hốt cái

Một người chơi hốt cái từ giữa bàn.

Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To take the dealer position / to become the dealer: In the context of the Vietnamese card game "lú" (a trick-taking game), "hốt cái" refers to the specific action of winning the bidding round or a key trick, thereby earning the right to be the dealer ("cái") for the next round. The dealer holds a position of advantage, setting the trump suit or leading the play.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Trong ván mới, anh ta đã hốt cái. (In the new round, he took the dealer position.)
  • Nếu bạn thắng vòng này, bạn sẽ được hốt cái. (If you win this trick, you will get to become the dealer.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is highly specific to the rules and culture of the card game "lú" (sometimes spelled "lơ" or similar). It describes a pivotal moment in the game that shifts strategic control.

Variants and Related Words

• Cái (n): In card games, the dealer or the privileged position that determines trumps or leads the game.
• Đánh lú (v): To play the card game "lú".

Synonyms

• To take the deal: To assume the dealer's role.
• To win the deal: To gain the dealer position through winning.

Related Idioms

• There are no common idioms using "hốt cái" outside of its direct, literal use in the card game context.