Bela Online | IGRE.games

White (also known as A traitor) is one of the most popular card games in the Balkans and Central Europe. It is played in pairs, requires good communication with a partner, memorization of played cards and smart choice of trumps. Below, read all the most important: deck, dealing, scoring, professions and basic strategies.

What is Bela (Belot)?

White is the game for 4 players who play in 2 for (partners sit opposite each other). The goal is to win tricks (hands) and collect points through cards taken and special combinations (ranks). In each hand, a adut (the suit that is strongest in that hand), which significantly affects the order of card strength and tactics.

Number of players and deck of cards

Number of players: 4 (2 pairs)
Deck: 32 cards (7, 8, 9, 10, J, Q, K, A in all 4 suits)
Partners: they sit opposite each other

How is the game divided and how does it start?

After shuffling, each player is dealt a total of 8 cards (usually in 3-2-3 or 3-3-2 packs, depending on the agreement). Before the final trump is chosen, one card is usually “opened” as a trump proposal (rules vary by region). Players then decide whether to accept the offered trump or choose another trump according to the agreed rules.

Trump and card strength

Strength of cards in a non-trump suit

A (ace)
10
K (king)
Q (queen)
J (boy)
9
8
7

Strength of cards in a trump suit

J (boy)
9
A (ace)
10
K (king)
Q (queen)
8
7

The difference is crucial: the trump card is J i 9 above the ace and ten, so they often decide the hand.

Scoring (basic card points)

Points in a non-trump suit

A = 11
= 10 10
K = 4
Q = 3
J = 2
9, 8, 7 = 0

Points in a trump suit

J = 20
= 9 14
A = 11
= 10 10
K = 4
Q = 3
8, 7 = 0

The total number of points per hand (excluding ranks) in standard belote is 162 (depending on the variant), and there is often a bonus for the last trick. The rules may vary slightly, so it is a good idea to mention “depending on the deal/variant” in the article.

Titles (combinations) – what can be called

Titles are special combinations that earn you extra points. The most common titles include:

Most famous title: Bela

White is a combination king (K) i ladies (Q) in the trump suit. When a player has both, he can “call white” and get bonus points (depending on the variant).

Other common titles (depending on the rules)

Strings (tuning): e.g. 3 in a row, 4 in a row, etc. in the same color
Quadruplets: four of the same value (e.g. four aces, four tens...)
Special combinations: vary by region and agreement

Important: in many variants, ranks are compared with the opponent's ranks and only the stronger one is recognized (or all are recognized, depending on the rules).

How to play a trick (round) and basic rules of moves

It is played through 8 tricks. In each trick, the players throw one card, and the strongest card (with trump rules) takes the trick.

Respect for color: If you have a suit that is on, you have to throw it away.
Trumping: if you don't have a suit, you often have to throw a trump (depending on the rules)
Overtime: in some variants you have to "raise" (play a stronger card) if you can
Partner's hand: It is played in pairs, so it is important to keep track of what your partner throws and what they are trying to "pull out"

Basic strategy (short and useful)

Remember the trump cards: who threw the J and 9 in trump often decides the hand
Count the tricks: If you know how many cards of the same suit have been dealt, it is easier to plan the ending.
Don't reveal everything right away: sometimes it's better to save strong cards for a crucial moment
Play for a partner: Let your partner know when you see that he is "carrying" his hand.
Pure colors: drawing an opponent's trump card often opens the way for throwing strong non-trump cards

Online Bela – why people like to play it online

Online versions of Bela allow for quick play without a physical deck, automatic scoring, and playing with friends or random opponents. Good platforms offer chat, statistics, and stable matchmaking, making it easy to play a game “on the go.”

If you want, you can also add a link to the game below: Play Bela online

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Is Bela and Belot the same?

In practice, yes: “Bela” and “Belot” are often used as the name for the same game, although there are regional differences in rules and scoring.

How long does one game last?

It depends on the agreement and the goal (e.g. to reach a certain number of points), but online games often last shorter because points are calculated automatically.

What are the most important rules for beginners?

Learn the order of trump card strength, the mandatory respect for suits, and basic scoring. This is the foundation for everything else.