how to play whist

[elderly]

how do I play whist. ? second player plays low.

[mike11111]

Second player plays low, third player plays high is generally good advice, but there are exceptions. This is more easily seen at Bridge, where the dummy is exposed. If declarer leads towards a singleton King in dummy and second player has the Ace, he definitely does NOT play low.

[elderly]

Mike
Thank you. I am going to join a small whist group and really don't know the rules. Thank you regarding the 2nd/3rd player answer. What do I play when it's my lead?
They are a very friendly group and I'm sure they won't stab me if I make a mistake!!! I would like to try and get it right though.

[Jemisa]

I've always thought it was like a glorified game of Rummy....

jem

[mike11111]

It is impossible to tell you what to lead. It all depends on what you hold and what you can learn about the distribution of the cards from the play. Remember that you are playing with a partner, so it is important to watch what he plays. He will often signal what he wants you to do. For example, if you hold, say AKxxx of a suit, it is normally safe to lead the Ace. If partner wants you to continue the suit he will play a high card under your Ace, whereas if he wants you to switch, he will play a low one. If he plays the Jack under your Ace, you continue with the King. When he plays a low one on the King he is telling you that he has no more of that suit left, so you can lead a third low card, knowing that he can ruff (trump) it.

[elderly]

Thank you Mike.