Pitch / Setback
A bidding trick-taking game built around high, low, jack, and game points.
Setup
Deal 6 cards each. Players bid for the right to name trump.
How to Play
- Highest bidder names trump and leads.
- Players follow suit if possible.
- Score high trump, low trump, jack of trump, and game points.
- Bidders must make their bid or lose points.
How to Win
First to the target score wins.
Bid based on likely point cards, not just high cards.
Is Pitch / Setback Right for You?
Pitch, also called Setback, is a bidding trick-taking game for two to four players where you wager on how many of a handful of scoring points you can capture. Reach for it when you want bidding tension in a quick, gambling-flavored package.
Maybe skip it if: If you want the rich partnership play of Bridge or Spades, Pitch's small scoring pool feels thin.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting the four scoring points are High, Low, Jack, and Game, not the number of tricks.
- Bidding more than your hand can deliver and getting set, which subtracts your bid from your score.
Strategy Tips
- A high trump like the Ace guarantees the High point and the lead, so it anchors a bid.
- Hold the low trump carefully; a 2 of trump locks in the Low point if no smaller trump is in play.
Popular Variations
Auction Pitch (4-point)
The standard form scoring High, Low, Jack, and Game; highest bidder pitches and that suit becomes trump.
10-Point Pitch
Adds points for the trump 10 and 3 (and sometimes Joker), expanding the scoring pool and the bidding.
Our Take
We find Pitch a great pub-and-porch game, brisk and bluffy without demanding much setup. It is our recommendation when a group wants the thrill of bidding without learning a whole system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the four points in Pitch?
High (highest trump in play), Low (lowest trump in play), Jack (of trump, if dealt and captured), and Game (most card-value points among captured cards).
What does getting set mean in Pitch?
If the bidder fails to make their bid, they are set and the amount of the bid is subtracted from their score, often going negative.