Objective
Bauernschnapsen is a card game with the aim to be the first to reach 24 points. The game is played with a 20-card deck, consisting of the cards Nine, Ten, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace in four suits (Clubs, Spades, Hearts, and Diamonds).
Setup
Bauernschnapsen is played by exactly four players, divided into two teams of two. Each player is dealt 5 cards. The remaining cards form the talon (a stack where a player can draw cards during bidding).
Game Play
- Bidding: Bidding determines who ‘calls’ (decides the trump suit or announces a wedding). The player who bids declares if they want to take control of the game. The declarations are:
- Color game: The declarer selects a trump suit.
- Wedding: The declarer has a Jack and announces a wedding, implying that their partner has another Jack without explicitly mentioning it. The partner must hold the second Jack.
-
10er-Spiel/Neuner-Spiel: Special declarations that are worth more points and involve playing fewer cards.
-
Playing: The player who wins the highest bid begins the game and sets the trump (if a color game is declared). Players try to win tricks by playing the highest card. In a wedding, the player partnering with the declarer must also play a Jack.
-
Trick Rules: There are four trick rounds, where players attempt to play the highest cards:
- Trump trumps all other suits.
-
Within a suit, the card rank is: Nine, Ten, Jack, Queen, King, Ace.
-
Scoring: Points are awarded at the end of each game. In a color game, each win gives the winning team 1 point. In a wedding game, the winning team earns 2 to 3 points, depending on the combination.
-
Rounds End: The game ends when a team reaches 24 points. Points should be recorded promptly to keep track.
Strategic Tips
- Card Counting: Keep track of played cards to know which cards might still be in play.
- Identify Your Partner: In a wedding game, it is important to early on identify your partner and collaborate without alerting the opponents.
- Use Bidding Tactically: It might be advantageous to hold back during bidding to learn more about other players' hands.
Bauernschnapsen is a game where experience helps develop the best strategies. The constant assessment of risks and opportunities adds unique charm to the game.
