Calling the King — Puzzle E2

You are a defender in a Bettler. Hearts are led with Q♥, the next player follows with C♥. You are void in Hearts and hold I, VIII, and XII among your cards.

koenigrufen Puzzle #204

Which Tarok do you play?

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Answer

VIII or XII, never the I. Void in Hearts, the Tarok Rule sends you to your Taroks: they are still trumps here, so any Tarok already beats a color card, satisfying the Rising Rule. But the Pagat carries its own law here, binding every player at the table, not just the Declarer: it may only be played as its owner’s very last Tarok. With two other Taroks still in hand, the Pagat must wait. Play VIII or XII; save the I for the day it is the only Tarok you have left.