Red Fred is a trick-taking game for three players (the rules state that it can be modified for other numbers, but do not give specifics). A standard 52-card deck is dealt into four 13-card hands - one for each player and one which is left in a face-down dummy stack to the left of the dealer. Players then freely bid for the number of tricks they will take, beginning with the dealer and proceeding counter-clockwise (i.e., in the reverse of the play order). The dummy stack leads to every trick - the top card is turned over. Suit must be followed and there is no trump. Each player scores points based on how many tricks they took, with three tricks being worth no points and other numbers being more valuable the further they are from three. In addition a five-point bonus is scored for making one's bid.