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Download on Google Play- 4 players in partnerships, 32 cards.
- Deal 8 each.
- Bid 6-12 for trump.
- Follow suit if possible.
- Highest trump or led-suit card wins.
- Capture special cards.
- 1 point/trick. 5 of Hearts = +5. 3 of Spades = -3.
- Failed bid = lose bid amount.
Rules
Kaiser is a Canadian partnership trick-taking game using 32 cards with two special cards: the 5 of Hearts (+5 points) and 3 of Spades (-3 points). Teams bid and play to hit their targets.
Objective
Win tricks to earn points, capturing the 5 of Hearts for a bonus and avoiding the 3 of Spades penalty. First team to 52 points wins.
Setup
- Players: 4 players in partnerships.
- Deck: 32 cards (8 cards per suit: 7-A, but replace the 7 of Hearts with the 5 of Hearts, and the 7 of Spades with the 3 of Spades).
- Deal: Deal 8 cards to each player.
Gameplay
- Step 1: Players bid 6-12 tricks (or pass). The highest bidder names trump. A no-trump bid outranks a suited bid of the same number.
- Step 2: The bidder leads the first trick. Players must follow suit if possible.
- Step 3: Highest trump or highest led-suit card wins. The 5 of Hearts and 3 of Spades score their special values regardless of trump.
- Step 4: After all tricks, teams tally: 1 point per trick won, +5 for the 5 of Hearts, -3 for the 3 of Spades.
Scoring
- Each trick = 1 point. 5 of Hearts = +5 points. 3 of Spades = -3 points.
- If the bidding team fails, they lose their bid amount. First to 52 wins.
Variations
- No-Trump Kaiser: Bidding no-trump is always the highest possible bid.
- Low Kaiser: A negative bid where you try to lose tricks.
Tips and Strategies
- Capture the 5 of Hearts and avoid the 3 of Spades for a 8-point swing.
- Bid aggressively with strong trump holdings and the 5 of Hearts.
- Lead trumps early to control the game.
Tips & Strategy
The 5 of Hearts and 3 of Spades create an 8-point swing. Focus your strategy around capturing the 5 and dumping the 3 on opponents.
The bidding phase is crucial. Holding the 5 of Hearts gives your team a built-in advantage worth bidding on.
Trivia & Fun Facts
Kaiser is so popular in Saskatchewan that it has been called 'Saskatchewan's card game.'
What are the two special cards in Kaiser and what are their point values?
History & Culture
Kaiser is popular in the Canadian prairies, particularly in Saskatchewan, where it has been a community staple for decades.
Kaiser is deeply embedded in Canadian prairie culture, played at community halls, church basements, and family kitchens across Saskatchewan.
Variations & House Rules
No-Trump bids outrank suited bids. Low Kaiser lets you bid to lose tricks for a contrarian challenge.
Adjust the target score or add more special cards for variety.
