P.J.Madsen:The game was devised around the turn of the
century as a cross between Euchre and Bid Whist.
Although invented in the USA, it never withstood the competition of its contemporary
Auction Bridge
and soon died out everywhere except in Australia.
Five Hundred involves tricks and bidding. It can be played by 2 - 6 players.
4 people play with 43 cards, 5 with 53 and 6 with 63.
So it is only in 6-hand games that the extended pack of 62 cards and Joker is required.