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Download on Google Play- 5 players with a 32-card deck (Sevens through Aces).
- Deal 6 cards each; 2 cards go face-down as the blind.
- In turn order, pick up the blind or pass.
- Picker discards 2 cards and secretly partners with the Jack of Diamonds holder.
- Play tricks following suit; trumps are all Queens, Jacks, and Diamonds.
- Highest trump or suit card wins the trick.
- Ace: 11, Ten: 10, King: 4, Queen: 3, Jack: 2; lower cards: 0.
- Picker's team needs 61+ points; schneider at 91+; schwarz for all tricks.
- Defenders need 60+ points to win.
Rules
Sheepshead is an American trick-taking game with German roots, primarily played in Wisconsin. It uses a 32-card deck and features a complex trump hierarchy led by the Queens and Jacks.
Objective
As the picker, win enough card points (61 or more) with your partner. As defenders, collect at least 60 points to defeat the picking team.
Setup
- Players: 5 players (3- and 4-player variants exist).
- Deck: 32-card deck (Sevens through Aces in four suits).
- Deal: Each player receives 6 cards. Two cards are placed face-down as the 'blind.'
Gameplay
- Picking: Players in turn order may pick up the blind. The picker discards two cards and becomes the declarer.
- Partner: The picker's partner is whoever holds the Jack of Diamonds, though this is kept secret until played.
- Trump hierarchy: All Queens, then all Jacks, then all Diamonds form the 14-card trump suit, ranked Q♣-Q♠-Q♥-Q♦-J♣-J♠-J♥-J♦-A♦-10♦-K♦-9♦-8♦-7♦.
- Trick play: Follow suit if possible; trumps beat all fail-suit cards. The highest trump or suit card wins.
Scoring
- Card values: Aces = 11, Tens = 10, Kings = 4, Queens = 3, Jacks = 2. Lower cards = 0.
- Picker's team: Needs 61+ points to win. Schneider (91+) and schwarz (all tricks) earn extra.
- Defenders: Need 60+ points to defeat the picker.
Variations
- Leaster: When everyone passes, the player who takes the fewest points wins.
- Doubler: A round where point values are doubled, typically triggered by everyone passing.
- Jack of Diamonds partner: Some groups let the picker call any card as partner instead.
Tips and Strategies
- Pick the blind when you have at least 4 trumps — the blind often improves a borderline hand.
- Lead trumps early to strip defenders of their trump cards and control the later tricks.
Tips & Strategy
Count trumps carefully. With 14 trumps in the deck, knowing how many remain is crucial for planning your trick sequence.
As the picker, bury high-point fail-suit cards in your discard to lock in safe points before the first trick.
Trivia & Fun Facts
Sheepshead is so popular in Wisconsin that the state has an unofficial 'Sheepshead Day' and numerous tournaments.
Which card determines the picker's secret partner in standard Sheepshead?
History & Culture
Sheepshead was brought to Wisconsin by German immigrants in the 19th century and evolved from the game Schafkopf.
Sheepshead is a defining cultural pastime of Wisconsin and the upper Midwest, with deep roots in German-American heritage.
Variations & House Rules
Leaster reverses the goal when nobody picks, and Doubler rounds raise the stakes automatically.
Allow the picker to call any suit card as partner for more strategic flexibility in forming teams.
