Sergeant Major is a trick-taking traditional card game for 3 players using a standard 52 card deck. It takes its name from its popularity among members of Britain's Royal Air Force.
Multiple variations of the game exist. The two most common are the 9-5-2 (also known as the Canadian version) and the 8-5-3 (the British, Indian and Near-East Version).
8-5-3 versionn: as per Pagat.com
The aim is to win as many tricks as possible. If a player succeeds in winning 12 or more tricks in one hand, the game ends and that player wins.
The player to dealer's left leads any card to the first trick. It is compulsory to follow suit if able to; a player holding no card of the suit led may play any card. Each trick is won by the highest trump it contains, or if there are no trumps in it, by the highest card of the suit led. The winner of each trick leads to the next.
End of the Game
The game ends when any player succeeds in winning 12 or more tricks in one hand, thereby winning the game.