Oh Hell (Contract Whist)

Overview

Oh Hell, also known as Contract Whist, Up and Down the River, or Nomination Whist, is a trick-taking card game where players must bid exactly how many tricks they think they'll win each round. The challenge lies in making your exact bid—no more, no less—while preventing others from making theirs.

Setup

1. Choose a dealer (rotates each round)
2. The number of cards dealt varies by round (see Round Structure)
3. After dealing, flip the next card face-up to determine trump suit
4. If no cards remain after dealing, play with no trump that round
5. Starting left of dealer, each player bids how many tricks they'll win

Round Structure

The game starts with 8 cards, goes down to 1, then back up to 8:

Total: 15 rounds (8 down to 1, then 1 up to 8)

Special One-Card Round

When playing the 1-card round, NO ONE looks at their own card:

1. Each player is dealt one card face-down
2. Without looking, each player places their card against their forehead, facing outward
3. Players can see everyone else's cards but NOT their own
4. Bidding proceeds as normal, but you must bid based on what you see, not what you have
5. After bidding, cards are played face-up in turn order

This creates a unique psychological challenge where you must deduce your card from others' bids and visible cards!

Bidding

Starting with the player left of the dealer and going clockwise:

• Each player bids the exact number of tricks they will win (0 to hand size)
• The dealer goes last
• Screw the Dealer Rule (optional): The total of all bids cannot equal the number of tricks available. The dealer must adjust their bid to prevent this.
• Once made, bids cannot be changed

Playing the Hand

Card Ranking

Ace (high) down to 2 (low)

Playing Tricks

1. Player left of dealer leads the first trick
2. Each player must follow suit if able
3. If unable to follow suit, may play any card (trump or discard)
4. Trick is won by:
   • Highest trump card played, or
   • Highest card of the led suit if no trump played
5. Winner of trick leads the next trick

Scoring

After all tricks are played, score each player:

Note: Making your exact bid is worth significantly more than missing it, even if you win many tricks. The goal is accuracy, not just winning tricks!

Alternative Scoring Variants

Zero Points for Missed Bids

Make your bid = 10 + bid points
Miss your bid = 0 points (no consolation points)

Negative Scoring

Make your bid = bid points only (no +10 bonus)
Miss your bid = -5 points (or -1 × tricks off target)

Bonus Points

Some groups award bonus points:

• +5 bonus for bidding and making 0 (nil bid)
• +10 bonus for making a bid equal to hand size (bidding all)
• Double points in the final round

Winning the Game

After all rounds are complete (up and optionally down), the player with the highest total score wins.

Strategy Tips

• Bid conservatively: It's better to make a small bid than miss a large one
• Know your trump: Trump cards give you control - adjust bids accordingly
• Track trump cards: Remember which trump cards have been played
• Lead strategically: If you've made your bid, help others fail theirs
• Void suits: Running out of a suit early lets you dump cards or trump
• Watch other bids: Know who needs tricks and who doesn't
• Protect your bid: Once you've won enough tricks, avoid winning more
• Sabotage others: Force tricks on players who don't want them
• Small cards in trump: Can be powerful for avoiding unwanted tricks
• One-card rounds: High cards or trump are valuable

Advanced Tactics

Bidding Zero

Bidding zero (nil) is high risk, high reward. You need consistently low cards or ability to shed cards safely.

Counting Cards

Track which high cards and trump remain. This helps predict who will win future tricks.

Leading Strategy

• Need tricks: Lead high cards or trump
• Made bid: Lead suits where opponents are weak
• Force trump: Lead suits where others are likely void

Late Round Play

In the final 1-2 tricks, players often know exactly how many more tricks they need. Use this to your advantage.

Common Variants

No Trump Rounds

Every few rounds, play without trump for added challenge.

Hidden Trump

Don't reveal trump until after bidding is complete. Players must bid blind.

Partnership Oh Hell

With 4 or 6 players, play in teams. Partners sit across from each other and combine scores.

Danish Whist

Instead of going up and down, play a fixed number of rounds with the same hand size (usually 7-10 cards).

Common Mistakes

• Overbidding based on high cards alone (need to consider position)
• Not adjusting bid based on trump suit
• Forgetting to "screw the dealer" when that rule is active
• Winning extra tricks after making your bid
• Not tracking trump cards that have been played
• Leading high cards when you've already made your bid
• Ignoring other players' bids
• Failing to void a suit strategically

Etiquette and House Rules

• Decide on scoring system before starting
• Agree whether to use "Screw the Dealer" rule
• Determine if playing up and down or just up
• Decide whether nil bids get bonus points
• Keep a visible score sheet for all to see
• No table talk about hands during play