Hokm (Persian for "decree" or "command") is Iran's favourite card game. Four players play in two partnerships, partners sitting opposite. One player, the hakem, names the trump suit, and each team races to take seven of the thirteen tricks. It is quick to learn, but counting cards, reading your partner and timing your trumps make it a real game of skill.
In Hamdor you can play Hokm online against real players, set up a private room and send the code to friends, or practise offline against three bots.
How to play Hokm
- To pick the hakem, cards are dealt face up until the first ace; whoever gets it is the hakem.
- The hakem names trump after seeing their first five cards; then the rest is dealt (13 cards each).
- The hakem leads the first trick. You must follow suit; if you can't, trump or throw any card.
- The highest trump wins the trick; with no trump in it, the highest card of the suit led.
- First team to seven tricks takes the hand: 1 point. A kot (7 to 0) is 2 points, and 3 if the hakem's team is shut out.
- If the hakem's team wins, the hakem stays; otherwise it passes to the next player. First team to 7 points wins.
These are the exact rules Hamdor plays by; the app shows them too, under each game's How to play tab.
Hokm the Iranian way
- Hakem by the first ace: cards are dealt face up until someone gets an ace; that player is the first hakem.
- Trump from five cards: the hakem sees only their first five cards before naming trump; then the rest of the deck is dealt.
- Kot and hakem-kot: winning a hand 7 to 0 is a kot, worth 2 points; if the hakem's team is the one shut out, it is worth 3.
- The hakem stays while their team keeps winning. The game is played to 7 points.
- Four players only: if you are fewer than four, bots fill the empty seats and are always labelled as bots.
Tips to win at Hokm
- Choose trump by length. Name the suit you hold most of; three cards with an ace or king usually beat two high cards.
- Count the trumps. There are 13 in each suit. Keep track of how many have been played so the last ones don't surprise you.
- Cash side aces early. Aces and kings in other suits only win while opponents can still follow; play them before someone runs out and trumps.
- Don't trump your partner's winner. If your partner's card is taking the trick, throw a low card and save your trump.
- Void a short suit. With only one or two cards of a suit, play them early so you can trump that suit later.
- Fight off the kot. When a hand goes badly, taking even one trick avoids a kot and saves a point or two.
Hokm in Hamdor
- Online, ranked: play real opponents and earn a rating. If nobody turns up within a few seconds, a bot takes the seat and is labelled as a bot.
- Private rooms: create a room, send the code to your friends and chat with stickers and reactions while you play.
- Bots: play offline against bots, to practise or when nobody is online.
- Stats and streaks: your win rate, best winning streak and this game's leaderboard.
- Your own look: change how the table and pieces look in the Hamdor shop. It is cosmetic only and never affects who wins.
Hokm FAQ
How many players does Hokm need?
Four, in two teams of two with partners opposite each other. In Hamdor, bots fill any empty seats.
How is the hakem chosen?
Cards are dealt face up until the first ace appears; whoever gets it is the hakem. The hakem stays while their team wins hands and passes to the next player when they lose.
What is a kot?
Winning a hand seven tricks to none. A kot scores 2 points, or 3 if the team shut out is the hakem's.
Can I play Hokm offline?
Yes. Hamdor lets you play Hokm against three bots without an internet connection. Online play with friends needs a connection.