Instructions Sheepshead

Objective of the Game

"Sheepshead" is a traditional German card game where the goal is to collect points by winning tricks. Players can either play alone or in teams against the others, depending on the variant of the game being played.

Number of Players and Preparation

• Number of Players: 4 - 5 players (ideal with 4).
• Card Deck: Typically uses a 32-card deck, known as a Skat deck, consisting of the suits Acorns (Clubs), Leaves (Spades), Hearts, and Bells (Diamonds).

Card Rank and Values

1. Queens: Highest trump (in descending order: Acorn Queen, Leaf Queen, Heart Queen, Bell Queen)
2. Jacks: (in descending order: Acorn Jack, Leaf Jack, Heart Jack, Bell Jack)
3. Suit Cards: In descending order: Ace, 10, King, 9, 8, 7
4. Trumps: Normally, all Hearts and all Queens and Jacks are trumps (total 14 cards).

Game Play

1. Dealing: Each player receives eight cards.
2. Game Announcement: The player to the left of the dealer announces whether they want to play a "normal game" or a special solo game.
3. Normal Game: The player with the most trumps announces the game and plays in a team with the player holding the ace of Hearts against the other two.
4. Solo: The player challenges the other three alone and can choose the trump suit.
5. Start of Play: The player to the left of the dealer leads the first card. The other players follow in clockwise order.
6. Tricks: You must follow suit if possible, meaning you must play a card of the same suit that was led if you have one. If not, you can play a trump or any other suit. The trick is won by the highest trump card played; if no trump is played, the highest card of the led suit wins.
7. Scoring: Each trick contains points; card values are: Queens (2 points), Jacks (1 point), Aces (11 points), 10s (10 points), Kings (4 points), 9s, 8s, 7s (each 0 points). The team with the most points wins the game.

Strategic Tips

• Memorizing the cards that have been played can be very helpful to anticipate whether opponents can still follow suit.
• Communicating through deliberate trumping or playing certain cards can signal to your partner about your cards.
• When playing in a team, ensure not to let opponents win high-value cards and support your partner.

Enjoy playing Sheepshead!