Instructions Blattla

Objective of the Game

Blattla is a traditional Bavarian card game played as a variant of Schafkopf. The objective is to score as many points as possible by skillfully playing your cards.

Game Materials

• A Schafkopf deck, consisting of 32 cards.
• Card ranks: Ace (A), King (K), Ober (O, equivalent to the Queen), Unter (U, equivalent to the Jack), 10, 9, 8, 7
• Two teams of two players each play against each other.

Setup

1. The cards are shuffled and dealt to the players. Each player receives eight cards.
2. The trump suit for the round is determined. There are several options: either fixed trumps or traditional determinations for each round.

Gameplay

1. Take turns playing: The player to the dealer's left begins by playing a card. Players take turns in a clockwise direction.
2. Organize your hand: Players typically organize their cards by trumps and suits to have a clear view of their strategic possibilities.
3. Winning tricks: A trick consists of four cards, one from each player. The player who plays the highest card of the led suit or a higher trump wins the trick.
4. Counting points: Aces are worth 11 points, tens are worth 10 points, kings 4, Obers 3, Unters 2, and the rest 0 points.

End of Round

The round ends when all cards have been played. The points are counted, and the team with the most points wins the round.

Strategic Tips

• Use trumps wisely: Since trumps beat all other suits, it's best to use them sparingly and save them for crucial tricks.
• Focus on aces: Try to secure your aces when possible, as they carry the highest points.
• Optimize team play: Plan ahead with your partner to make it easier for them to win high-value tricks.

Special Features

• Solo option: A player can choose to play a solo game, taking on all other players alone for the chance at higher points.
• Special declarations: In some regional variants, special games like Hochzeit or Bettel can be announced, each with unique rules and opportunities for increased points.

Blattla combines strategic thinking with teamwork and is a popular game especially enjoyed in Bavaria.