Objective of the Game
Binokel is a card game in which players try to win tricks and create melds (combinations of certain cards) to score the most points by the end of the round.
Setup
- Number of Players: 3 to 4 players
- Deck of Cards: A special Binokel or Württemberg pattern card deck.
- Typically consists of 48 cards (2x 24 cards: Ace, Ten, King, Queen, Jack in suits Clubs, Spades, Hearts, Diamonds).
Game Flow
- Dealing Cards:
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With three players: each player receives 15 cards, with three cards dealt in the middle ("table"). With four players: each gets 12 cards, and there are no cards in the middle.
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Bidding (Reizen):
- The bidding phase determines the game contract. The player who wins the bidding becomes the "leader" and selects the trump suit. The minimum bid is 2500 points.
- Players take turns bidding in a clockwise manner; they can either bid higher or pass.
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The player with the highest bid becomes the leader.
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Melding (Announcing and Scoring):
- The leader declares the trump suit and may exchange cards with the "table" (only in a 3-player game).
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Players announce their meld scores:
- Binokel: Queen of Spades and Jack of Hearts (40 points).
- Double Binokel: two sets of Binokel (300 points).
- Doppelkopf: e.g., two Kings of the same color (240 points for double, 180 for single).
- Different sets and runs also contribute points.
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Play Phase (Trick-taking):
- Players play one card each turn. The highest card in the starting suit or the highest trump card wins the trick.
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The leader must earn the bid points from tricks and melds.
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Scoring:
- The sum of all card values and meld points is tallied.
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If the leader doesn't meet their bid, they lose points.
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Strategic Tips:
- Tactical Bidding: Intuition and foresight are vital in determining whether becoming the leader is to your advantage.
- Card Values: Aces are the most valuable, followed by tens and trump cards.
- Meld Planning: Strategic pre-planning helps to maximize useful hands (like Binokel).
Binokel is a classic card game that requires a blend of skill, strategy, and experience. Often played in southwestern Germany, it is appreciated for its balance between serious gameplay and social interaction.
