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ENLARGED 
 
 SMALL TALKS ON 
 SKAT 
 
 SMALL TALKS ON SOLO 
 
 VIRGINIA M. MEYER 
 TEACHER OF WHIST. BRIDGE AND SKAT ,y}^ 
 
 PUBLISHED BY 
 
 THE RULEDGE PLAYING CARD CO.. 
 
 PORT HURON. MICH., U. S. A. 
 
• «i 
 
 ^^";^ 
 
 LIBRARY of CONGRESS 
 Two Copies Received 
 
 DEC 5 mi 
 
 CUSS qJ XXC; ^!o, 
 OOP If d. * 
 
 Ck>PTEIGHTBD 1908 
 
To J. G. T. I owe my first interest in, and 
 incentive to, the study of the fascinating game of 
 Skat. 
 
 Virginia M. Meyer. 
 
NOTE 
 
 Skat has for years been the National Game of 
 Germany and is fast becoming equally popular in all 
 other countries. The game derives its name from 
 an abbreviation of the Italian word Skatola, mean- 
 ing box or a place of safe keeping. Skat was first 
 played in the town of Altenburg, Germany, in or 
 about the year 1815, but not until 1848 or 1850 did its 
 popularity manifest itself. The first Skat Congress 
 in America was held in St. Louis, Mo., on Jan. 22, 
 1898. On this date the North American Skat 
 League had its birth and Skat Congresses have been 
 held in the larger cities of the United States annu- 
 ally since that time. 
 
 Skat tournaments are largely attended, and it is 
 estimated that there are over one hundred thousand 
 players in America. 
 
 Lovers of Skat say its fascinations are greater 
 than that of any other game. 
 
 It is a mistaken idea that Skat is a difficult game. 
 The foundation is puzzling but when that is grasped 
 the rest is easy. 
 
 It has been my good fortune to meet and play 
 with some of the best Skat players in the country. 
 A close analysis of the game, and experience that 
 is one of the best (if not the kindest) of teachers, 
 has convinced me that^ no game offers as great a 
 scope for variety and interest. There is no same- 
 ness, one may hold a phenomenally good hand, and 
 be outbidden by an equally poor one. No one 
 resents this, as every game whether Scoring Games 
 or Nullos, the play is most absorbing. 
 
 Give Skat a fair trial and the majority will join 
 the ranks that claim it is the greatest of all card 
 games. 
 
 For this book I claim brevity and conciseness. 
 It will appeal to the beginner and to such it will 
 give a desire to go more deeply into a close study 
 of the Game. Virginia M. Meyer. 
 
SMALL TALKS ON SKAT 
 
 THE SCHEME OF THE GAME 
 
 Skat may be played by three, four or five people. 
 There are only three active players. If four engage 
 in the game the dealer does not play. If five, the 
 dealer and the player at his right, or second player 
 from his right, do not play. The non-players score 
 against the "Player" With the exception of the 
 Nullo and Ramsch declarations all games are 
 played on the same principle, the object being to 
 capture 6i points (one more than half the total 
 120) cards of counting value to that amount, and 
 not tricks, being taken into consideration. Failing 
 in this, the "Player^* loses the full amount of his 
 game. If before, or after the first card is Played 
 the "Playe/' thinks he cannot win his game, he can 
 so announce, thus saving further possibility of loss 
 by ''Schneider" or "Schwarz." 
 
 VALUE OF THE CARDS 
 
 Each Ace counts 11 
 
 Each Ten counts 10 
 
 Each King counts 4 
 
 Each Queen counts 3 
 
 Each Jack counts 2 
 
 Making a total of 120 
 
 Thirty-two cards are used, running from the 
 seven to the ace inclusive, each player having ten 
 cards and two being used for the "Skat" 
 
There are eleven trumps in each suit. The four 
 Jacks, ranging in value: Club, Spade, Heart and 
 Diamond, followed by the Ace, Ten, King, Queen, 
 
 9, 8, 7. 
 
 The cards are dealt, 3, 4, 3, giving 2 to the 
 "Skat'* after the first round of 3 to the players. 
 
 The cards in the ''Skaf belong to the "Player^* 
 whether taken in the hand or left ''sleeping" If the 
 latter they are counted at the end of the game. 
 
