimes called "rule." The primary goal of the game is for teams to win consecutive rounds of Tarneeb by collecting the most valuable card combinations and fulfilling bid requirements.

The game typically involves four players divided into two partnerships, with teammates seated opposite each other. Players remain paired throughout the game until all cards are played and final scores are tallied to determine the winning team.

Game Setup

Tarneeb is played using a standard 52-card deck (excluding Jokers). The dealing process begins with cards being distributed clockwise, starting with the player to the left of the dealer. Each player receives thirteen cards, forming their hand for that round.

Card Distribution

The dealing begins from the right side of the dealer during the initial round. Each player receives an equal share of the cards, with no special restrictions on distribution order at this stage.

Bidding Process

Bidding starts with the player to the right of the dealer and continues in sequence. Players can bid between 7 and 13 tricks, with the number indicating how many "snacks" or "tricks" they expect to win in that round. The highest bidder selects the trump suit, known as Tarneeb, which gives them a strategic advantage.

Gameplay Mechanics

During play, if a player fails to meet their declared target—for example, bidding 10 tricks but only collecting 9—their team incurs a penalty. In such cases, the opposing team gains credit for the collected tricks instead. For instance, if your team bids 10 but only takes 9, the other team earns those 9 tricks toward their total.

If the bidding team fails to meet their target, the points are subtracted from their overall score. This scoring method adds tension and strategy to every round, making each decision crucial.

Winning the Game

The game concludes when one team reaches either 61 or 31 points, depending on the pre-game agreement. These totals are usually based on cumulative wins across multiple rounds.

Card Rankings

The hierarchy of cards in Tarneeb is as follows:

• Ace – Known as "Cut"
• King – Referred to as "Sheikh"
• Queen – Called "Girl"
• Jack – Labeled "Born"

From there, the cards rank downward numerically from 10 through 2, maintaining a clear and consistent ranking system throughout gameplay.

This version of Blackjack—or Tarneeb—offers not only entertainment but also a deep level of tactical play, making it a favorite among card enthusiasts across [ttpp]Arab countries[yyxx].