About
What is the Game of Estimation?
It is a card game usually played between 4 players using a full deck of cards (52 cards) and aims to bid (estimate the number of tricks/rounds that each player will win) and then try to achieve this number accurately.
The objective of the game:
Each player estimates the number of tricks he can win in the round based on the distribution of the cards, and during the game tries to win exactly that number. If he succeeds in the estimation, he gets points, and if he makes a mistake (wins more or less), he loses points.
The importance of the game and its benefits:
- Developing strategic thinking skills
- Strengthening memory and concentration
- Learning risk management
- Enhancing planning and anticipation skills
- Developing communication and psychological reading skills
Types of rounds in the game:
In each round, one of the players (alternately) chooses the type of round to be played, such as:
- No Trumps: without any trump color.
- Trumps: the trump color (the strongest) is determined.
- Suit Trumps: a specific trump color is determined (such as Hearts or Spades).
Scoring:
If you predict and your number is achieved exactly ---- you get points (depending on the type of round). If you make a mistake in the estimation ---- you lose points (and sometimes a lot in the Misère rounds).
Why Estimation?
Why do people in Egypt love the game of Estimation?
Competitive and fun
The game combines entertainment and seriousness. Each player plays with the goal of winning and tries to prove that he understands the game well, which generates enthusiasm among the players.
Friends' gatherings
Many people play it every week in organized games or regular sessions, and it is like a fixed social ritual among friends or relatives.
Not just luck
Like the difference between chess and backgammon, Estimation involves more thinking and skill than other games like Baloot or Tarneeb.
Estimation in Egypt
The game in Egypt
In Egypt, the game of Estimation is considered one of the most popular card games (kotchina) among young and old people, especially in family gatherings, summer resorts, cafes, and even sometimes in clubs. It is often considered the official game for groups that love cards but depend on thinking, not luck.
Why can it be said that the game of Estimation is important?
- It develops social and mental intelligence.
- It teaches patience and discipline (not any card is played randomly).
- It reveals personalities: people who like to take risks, who exaggerate in estimation, or who like to play it safe.
- It has a professional community: people play seriously and there are even APPS and Egyptian websites that organize online tournaments.
The common playing system in Egypt:
- 4 players only.
- Each round has a different type (there may be an agreed-upon order of rounds or according to the bidding).
- Number of rounds: usually 18 or 24 rounds (according to the table).
- Scoring is by points, and the first after the last round is the winner.
Estimation online in Egypt:
- Many young Egyptians play Estimation on:
- Mobile applications such as Jawaker, Tarneeb, Estimation
- Or through websites with online game rooms.
- Some people do livestreams on YouTube while they are playing Estimation.
Estimation Committee
Objectives of the Estimation Committee of the Egyptian Federation:
Organizing the game at the national level
Establishing officially recognized laws and rules, Unifying the arbitration system and tournament procedures, Issuing licenses for players, referees, and organizers.
Discovering and developing talent
Holding training courses for new players, Establishing academies or qualification programs to develop the technical and tactical level, Supporting juniors and encouraging them to professionalize the game.
Organizing local and international tournaments
Holding official tournaments at the level of the Republic, Approving annual tournaments (individual/social/clubs), Representing Egypt in Arab or world tournaments in the future.
Spreading awareness and culture of the game
Promoting the game in universities, clubs, and youth centers, Issuing educational materials (videos, books, brochures, applications), Cooperating with the media to spread the culture of the game.
Registering and classifying players
Creating an official database of players, Developing a ranking system and calculating points based on performance in tournaments, Granting titles and levels (such as the World Bridge Federation or Chess).
International recognition
Paving the way for the recognition of the game as an official mind sport, Joining regional or international federations (if established in the future), Organizing regional tournaments that attract players from neighboring countries.