Instructions Doppelkopf

Objective of the Game

Doppelkopf is a traditional German card game usually played by four players. The aim is to score as many points as possible over multiple rounds. Players achieve this by forming partnerships and playing cards skillfully to win tricks while minimizing the points scored by the opposing team.

Deck

Doppelkopf is played with a Doppelkopf deck, which consists of two standard Skat decks combined, totaling 48 cards (doubled cards from 9, 10, Jack, Queen, King, Ace for each suit). There are no 8s or 7s.

Card Values

• Ace (A): 11 points
• 10: 10 points
• King (K): 4 points
• Queen (Q): 3 points
• Jack (J): 2 points
• 9: 0 points

Gameplay

1. Dealing the Cards: The dealer gives each player 12 cards.

2. Determining Teams:

   • Typically, the two players with Queen of Clubs form one team, the Re side.
   • The opposing team is referred to as the Kontra side.

3. Trump Order:

   • Trump cards include all Queens and Jacks, as well as 10s of clubs, spades, and hearts.
   • Trump cards rank as follows: Club-Queen > Spade-Queen > Heart-Queen > Diamond-Queen > Club-Jack > Spade-Jack > Heart-Jack > Diamond-Jack > Diamond-Ace > Diamond-Ten > Diamond-King > Diamond-Nine

4. Game Progress:

   • The player to the left of the dealer starts the first trick.
   • A player must follow the suit of the first card played if possible or play a trump. If unable to do either, any card may be played.
   • The highest trump card wins the trick. If no trump is played, the highest card of the led suit wins.

5. End of Game and Scoring

6. The game ends after the last trick. Each team counts their tricks.
7. A team needs more than 120 points to win. If the Re-team achieves this, they win. If not, the Kontra team scores bonus points.

Special Moves & Rules

• Announcements: Players can make announcements which yield additional winning points (e.g., "Re" or "Kontra").
• Solos: This allows one player to play against the other three, such as in a No Trump game where the player wins without trump cards.
• Weddings: A player with both Queens of Clubs can choose their partner by having them play the first trump in a trick.

Strategy Tips

• Cooperation: Communicate effectively with your partner through announcements and strategic trump usage.
• Card Counting: Monitor which high trump cards have been played as this can significantly affect the outcome.

Thus, the game is incredibly dynamic, offering a range of strategic possibilities for both new and seasoned players.