Whist is a classic English trick-taking card game which was widely played in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Whist is played by four players. They play in two partnerships with the partners sitting opposite each other. Players cut or draw cards to determine partners, with the two highest playing against the two lowest. The players then cut for deal. Unlike contract bridge, there is no bidding process. Trumps are decided by cutting a deck of cards. Therefore the game can be played by people who know nothing about modern bridge bidding.
Although the rules are simple, there is scope for scientific play. Originally it was a gambling game played in clubs and coffee houses.