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Hokm vs Shelem: The Differences
Hokm and Shelem are both Persian trick-taking games with a Hokm suit, and Hokm is the simpler of the two. Playing a trick works the same way; choosing the Hâkem, setting Hokm and scoring a hand do not.
What do Hokm and Shelem have in common?
Both are played with a 52-card deck by four players in two partnerships, both have a Hâkem and a Hokm suit, and in both you must follow the suit led if you can. If you can't, you may play any card, and a Hokm card beats the other suits.
How is the Hâkem chosen?
In Hokm, the first player dealt an Ace is the Hâkem. In Shelem there is an auction: players bid how many of the 165 points their side will capture, and the highest bidder becomes the Hâkem, picks up the four-card widow and sets four cards aside.
How is the Hokm suit set?
In Hokm, the Hâkem names the Hokm suit after seeing only their first 5 cards. In Shelem nothing is announced: the suit of the Hâkem's first lead becomes Hokm.
How is a hand scored?
Hokm counts tricks: the first side to 7 tricks wins 1 point, or 2 or 3 for a kot, and a match goes to 7 points. Shelem counts points: every ace and ten is worth 10, every five 5 and every trick 5, for 165 in a deal, and the Hâkem's side must capture at least its bid or lose it.
| Hokm | Shelem | |
|---|---|---|
| Hâkem | First Ace dealt | Highest bidder |
| Hokm suit | Named from 5 cards | Suit of the first lead |
| Extra cards | None with four players | A four-card widow |
| A hand is won by | 7 tricks | Capturing the bid in points |
| Match | First to 7 points | Played to a points target |
Which should you learn first?
Hokm: it has the same trick play without the auction and the counting, so it is the quickest way into both games. Start with the lesson below, where you are the Hâkem choosing Hokm from five cards.
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