Schafkopf is a trick-taking game. One full game consists of a number of hands with each player acting as the leader once.

Objective

The objective is (usually) to win at least half the card points in each hand.

Cards points are:

Suits are ranked:

→ → →

Playing

Each hand has two major phases: bidding and playing.

Bidding

During the first part of each hand, players are evaluating their hand and bidding to decide what version of the game will be played. Players bid their willingness to play their hand, and then increasing difficulty levels if multiple players are willing.

Ramsch Optional

This is the default game, if no one thinks they can win one of the other variants. Take the least points possible. Bonus for taking zero tricks. If this disabled in game options, the turn is skipped.

Rufer

The most common game. This is a partners game, but there is a twist: The player doesn’t know who their partner is. The player will offer “Rufer, with the D of a specific suit”, and whoever holds that card is the partner.

Wenz

Solo (1v3) game, with Unters as trump.

Geier Optional

Solo (1v3) game, with Obers as trump.

Solo

The solo game, with a trump suit of your choice (plus all obers/unters)

Playing

Play is as a standard trick-taking game; if Obers/Unters are trump, they are not considered their native suit. The partner must play their called D when it is lead, 'unless' they have four or more of that suit.