What Is the 40 Card Game? Kerala's Thuruppu 40
The 40 card game, or Thuruppu 40, is Kerala's six-player trump game. It takes the familiar 28 and adds cards worth points, so the pack holds exactly 40 points, hence the name.
The pack
36 cards. In the version played on Cheettukali the four 3s are added to the 28 pack (J, 3, 9, A, 10, K, Q, 8, 7 in each suit). The 3 is worth 3 points, equal to the Jack:
| Card | Points |
|---|---|
| J and 3 | 3 each |
| 9 | 2 |
| A, 10 | 1 each |
| K, Q, 8, 7 | 0 |
| Total | 40 |
Some tables reach 40 differently, with a second set of Jacks instead of 3s. See 40 card game variations.
Teams and dealing
Six players, two teams of three, sitting alternately. Six cards each, dealt three at a time.
Calling
- Calling goes on until nobody calls over: 20 to 29, then Honours (30) up to Honours 10 (40), and Thani.
- Calling exactly 21 signals three Jacks (3s count as Jacks).
- The winner hides the thuruppu face down.
Jodi, Thani and coolies
- Jodi: on a 20–29 call, the calling team promises to win every round.
- Thani: the caller alone, without trump, must win all six rounds.
- Coolies: the scoring unit. Hold 7 and you take a flag.
Why people love it
Six players means more chatter, more signals between partners, and bigger swings. And until now there wasn't a proper way to play it online.
Read the full 40 rules or the മലയാളം നിയമങ്ങൾ.
A sample call
Your six cards: J♠ 3♠ 9♠ A♥ J♦ 7♣. Three Jacks (counting the 3 as a Jack). You call exactly 21 to tell your partners. Your partner, holding J♥ 3♥ 9♥, now calls Honours (30) with confidence, hides a heart and the team sets off to collect 30 of the 40 points.
How 40 differs from 28
| Compare | 28 | 40 |
|---|---|---|
| Players | 4 | 6 |
| Cards | 32 | 36 |
| Calls | 14–28 | 20–40, Thani |
| Calling rounds | Until passes, plus a second round | One round |
| Scoring | Game points | Coolies and flags |
🃏 Try it now: play the 40 card game free in your browser, no download, no money.
FAQ
Why is it called the 40 card game?
Because the card points in its 36-card pack add up to exactly 40.
How many players play 40?
Six, in two teams of three sitting alternately.