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Official Sheepshead Rules
Sheepshead is a trick-taking card game of German origin, popular in parts of the United States, especially in Wisconsin. The game is traditionally played with 5 players, although variations exist for 3, 4, or 6 players.
Objective
The objective of Sheepshead is to score points by winning tricks that contain valuable cards. The game is typically played to a set number of points.
Setup
Components:
1 Deck of Cards: 32 cards, including Aces, Kings, Queens, Jacks, 10s, 9s, 8s, and 7s in four suits (Clubs, Spades, Hearts, Diamonds).
Scorepad and Pencil: For keeping track of points.
Card Rankings and Trump Suit:
Trump Suit: The trump suit is always Diamonds.
Card Hierarchy:Trump Cards (highest to lowest): Queens of all suits, Jacks of all suits, and Diamonds 10, 9, 8, 7.
Non-Trump Cards (highest to lowest): Ace, 10, King, 9, 8, 7 (in Clubs, Spades, and Hearts).
The Deal:
Players: Sheepshead is typically played with 5 players. If there are fewer or more players, certain adjustments are made (see Variations).
Dealing:Shuffle the deck and deal 6 cards to each player.
The remaining 2 cards form the "blind" and are placed face down in the center.
Gameplay
Choosing Partners:
The player to the dealer's left starts as the "picker." The picker looks at the blind and decides whether to pick it up or pass.
If the picker picks up the blind, they discard 2 cards face down and play as a solo player against the other 4.
If all players pass, the dealer is forced to pick up the blind.
Playing Tricks:
The player to the left of the dealer leads the first trick by playing any card.
Players must follow suit if possible. If they cannot follow suit, they must play a trump card. If they cannot play a trump card, they may play any card.
The trick is won by the highest trump card played. If no trump cards are played, the trick is won by the highest card of the suit led.
The winner of each trick leads the next trick.
Scoring Points:
Points are scored based on the cards in the tricks won:
Ace: 11 points
Ten: 10 points
King: 4 points
Queen: 3 points
Jack: 2 points
Nine, Eight, Seven: 0 points
The total number of points available is 120.
Winning the Game
If the picker and their partner score more than 60 points, they win. If they score 60 points or less, they lose.
Points are often doubled or tripled based on specific circumstances like winning all tricks or losing without taking any tricks.
Notes/Strategy
3-Player Game: Each player receives 10 cards, and 2 cards form the blind. The game is played similarly, but without partners.
4-Player Game: Each player receives 8 cards. The picker plays solo against the other 3 players.
6-Player Game: Two players sit out each hand and can switch in for the next round, or the game is played with 6 players, where the picker may choose a partner.
Strategy Tips
Card Counting: Keep track of which cards have been played, especially the trump cards.
Communication: Use subtle signals and communication with your partner to strategize without giving away your hand.
Timing: Save your high cards for critical moments to win important tricks.
Sheepshead is a complex game with many variations. Understanding the specific rules of the variant you're playing is crucial for enjoying the game fully.
