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Sergeant Major

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description Sergeant Major Overview

Sergeant Major, also called 3-5-8, is a trick-taking game designed for three players using a standard 52-card deck. Each player has a target of three, five or eight tricks according to their position relative to the dealer, while four cards remain undealt. Performance against those targets affects the exchange of cards before later hands, and the roles rotate so that each participant faces the different quotas.

help Sergeant Major FAQ

How many people play Sergeant Major?

The standard game is for three players with a 52-card deck, and four cards remain face down as a kitty. It is also known as 3-5-8 in related versions. [Pagat Sergeant Major rules](https://www.pagat.com/quotawhist/sergeant.html)

Why is Sergeant Major called 3-5-8?

The three seats have different trick targets: the dealer aims for 8, the player to the dealer's left for 5, and the player to the dealer's right for 3. The dealer position changes, so each player gets a chance at each target. [Pagat Sergeant Major rules](https://www.pagat.com/quotawhist/sergeant.html)

How does the card exchange work in Sergeant Major?

After the first hand, players who took more than their target pass surplus cards to players who fell short, with the direction depending on the seating and variant. This makes the next deal depend on the previous score rather than only on the new hand.

What is the main difference from ordinary Whist?

Like Whist, Sergeant Major is a trick-taking game, but it uses three players, unequal targets, and a four-card kitty. Related forms include India's 8-5-3 and Canada's 9-5-2, so the name can hide rule differences. [Pagat Sergeant Major rules](https://www.pagat.com/quotawhist/sergeant.html)

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