 The players are known as the ''Player** and the 
 ''Opponents/* 
 
 The intricacies of the game are many and most 
 interesting. 
 
 Experience alone will teach the fine points. 
 
 Valuation of the hands, quickness and accuracy 
 of counting are the first things to be mastered. 
 
 The main thought for the beginner to grasp is 
 that 61 points must be taken in the tricks. 
 
 Seven weak trumps with no outside scoring cards 
 is a hand that is more than likely to be overthrown. 
 
 In calculating your hand consider what the possi- 
 bilities are for having 61 points in your tricks after 
 the game is played. 
 
 Remember, a hand with only Tens high will not 
 capture Aces. 
 
 Think of the winning point cards you have — 
 what they may capture, how many you must lose, 
 and if the chances are above the average or evenj 
 you are justified in bidding for the Game. 
 
 While the four Jacks are the most valuable for 
 winning tricks, and look alluring to the Skat novice, 
 they have the least counting value after the hand is 
 played. 
 
 The hand with two or three Aces and Tens is 
 the one to consider "where will they be when the 
 
 6 
 
play is finished?" If in your tricks do not be 
 afraid to bid. 
 
 Short suits with Aces and Tens must catch 
 Kings and Queens. 
 
 Long suits are apt to be trumped, as they also 
 lose their value. 
 
 Remember that lone Tens lose their value unless 
 they can be put ''to sleep" in the Skat, 
 
 There are a few set rules for play that in the 
 majority of cases win, but much judgment is needed 
 as well. 
 
 MANNER OF BIDDING 
 
 Forehand — at dealer's left. He holds the bid until 
 obliged to pass. Is always the Leader. 
 
 No matter how many are playing, the one next the 
 dealer is always Forehand and Leader. 
 
 Middlehand — at the left of Forehand, has the iirst 
 hid, and holds the hid if Forehand passes. It is the 
 most dangerous position if he is the "Player,'* and a 
 hand that could be easily won as Forehand will be 
 lost as Middlehand. 
 
 Backhand — the player holding third hand, and bids 
 after Middlehand, to the one holding the hid — the 
 hest position for Nullos, and not bad for Solos. 
 
 When four are playing the dealer takes no part in 
 the game. The player at his right becoming Back- 
 hand. 
 
 The formula for bidding should be correctly fol- 
 lowed. Middlehand bids to Forehand. Backhand 
 then has the privilege of bidding to the successful 
 one of the first two. The successful one of the 
 three, names the game to be played. 
 
 Good Skat players are impatient with those who 
 do not fully understand the right way of bidding, 
 
and too much cannot be said as to learning it cor- 
 rectly at once. 
 
 Quite as many bids are overthrown as won. A 
 hand that may seem invincible is often beaten. The 
 beginner must not be discouraged. 
 
 '*W1TH" AND "WITHOUT** 
 
 The most puzzling part of Skat to the novice 
 is "With" and "Without." It seems so senseless, 
 and could one offer a reason why "Withouf exists, 
 it would be more easily grasped. It must be taken 
 on faith, and soon it seems a matter of course, and 
 no more thought need be given it. 
 
 Remember the Club Jack is the best Jack, no 
 matter zvhat the trump is, followed by the Spade, 
 Heart and Diamond Jacks. This being the case it 
 can readily be understood the desire to be "With" 
 the Club Jack (the very best). The satisfaction 
 must then be greater to be "With" two (the Club 
 and Spade Jacks) ; add the Heart Jack and you are 
 "With" three. 
 
 When you for the first time hold all, you feel 
 with Monte Christo, "The World is Mine," for you 
 are "With" four, and so on, as long as the sequence 
 is not broken, you can add add one more "With," 
 until a fine score is in sight. 
 
 The above the student good naturedly accepts; 
 he sees why you score, for having so many good 
 cards in your hand. The look of dismay, even of 
 indignant disgust that greets one for the first time 
 he presumes to say that the scoring is identically 
 the same when ''Without" as "With" makes one for 
 a moment wonder how to meet this stumbling block, 
 and wish it had never been put in the game. No 
 one understands why you can count what is in the 
 8 
 
other hands, with no way of capturing the High 
 Jacks with Low ones. 
 
 Accept the fact that you can score "Something 
 for Nothing*' and you have "Crossed the Rubicon," 
 are now ready to really learn. 
 
