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Download on Google Play- 2 players with a 20-card deck (Jacks through Aces).
- Deal 5 cards each (3 then 2); turn up one card for trumps.
- Remaining cards form the stock.
- Play tricks freely while stock remains (no follow-suit obligation).
- Draw one card from stock after each trick.
- Declare King-Queen marriages for 20 points (40 in trumps).
- Close the stock at any time to enforce strict follow-suit and trump rules.
- Ace: 11, Ten: 10, King: 4, Queen: 3, Jack: 2.
- Win 1 game point normally; 2 if opponent under 33; 3 if opponent won no tricks.
- First to 7 game points wins the match.
Rules
Schnapsen is the quintessential Austrian two-player card game. It demands sharp memory and precise timing as players race to 66 points using a tiny 20-card deck.
Objective
Accumulate 66 or more card points through tricks and marriages before your opponent does, winning game points based on how decisively you win.
Setup
- Players: 2 players.
- Deck: 20 cards — Aces, Tens, Kings, Queens, and Jacks in each of four suits.
- Deal: Each player receives 5 cards (3 then 2). The next card is placed face-up to determine the trump suit, with the remaining stock placed on top.
Gameplay
- Phase one — open play: While the stock exists, the trick winner leads next. No obligation to follow suit.
- Drawing: After each trick, both players draw one card from the stock.
- Marriages: A King-Queen of the same suit can be declared when that player leads, scoring 20 (or 40 for trump).
- Trump Jack swap: The holder of the trump Jack may exchange it for the face-up trump card under the stock.
- Closing: A player may close the stock, ending draws and enforcing follow-suit and trump obligations.
- Phase two — closed play: After the stock is exhausted or closed, strict trick-taking rules apply.
Scoring
- Card values: Ace = 11, Ten = 10, King = 4, Queen = 3, Jack = 2.
- Game points: Win 1 game point normally, 2 if opponent has under 33, or 3 if opponent took no tricks.
- Match target: First to 7 game points wins the match.
Variations
- Bauernschnapsen: The popular 4-player partnership expansion of Schnapsen.
- Dreierschnapsen: A three-player version with adjusted dealing and scoring.
Tips and Strategies
- Memorize all 20 cards as they are played — perfect information is achievable in this small deck.
- Close the stock when you can count to 66 from your hand alone.
Tips & Strategy
Track every card. With only 20 in the deck, knowing what remains lets you close the stock at the perfect moment.
During open play, win tricks with minimal investment — save your Aces and trump cards for after the stock is closed.
Trivia & Fun Facts
Austrian Schnapsen tournaments draw thousands of competitors and are broadcast on national television.
How many total card points exist across all 20 cards in a Schnapsen deck?
History & Culture
Schnapsen evolved from the German game Sixty-Six and became Austria's national two-player card game in the 19th century.
Schnapsen is widely regarded as Austria's national card game and plays a central role in the country's social and competitive gaming culture.
Variations & House Rules
Bauernschnapsen extends the game to four players in partnerships, while Dreierschnapsen adapts it for three.
For a faster match, play to 5 game points instead of 7, or agree that closing the stock is not allowed.
