Lockup

How to play Lockup

Four players receive 13 cards apiece. Each trick is worth one point. Follow the led suit if you can; otherwise play any card. The highest card of the led suit wins, with aces high and no trump. You cannot lead a club while you hold another suit.

There is one exception to following suit: if any jack, queen or king is already in the trick, you may play the club of that same rank, even when you could follow suit. Aces and numbered cards do not grant this exception.

Winning a trick containing clubs puts its winner in lockup for one trick per club captured. On each skipped trick, a random card is removed from that player’s hand without being played. The next available player clockwise leads while the winner is locked up. Remaining players play a smaller trick; returning players rejoin after their penalty expires.

At the end of each 13-trick round, add tricks to each player’s score, clear lockup penalties and rotate the opening player. The unique highest scorer wins once their total is at least 20. A tie for the lead continues into another round. Computer choices use legal moves and never inspect your hidden cards.

Can I play the queen of clubs while holding the led suit?

Yes, if a queen is already on the table. The same exception applies to matching club jacks and kings.

Tap or click a legal card to play. Use Tab and Enter or Space with a keyboard. Computer players act automatically; press Next round after reviewing the result. Rules reference. Original implementation and card artwork.