Number of Players: 3
Similar games: Schafkopt,

Skat is based on the three-player Tarot game of Grosstarock and the four-player game of Schafkopf (the forerunner of American Sheepshead). It has become the most loved and widely played German card game, especially in German-speaking regions. In the earliest known form of the game, the player in the first seat was dealt twelve cards, and the other two players were dealt ten each. He then made two discards, constituting the Skat, and announced a contract. However, the main innovation of this new game was the bidding process.

Cards are ranked Jack to 9, similar to Pinochle, except all four Jacks are always Trump, starting with Clubs, always the highest, followed by Spade, Heart, and then Diamond. The winner of the bid determines Trump. Bidding can be complicated since you are bidding on 8 scoring multipliers, cards captured, and cards left in the skat or kitty pile.

Skat is not for rookie card players but can be extremely fun for experienced players.

Purchase a game to receive a 4d8 deck of cards, or download the free game and rules below

Game
1 Deck of Cards
Rules

Available for Pre-Order