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Skat
Germany's greatest card game — bid, pick up the Skat, and declare.
Skat is Germany's national card game and one of the most intellectually demanding trick-takers in the world. One Declarer bids to play alone against two Defenders; picking up the Skat (two hidden cards) and declaring the game type is a chess-like challenge.
🎯 Objective
As Declarer, fulfill your contract (usually win 61+ card points). As Defender, prevent this.
🃏 Setup
- Uses a 32-card deck (7–Ace). Deal 3 cards each, then 2 face-down (the "Skat"), then 4 each, then 3 each (10 cards each hand + 2 Skat).
- Card values: A=11, 10=10, K=4, Q=3, J=2. Total in deck = 120.
▶ How to Play
- BIDDING: Players bid numeric values; highest bidder becomes Declarer.
- Declarer picks up both Skat cards, discards 2 face-down.
- DECLARE: Suit game (one suit as trump), Grand (Jacks only as trump), or Null (win zero tricks).
- Trump ranking in Suit games: ♣J > ♠J > ♥J > ♦J, then A, 10, K, Q, 9, 8, 7 of trump.
- Declarer needs 61+ card points to win a Suit/Grand game.
📊 Scoring
Game value = base value × multiplier (Matadors, Schneider, Schwarz). Win: +game value. Lose: −double game value.