a card game permitting two or more players age seven to adult to participate in twenty six hands of play . play begins with a hand of 13 cards , then 12 cards , 11 cards , and continues backwards until only one card is dealt . play would then progress upwards from one card to thirteen before the game ends . players earn points through a system of bidding and taking tricks which are all entered on individual score cards . the player obtaining the most points is declared the winner .