General
Herrlof is a 2-player game only.
Herrlof is designed exclusively for 2 players. No more, no fewer players may participate in a standard game.
Turn structure
Each round follows five sequential phases.
Every round of Herrlof proceeds through five phases in order: (1) Deal 15 cards to each player, (2) Set the trump suit, (3) Each player secretly predicts their score, (4) Battle for tricks by playing out all 15 tricks, and (5) Reveal predictions and determine scores. A new round then begins unless the endgame has been triggered.
Setup
15 cards are dealt to each player at the start of every round.
At the beginning of each round, 15 cards are dealt to each of the 2 players, giving each player a hand of 15 cards. This deal is repeated at the start of every new round.
Turn structure
A trump suit is set each round after the deal.
After the 15 cards are dealt, a trump suit is established for the round. Cards of the trump suit beat cards of all other suits when played to a trick. The exact method for determining trump is resolved during the 'set the trump' phase of the round.
Turn structure
Each player secretly predicts their score before trick-taking begins.
After the trump suit is set and before trick-taking begins, each player privately and secretly predicts their score for the round. Predictions are made simultaneously and in secret, so neither player knows the other's prediction until the reveal phase at the end of the round.
Restriction
Predictions are kept secret from the opponent until the reveal phase.
All score predictions are made in secret. A player must not reveal or hint at their prediction to the opponent during the prediction phase or during trick-taking. Predictions are only revealed at the end of the round during the reveal and scoring phase.
Turn structure
Players battle for tricks by playing all 15 cards from their hand.
The trick-taking phase consists of 15 tricks played out using the cards dealt that round. Players alternate leading and following tricks. The trump suit beats all non-trump suits. Standard trick-taking conventions apply. The winner of each trick takes the cards and leads the next trick.
Scoring
After all tricks are played, predictions are revealed and scores are determined.
At the end of the trick-taking phase, both players simultaneously reveal their secret predictions. Scores are then calculated based on tricks won and any applicable bonuses. Scores are added to each player's running total.