NUMBER OF PLAYERS 2 to 7; best for 4Setback was invented by enthusiasts of Seven Up who wanted a simplified bidding and trump-nominating process. And whereas Seven Up is a three-player game, Setback may be played by up to seven players. The games are similar in most other respects.
NUMBER OF PLAYERS 2 to 7; best for 4
HOW TO DEAL Start with a fifty-two-card deck, and deal each player six cards, dealt three at a time. Card rankings are standard, with aces always high.
SCORING The goal is to win as many points as possible in tricks. There are four total points in play:
HIGH POINT (1) to the player who captures the highest trump in play.
LOW POINT (1) to the player who captures the lowest trump in play.
JACK (1) to the player who captures the jack of trumps.
GAME (1) to the player who scores the most overall points, based on the following values: score 10 points for each 10, 4 points for aces, 3 points for kings, 2 points for queens, and 1 point for non-trump jacks.
If two players tie for game point, the point is not awarded. In some cases, the jack of trumps is not in circulation, in which case only 3 points are possible.
If the bid winner meets or beats his bid, he scores all points made. If he fails to meet his bid, the value of the bid is subtracted from his game score. Non-bidders keep any points scored. Games are typically played to 7 points.
HOW TO PLAY The player to the left of the dealer opens the bidding. All players have one opportunity to bid or pass. The only valid bids are one, two, three, four, and pass.
The bid winner leads the first card, and that card’s suit determines trump for the hand. Players must follow suit if possible (trumps may be played at any time); otherwise they may play any card. The trick is won by the highest trump card or, if no trumps are played, by the highest card in the leading suit. The trick winner leads the next trick. Scores are tallied when all cards are played. The deal rotates clockwise.
VARIATION: PITCH
This is played exactly as the main game, with one crucial difference. Any player—as long as her score is not negative—may make a pitch bid. This promises four tricks and, if won, ends the game instantly. A player with a negative score may pitch bid, but if she wins the bid, she simply scores 4 points; it is not an automatic win.