This is a game that can be played by 3 to 6 players and the basic whist rules apply.

The dealer and trumps are selected and thereafter the trump sequence is followed. The dealer deals out all the cards, so that each player has the same number of cards. Any remaining cards are set aside and no one may look at these cards. It must be remembered to include these cards in the shuffle and deal for the next and subsequent hands.

The number of cards each player receives in each subsequent deal is reduced by one, until in the final deal each remaining player shall receive just one card.

Each hand is played out and each player's tricks gained, is noted.

Regardless of how many people are playing, commencing with the hand that deals seven cards to each player, if any player does not win at least one trick, that player is out.

There are two winners at Knockout Whist. One winner is the player with the highest total score. The other winner is the person who survives the longest.

It is quite possible and often achieved, to be knocked out of the game and still be the highest score winner.