Twenty-Five (or 25) is Ireland's national card game—a trick-taking game that's been played in pubs and kitchens across Ireland for centuries. Whether you're reconnecting with your heritage or looking to improve your game, we've created a complete system to help you learn.
Understanding Ireland's beloved card game
25 Irish (also called Twenty-Five or Spoil Five) is a trick-taking card game that has been a cornerstone of Irish social life for centuries. Played with a standard deck of cards, it combines elements of strategy, chance, and partnership play that make every hand engaging.
The game gets its name from the winning score of 25 points. What makes it unique is its unusual card hierarchy—the Five of Trump is the highest card in the game, followed by the Jack of Trump and Ace of Hearts. This distinctive ranking system, combined with the ability to "rob the pack" and strategic trump selection, creates a game that's easy to learn but offers deep strategic complexity.
Whether played in tournament settings or casual family gatherings, 25 Irish brings people together. It's more than a game—it's a living piece of Irish cultural heritage.
Choose the learning path that fits your style
Learn by Playing
Our mobile app lets you practice anytime, anywhere. Play against intelligent AI opponents that adapt to your skill level, work through interactive tutorials, and track your progress as you improve.
Deep Understanding
Three comprehensive books cover everything from basic rules to advanced strategy to the game's fascinating history. Written for clarity, these guides help you understand not just what to do, but why.
Accelerated Learning
One-on-one video sessions provide personalized feedback on your play. We'll work together to identify your specific challenges, practice difficult scenarios, and develop your strategic thinking. Every session is tailored to where you are and where you want to be.
Real people who've gone from curious to confident
"I'd watched my parents play for years but never understood it. After just a few sessions, I'm now the one teaching at family gatherings. It feels like connecting with my heritage."
"I'd been playing casually for decades but plateaued. The coaching helped me understand what the best players actually think about during each hand. Now I'm competing in county tournaments."
"My grandfather taught me as a child, but I'd forgotten everything. Learning again as an adult, with proper instruction, made me appreciate how deep this game really is."
25 Irish isn't just a card game—it's a piece of Irish cultural heritage that's been passed down through generations. It's the sound of cards snapping on kitchen tables, the friendly arguments about whether the Five of Trump beats the Jack, the way it brings families and communities together.
But like many traditional pastimes, it's fading. The oral tradition that kept it alive for centuries is breaking down in our digital age. Young people in Ireland often haven't even heard of the game their grandparents loved.
By creating structured learning materials, modern practice tools, and offering personalized instruction, we're building a bridge between the traditional and the contemporary. Every person who learns 25 Irish helps keep this tradition alive for another generation.
No email signup, no trial period. Just quality resources to get you started.
Everything you need to know to start playing: setup, card rankings, trump selection, scoring, and gameplay flow. Written in clear, accessible language.
Fast lookup for card rankings, scoring, and common scenarios. Perfect for keeping handy during games.
Understand the language of 25 Irish. From "robbing the pack" to "following suit," learn what experienced players mean.
Your path from curious to confident
Start with our free Complete Rules Guide. It covers everything you need to understand the game.
Read the rules →Download the app to practice against AI opponents and work through tutorials at your own pace.
Get the app →Read the books for strategy insights and cultural context, or book coaching for personalized guidance.
Explore books & coaching →The basic rules are straightforward and most people can start playing within 20-30 minutes. The card hierarchy takes a bit of getting used to, but it becomes second nature quickly. The strategic depth reveals itself over time, which keeps the game interesting.
Not at all! While many people learn 25 Irish to connect with their Irish roots, the game stands on its own merits. It's enjoyed by card game enthusiasts worldwide who appreciate its unique mechanics and social nature.
25 Irish works best with 4-6 players, though variations exist for 2-10 players. Four-player partnership games are particularly popular. Our app lets you practice solo against AI opponents until you can gather a group.
We offer a complete rules guide, quick reference sheet, glossary of terms, and several strategy articles—all completely free with no email signup required. These resources are comprehensive enough to get you playing confidently.