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Rentz Rules

Dealing the Cards

  1. Dealing: In Rentz, each player receives an equal number of 8 cards.

Winning Hands

The basic rule for winning a hand in Rentz is as follows:

  1. Starting Player: After reviewing his cards, the first player chooses which round will be played. They are also the first to play a card, except in the Rentz round, where the player holding the Jack of clubs plays first.

  2. Playing the Cards: The starting player selects a card from their hand and plays it. Then, in a clockwise direction, each player plays one card.

  3. Lead Suit: the suit of the first card played is considered lead suit. If the following players have cards in this suit, it is mandatory to play one of them (i.e., if the first card is a diamond, the other players must also play diamonds if they have them). Otherwise, they can play any other card.

  4. Winning the Hand: The player who plays the highest card of the lead suit wins the hand and starts the next hand.

Gameplay

Rentz is played over several rounds, each with different rules. Each player chooses the round to be played when it is their turn to lead. A player can choose each round only once per game. A complete session includes the following rounds:

  1. Totals: In this round, the objective is to avoid winning any hands.

    • Each hand taken is worth 25 negative points.

    • Each Queen taken in a hand is worth 50 negative points.

    • The King of Hearts is worth 200 negative points.

    • Each diamond won is worth 25 negative points.

  2. Whist: In this round, the goal is to win as many hands as possible. Each hand won is worth 25 positive points.

  3. Diamonds: The goal is to avoid diamond cards. Each diamond card taken in a hand is worth 25 negative points.

  4. 10 of clubs: In this round, players must take the 10 of clubs which brings 200 positive points.

  5. King of Hearts: In this round, the objective is to avoid taking the King of Hearts. The King of Hearts is worth 200 negative points.

  6. Rentz: In this round, the objective is to be the first to place all your cards on the table. The first player receives 400 points, the second 300 points, the third 100 points, and the last 0 points. The round starts with the Jack of clubs. Then, cards are placed in order, according to suit. The next player must place either the 10 or the Queen of clubs next to the Jack. If they do not have one, they can place any other Jack on the table. If they do not have a Jack, the turn passes to the next player. If a player places an Ace, they are allowed to place another card if they have any available. If a player places a 7, the next player loses their turn and cannot place a card. 

  7. Queens: Each Queen taken is worth -50 points.

About Rentz

​​Rentz is a traditional card game with a rich history and growing popularity in certain regions of Eastern Europe. The exact origins of Rentz are not well-documented, but it is believed to have originated in Romania in the 20th century. The name "Rentz" likely comes from a similar card game called "Rams," which was popular in Central and Eastern Europe.

History and Origin

Rentz emerged as a variation of several European card games, combining rules and elements from games like Whist and Hearts. Over time, it evolved into a unique game with its own set of rules and playing styles. Although Rentz is most well-known in Romania, it has gained popularity in other Eastern European countries, including Hungary and Moldova, due to communities of players who have promoted the game and adapted it to their own local traditions.​

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