Objective of the Game
The objective of the game König (King) is to gather as many points as possible through clever calling and winning tricks while avoiding negative points that result from capturing certain cards.
Setup
- Materials: A standard deck of 32 Skat cards is used.
- Number of players: The game is ideally played with 4 players.
- Each player is initially dealt 8 cards.
Gameplay
1. Calling the King: - At the beginning of the round, after the cards are dealt, players take turns calling a King (Heart King, Spade King, Diamond King, or Club King). The player who holds the called King forms a secret team with the caller. - The secret teams are thus formed: The caller and the holder of the called King play against the other two players.
2. Progress of Play: - Play proceeds clockwise, with the player to the dealer's left starting. - The goal is to win tricks. There are no trump cards in König. - The player with the highest card in the led suit wins the trick and leads the next card.
3. Scoring: - The team winning the most tricks earns points. - Special cards carry varying point values (for example, Queens and Jacks often yield negative points, while Aces bring positive points). - Note: Not all points are necessarily positive; some penalties apply for certain card captures.
4. End of the Game: - A match ends after all cards are played. - Points are tallied. The winner is the first to reach a pre-set point threshold.
Strategic Tips
- Form Alliances: Since teams are secret, much relies on assumptions and psychology. Try to anticipate your opponents' intentions.
- Card Counting: Keep track of which cards have been played to calculate chances of making or avoiding specific tricks.
- Bluffing: Use the uncertainty of team roles to your advantage, attempting to mislead opponents through strategic play.
Tip: Pay close attention to the other players and their reactions during the game, as this can provide clues about their roles in each round.
