Hokm and Varaq: Frequently Asked Questions
Varaq is a free browser card-game site whose game is two-player Hokm, the Persian trick-taking classic. These answers cover how to start a game, how the rules work and what the site does and does not require.
What is Varaq?
Varaq is a free website for playing two-player Hokm in your browser, against a friend or against the built-in bot. It needs no sign-up, works in English and Persian, and there is nothing to buy.
Is Varaq free to play?
Yes. Playing Hokm on Varaq is free, and there are no ads and no in-game purchases.
Do I need an account or a sign-up to play?
No. You can play as a guest with just a display name. An optional account exists only so that completed matches can be saved for later replay.
How do I play Hokm online with a friend?
Open the Hokm lobby, create a room and share the invite link or room code with your friend. They open the link, take the seat and the match starts; neither of you needs to sign up.
Can I play Hokm against a computer?
Yes. Darius is the built-in bot opponent, available at Easy, Medium and Hard difficulty. Hard plays by sampling possible opponent hands, so it is a genuine practice partner.
What is Hokm?
Hokm is a Persian trick-taking card game played with a 52-card deck, in which one player chooses a trump suit, also called the hokm. It is usually played by four people in two partnerships; Varaq plays the two-player version.
What does Hâkem mean?
Hâkem means ruler: the player who chooses the Hokm suit for the hand and leads the first trick. In the first hand the Hâkem is the first player dealt an Ace face up; afterwards, whoever wins a hand is the next Hâkem.
What is a kot in Hokm?
A kot is a sweep: winning 7 tricks before the opponent wins a single one. On Varaq a kot scores 2 points for the Hâkem and 3 points for the other player, instead of the usual 1 point.
How many points do you need to win a Hokm match?
The first player to reach 7 match points wins. A normal hand is worth 1 point and a kot is worth 2 or 3, so matches usually last several hands.
How is 2-player Hokm different from 4-player Hokm?
In the four-player game the whole deck is dealt to two partnerships of two. In the two-player game each player is dealt 5 cards, the Hâkem declares the Hokm and discards 2 or 3 cards, and both players then build 13-card hands by drawing from the stock.
Does Varaq work on phones?
Yes. The table is designed for phone screens as well as desktops, and you can choose a lightweight 2D table or the 3D table in the table settings.
Is Varaq available in Persian?
Yes. The whole site is available in Persian (فارسی) with right-to-left layout, as well as English. You can switch language at any time.
Can I play Hokm offline?
No. Matches run on a server, so a connection is needed, including games against Darius. If you installed the app, it still opens offline and shows the lobby, and a short disconnection during a match reconnects without losing your seat.
What happens if my opponent disconnects?
Their seat is kept and the match pauses; play resumes when they return. A player who resigns concedes the whole match to the opponent.
Can I watch other people play Hokm?
Yes. Matches created as public tables are listed under Live tables and anyone can watch them. Opening an invite link to a room that is already full also offers spectating.
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