Baloot tips for beginners: 10 ways to win more hands
3 November 2026 · Jakoz Gaming
Baloot looks complicated the first time you sit in a majlis and hear "Sun!", "Hokm!" and "Ashkal!" flying around the table. The good news: a few habits make a big difference. Here are ten tips that help new players win more hands.
1. Learn the two orders
In Sun and in normal suits the order is A, 10, K, Q, J, 9, 8, 7. In Hokm the trump suit changes: J, 9, A, 10, K, Q, 8, 7. The jack of trumps is the strongest card in the game.
2. Count your sure tricks before you call
For Sun, look for aces and 10s that are protected by another card of the same suit. For Hokm, the J and 9 of the face-up suit are worth far more than a long suit of small cards.
3. Remember the face-up card is yours if you buy
When you call Hokm or Sun you take the face-up card. A face-up jack or ace can turn an average hand into a strong one.
4. Use Ashkal wisely
If you speak last or second to last and your hand is strong for Sun but the face-up card would help your partner more, Ashkal gives it to them.
5. Feed your partner points
When your partner is already winning the trick, throw your A or 10 there. Those 10 and 11 points are what decide close hands.
6. Don't waste trumps
In Hokm you must cut when you have no card of the led suit, unless your partner is winning. Keep your high trumps for tricks with points in them.
7. Draw trumps when you hold the jack
If your team bought Hokm and you hold the jack of trumps, leading trumps early removes the opponents' chances to cut your aces.
8. Watch the projects
A run of 3 cards (Sira) is worth 20, 4 cards 50, and 5 cards or four of a kind 100. Only the team with the best project scores, so a strong project can save a weak hand.
9. Don't forget Baloot
Holding the K and Q of trumps in Hokm gives your team 2 points that can never be lost.
10. Play the last trick
The last trick is worth 10 extra points. Keep a winner for the end when you can.
The fastest way to improve is to play: practise Baloot free against the computer on Jakoz, then invite your friends with a link and talk with voice chat while you play. Full rules are on the Baloot rules page.