Taash Khelलकड़ी
Lakadi and the other names for Call Break
Five names across four languages, one set of rules — and one game that is not actually the same.
Lakadi (लकड़ी) is the Hindi name, used in north India and Nepal. Call Bridge is used across India and Bangladesh, Ghochi in parts of Nepal, and Judgement in Indian schools.
All the same game. Langdi is not.
The names
| Name | Script | Where | Same game? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Call Break | — | Standard English name | — |
| Lakadi | लकड़ी | North India, Nepal | Yes |
| Lakidi | — | Alternative spelling | Yes |
| Call Bridge | — | India, Bangladesh | Yes |
| Ghochi | घोची | Parts of Nepal | Yes |
| Judgement | — | Indian schools and colleges | Yes |
| Langdi | लंगड़ी | North India | No — trump is chosen each round |
Why Langdi is the one to watch
Langdi is a trick-taking game in the same family, and it is often listed as a Call Break synonym. It is not one.
In Call Break, spades are permanently trump — there is no trump selection at any point. In Langdi, a card is turned each round to decide trump. That single difference changes how the whole hand is played, because you cannot count your spades as guaranteed winners before the deal.
If someone invites you to play Langdi expecting Call Break rules, confirm which one they mean.
Call Bridge and the Whist family
The name Call Bridge is the honest one historically. Call Break descends from the Whist and Bridge family, and its structure shows it: thirteen tricks, follow suit if you can, a trump suit, and a bid made before play.
What Call Break added is the harsh scoring — miss your call by one and you lose the whole call, not the difference. That is what separates it from its ancestors.
Regional naming is common in Indian card games
Andar Bahar has four names across four languages — Katti in Karnataka, Mangatha and Ullae Veliyae in Tamil Nadu. Rummy is Paplu. Teen Patti is 3 Patti and तीन पत्ती.
The pattern is the same everywhere: games spread by being taught rather than published, so the name changed at each border while the rules did not.
Common questions
What is Lakadi card game?
Lakadi is the Hindi name for Call Break, used in north India and Nepal. The rules are identical — four players, thirteen cards each, spades permanently trump.
Why is Call Break called Lakadi?
Lakadi means wood or stick in Hindi. The name travelled with the game through north India and Nepal, and it is also written Lakidi.
What is Call Bridge?
Another name for the same game, common across India and Bangladesh. It reflects the game's descent from the Whist and Bridge family.
Is Ghochi the same as Call Break?
Yes. Ghochi is a regional name used in parts of Nepal for the same four-player trick-taking game.
What is Judgement card game?
An English name for Call Break, common in Indian schools and colleges. Same rules, same thirteen tricks, same spades trump.
Is Langdi the same as Call Break?
No, and this is the one to watch. Langdi is a related trick-taking game, but it turns a card to choose trump each round rather than fixing spades permanently.
Lakadi, Call Bridge or Judgement — the rules do not change. A free Callbreak game download for Android.
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References
- Call Bridge at Pagat, maintained by John McLeod since 1995