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Download on Google Play- Use a standard 52-card deck for 3-5 players.
- Deal cards evenly; set aside any extras face-down.
- The player holding the 2 of clubs leads first.
- Follow the led suit if possible; otherwise play any card.
- No trump suit; highest card of the led suit wins.
- Dump penalty cards when you cannot follow suit.
- Each heart: 1 penalty point.
- Queen of Spades: 13 penalty points.
- Shooting the moon (all hearts + Queen): 0 for you, 26 to each opponent.
Rules
Olsen is a Danish card game focused on avoiding penalty cards while trying to force opponents into taking them. It combines elements of trick avoidance with strategic card play, making each round a tense exercise in timing and misdirection.
Objective
Avoid taking tricks that contain penalty cards. The player with the fewest penalty points after a set number of rounds wins the game.
Setup
- Players: 3 to 5 players.
- Deck: Standard 52-card deck.
- Deal: Deal cards evenly to all players. Set aside any remaining cards face-down; they are not used in the round.
Gameplay
- Leading: The player holding the 2 of clubs leads the first trick.
- Following suit: Players must follow the led suit if able. If unable, they may play any card.
- Winning tricks: The highest card of the led suit takes the trick. There is no trump suit.
- Dumping penalties: When you cannot follow suit, this is your opportunity to offload penalty cards onto the current trick.
Scoring
- Hearts: Each heart card is worth 1 penalty point.
- Queen of Spades: Worth 13 penalty points.
- Shooting the moon: If one player captures all hearts and the Queen of Spades, they score 0 and all opponents receive 26 penalty points instead.
Tips and Strategies
- Create voids in side suits early so you can dump penalty cards when those suits are led.
- Track the Queen of Spades carefully and avoid winning tricks when it might be played.
- If you notice a player collecting many hearts, consider whether they might be attempting to shoot the moon, and take a heart to block them.
Tips & Strategy
Void a short suit early by leading it, then use that void to discard penalty cards. Always be aware of where the Queen of Spades might be lurking.
The most dangerous moment is when you hold high cards in a suit that is running low. Other players will lead that suit to force you into taking the trick along with any dumped penalties.
Trivia & Fun Facts
Shooting the moon in Olsen is considered such a bold and rare feat that some groups award the successful player an honorary title for the evening.
How many penalty points is the Queen of Spades worth in Olsen?
History & Culture
Olsen belongs to the Hearts family of card games and has been a popular Danish social game for decades. It likely takes its name from the common Danish surname, reflecting its everyday popularity.
Olsen is a widely recognized social card game in Denmark, often played at family dinners and casual gatherings as a lighthearted yet competitive pastime.
Variations & House Rules
Some groups play with the Jack of Diamonds as a bonus card worth negative 10 points, rewarding the player who captures it.
Add a passing phase before play begins, where each player passes three cards to a neighbor, adding another layer of strategy.
