What is belotes?

Belote is a popular card game played primarily in France, Belgium, and some parts of Switzerland. It is a trick-taking game for four players, played with a deck of 32 cards. The game is played with a partnership format, with players sitting across from each other forming two teams. The objective of the game is to score points by winning tricks, which are won by playing the highest-ranking card in the suit that was led. The trump suit is determined at the beginning of the game by the highest bidder. Points are scored by winning tricks and melds (combinations of cards) as well as bonuses for certain card combinations. Belote has many variations, each with its unique rules and scoring system. The game is believed to have originated in France in the 1920s and has since then become popular throughout Europe.