Objective of the Game:
Perlaggen is a traditional card game from South Tyrol, similar to the German Schafkopf or the Bavarian Watten. The objective of the game is to win tricks to collect points, ultimately reaching a predetermined point score to win the game.
Game Materials:
- A deck of 33 cards consisting of the values: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace in the four suits of Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs, and Spades.
Number of Players:
- Minimum: 4 players
- Maximum: 6 players
Game Setup:
- Card selection: Remove all 6s and one 7 from the deck, leaving you with 32 cards if playing with 4 players; for 5 or 6 players, the deck can be extended to 36 or 40 cards.
- Card dealing: Each player receives 8 cards (with four players).
- Determine trump: One card is drawn facedown and revealed to determine the trump suit.
Game Flow:
- Select the starting player: The player to the left of the dealer begins as the first leader.
- Announcements: Each player has the opportunity to pass the current game or announce a trump they wish to play.
- Playing tricks: The leader plays a card, and each following player must follow the suit if possible. If they cannot, they have the option to trump or discard a card.
- Winning tricks: Whoever plays the highest card of the lead suit or the highest trump wins the trick and becomes the new leader.
Special Features:
- Trump cards: Order from weakest to strongest trump: Ace, 10, King, Queen, Jack, 9, 8, 7. Hearts is often the highest trump, depending on house rules.
- Strategy: A player can influence which cards are used by making smart announcements and bluff maneuvers to maximize their own points.
- 'Imperium' variant: An aggressive variant where the leader receives double points for a game if they win.
End of the Game:
- The game ends when a player or team achieves the predetermined point score to win the game.
Tips for Beginners:
- Observe: Keep track of which cards have already been played to make better decisions regarding announcements and playing tricks.
- Use announcements sparingly: Use announcements and bluff maneuvers wisely to steer the course of the game in your favor.
Perlaggen is a complex and strategically challenging game that promotes patience and tactical thinking, placing a great emphasis on bluffing skills.
