How Wizard scoring works
Wizard is a trick-taking game for three to six players with a 60-card deck, in which every player bids exactly how many tricks they will take and only exact bids score.
The deck
Wizard uses a standard 52-card deck plus four Wizards and four Jesters. A Wizard always wins the trick (the first one played takes it), and a Jester always loses.
Rounds
Round one deals one card to each player, round two two, and so on until the deck runs out: 20 rounds with three players, 15 with four, 12 with five and 10 with six. After the deal the top card of the remaining deck sets trump; in the last round there is no card left, so there is no trump.
Bidding
Starting left of the dealer, every player says how many tricks they expect to take. The bids are written down before the first card is led.
Playing
Players must follow the suit led if they can, though a Wizard or a Jester can be played at any time. The highest trump wins the trick, otherwise the highest card of the suit led.
Scoring
A player who takes exactly the number of tricks they bid scores 20 points plus 10 for every trick taken. A player who misses loses 10 points for every trick they were over or under. The highest total after the last round wins.
Common house rules
Some tables do not allow the bids to add up to the number of cards dealt, so at least one player must miss. Others score misses as 0, or play a fixed number of rounds for a shorter game.
What Score All does with these rules
One more card every round
Round one deals one card, round two two, and so on until the 60-card deck runs out: 20 rounds for three players, 15 for four, 12 for five and 10 for six. The console shows the round and the cards to deal, and says when the last round has no trump.
Bid, then count the tricks
Before play every player bids how many tricks they will take. Afterwards enter each bid and the tricks taken; the tricks must add up to the cards dealt, which catches a miscount before it is scored.
How a round scores
A made bid scores 20 plus 10 for each trick taken, so a bid of three made is worth 50. A missed bid loses 10 for every trick over or under. Zero made is worth 20.
House rules
Play a shorter game, score misses as 0 instead of a loss, or pay 10 for every trick taken plus 20 for an exact bid. Many tables also stop the bids adding up to the cards dealt, so somebody always misses: switch it on and the sheet refuses a round where they do.
Wizard scoring FAQ
How do you score Wizard?
20 points plus 10 a trick for an exact bid; minus 10 for every trick you are off.
How many rounds is a game of Wizard?
Sixty divided by the number of players: 20 for three, 15 for four, 12 for five, 10 for six.
What beats a Wizard?
Nothing. The first Wizard played in a trick wins it.
Is there a free Wizard score keeper app?
Yes. Score All keeps the Wizard score sheet for free on any phone, with bids, tricks, running totals and a live standings link.
How many rounds are in a game of Wizard?
Sixty cards divided by the number of players: 20 rounds with three, 15 with four, 12 with five and 10 with six.
How do you score Wizard?
A correct bid scores 20 points plus 10 for every trick taken. A wrong bid loses 10 points for every trick you were over or under.