Flek!

Le jeu

Flek! is MS-DOS simulation of a popular Czech card game, volený mariáš (Called Mariage), created and maintained by Czech programmer Ing. Jaroslav Pivoňka between 1991 and 1993. Distributed by Pivoňka Software, the game was available on 3.5-inch floppy disks. The registered version of the game cost 295 CZK (later versions 333 CZK) and included a user manual along with the latest game version. The gameplay was designed for a single player, with the computer simulating two opponents. Flek! (DOS) The game was controlled via keyboard inputs, with arrow keys for card selection, Enter to confirm choices, and Esc to quit. In 1993, Pivoňka Software released Re! , a simulation of licitovaný mariáš (Auction Mariage), which, along with Flek!, gained immense popularity. Due to the absence of any anti-piracy protection, both games spread rapidly among Czech users. Called Mariage is played with a 32-card deck, divided into four suits (acorns, green, hearts, and bells) with eight ranks in each suit (7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace). The game requires three players, and after the cards are dealt, the player known as “forhont” (the first player) selects a trump suit that overpowers the others. Players are required to follow suit, play a higher card, or use a trump if they lack the led suit. The game consists of ten tricks, with points awarded for captured Aces, Tens (which rank higher than Kings), and the final trick. Special combinations, such as pairing a King and Queen of the same suit, earn additional points. The winner is determined by the total points scored. Players may also bid for two specific variants of Mariage before the game starts: Betl (in which the player aims not to win any tricks) or Durch (in which the player commits to winning all tricks). After the trump suit is chosen, opponents have the option to claim the game by opting for Betl or Durch. Betl requires a weaker hand, whereas Durch demands a strong set of cards. In these variants, the rank of cards changes, with Tens ranked lower than Jacks. A defining feature of Called Mariage is doubling (flekování), where players can raise the stakes. Once the forhont selects a trump, other players can respond with “dobré” (good) or “flek” to double the game value. The forhont can then answer with “re, ” increasing the stakes further. Additional raises may follow, marked by terms like “tuti, ” “boty, ” “kalhoty, ” and “kajzr.” Each game round comprises ten tricks, with each player aiming to capture as many points as possible through high-value cards and special combinations. The player who won the previous trick leads the next. If a player lacks the led suit, they must play a trump, or any other card if no trumps are available. Points are tallied for Aces, Tens, and any special combinations, with the final trick adding bonus points. After the trump selection, the forhont can make additional commitments, such as declaring “sedma” (Seven), which means committing to winning the final trick with the trump Seven. This added challenge brings a strategic layer to the game, requiring all players to plan their moves carefully.