40 Card Game Variations Across Kerala
Every Kerala group agrees the 40 card game has 40 points. How they get there, and how they score it, differs. Here are the main versions.
Version 1: add the 3s
The 28 pack plus the four 3s: J, 3, 9, A, 10, K, Q, 8, 7. The 3 ranks equal to the Jack and is worth 3 points; when both fall in one round, the one played first wins. This is the version on Cheettukali.
Version 2: a second set of Jacks
Some tables use two Jacks per suit (taken from a second pack): J, J, 9, A, 10, K, Q, 8, 7. Eight Jacks × 3 = 24, plus Nines, Aces and Tens make 40. Identical Jacks follow the same rule: the first played wins.
Calling stages
Tables differ on how calls are grouped:
| Style | Bands | Win / lose |
|---|---|---|
| Cheettukali (house rules) | 20–29 · Honours 30–40 · Thani | 1/2 · 3/4 · 5/flag (coolies) |
| Stage style | Normal 20–29 · Honours 30–33 · Senior 34–39 · 40/Solo | 1/2 · 2/3 · 3/4 · 4/5 |
Other common differences
- One round of calling vs. several.
- Whether the caller may lead trump before it's shown.
- Jodi rules, and whether opponents may "ask Jodi".
- Redeal conditions (no points with the first caller, no trump with the other team).
Our full house rules are on the 40 rules page.
Which version is "right"?
Neither. Both reach 40 points and both are played across Kerala. The 3s version gives eight top cards spread over four ranks of point, while the double-Jack version makes the Jack even more central. Agree at the start, and enjoy the arguments about which is better.
Tips for switching versions
- In both, identical top cards follow "first played wins".
- The 21 signal (three top cards) works in both, counting 3s or second Jacks.
- Check the stage table before calling Honours.
Rules worth agreeing before you start
- 3s or double Jacks?
- One calling round or several?
- Can the caller lead trump before it's shown on a low call?
- Jodi allowed? Can defenders ask Jodi?
- Coolies and flags, or stage points?
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