 The Club Jack controls the bidding. If you have 
 only the Spade Jack it is "Without" one (the best). 
 If Club and Spade Jacks are both missing, you are 
 "Without" two. If only the Diamond Jack is in 
 your hand, your are "Without" three. 
 
 To be "Without" four, and w^in your game is 
 something worth working for, and you are then 
 glad "Without" is part of the game. 
 
 The Jacks (or Matadores) are called Multipli- 
 ers. The Basis Value of the same is i Multiplier; 
 for every Jack you are "With" or "Without" you 
 add one more Multiplier, always remembering the 
 Jacks must be in sequence from the Club Jack. 
 
 The following illustrates a Heart Solo "With." 
 Heart Solo "With" i scores 20 
 Heart Solo "With" 2 scores 30 
 Heart Solo "With" 3 scores 40 
 Heart Solo "With" 4 scores 50 
 
 If the four Jacks are followed by the Ace, it is a 
 Heart Solo "With" 5 — 60, and so on as long as the 
 cards follow each other in sequence. 
 The following illustrates a Heart Solo "Without." 
 Heart Solo "Without" i scores 20 
 Heart Solo "Without" 2 scores 30 
 Heart Solo "Without" 3 scores 40 
 Heart Solo "Without" 4 scores 50 
 If the four Jacks are missing, also the Ace, it is 
 a Heart Solo "Without" 5 — 60, and so on as long 
 as the cards are missing in sequence. 
 
In bidding your hand the Jacks take the vahie of 
 the Game you expect to play. 
 
 In finding 6i points they count only for 2, there- 
 fore are the lowest scoring cards. Even though you 
 have the Club Jack, Heart Jack and Diamond Jack 
 you are only "With'' i, as the sequence is broken. 
 
 OVERBIDDING 
 
 In bidding "Without" get the bid as cheaply as 
 possible, for if "Without'' 4 you go to the full value 
 of your hand and find one or more Jacks in the 
 "Skat,'' you will have overbidden your hand. 
 This, too, causes resentment, but the rule works 
 both ways. Holding Spade, Heart and Diamond 
 Jacks you are "Without" i; lo! and behold the 
 Club Jack in the '''Skar will make you "With" 4. 
 Unless there is high bidding against you, beware of 
 a hand "Without," as one or more Jacks are apt to 
 be in the ''Skat." 
 
 If you have bid 30 on a Club Solo "Without" 2, 
 and find the Club Jack in the Skat, you have overbid 
 your hand and must lose 36, as one must lose on a 
 multiple of a Club Solo, or whatever game he is 
 playing. 
 
 Remember the hand is valued relative to the Club 
 Jack. If you have it you are "With," if you do not 
 have it you are "Without." 
 
 MULTIPLIERS 
 
 All Contingencies are known as Multipliers. Each 
 Game has a Basis Value known as the Original 
 Multiplier. "With" or "Without" Jacks for each 
 one in sequence; multiplies it i extra time. 
 
 Schneider, Schneider Announced, Schwarz An- 
 nounced, multiply according to table given below : 
 10 
 
LIST OF MULTIPLIERS 
 
 Basis Value of Game i times 
 
 For each "Wtih" or "Without'' held in se- 
 quence counting from the Club Jack i 
 
 Schneider (91 points) i 
 
 Schneider Announced, announcing you will 
 
 make 91 points 2 
 
 Schwarz, every trick 2 
 
 Schwarz Announced, announcing you will 
 
 take every trick 4 
 
 Schwarz, after announcing Schneider 3 
 
 Schneider and Schwarz can only be announced in 
 Solo Games. Guckser and Passt Nicht loses 
 double. The "Player'* must make 31 points or he is 
 Schneidered. 
 
 ILLUSTRATED BIDDING 
 
 Middlehand always bids first, to Forehand. If 
 Middlehand makes a bid, Forehand either holds it 
 or passes. Backhand then bids or raises the bid to 
 the one holding it, or passes. If Middlehand passes, 
 Backhand has the h'rst. bid. 
 
 M.— '1 pass." 
 
 B.— *1 pass." 
 
 F. — "Names the Game, or Ramsch must be 
 played. 
 
 M.— "I have ID." 
 
 F.— "I have ID." 
 
 M.— "I have 20." 
 
 F.— "20 is good." 
 
 B.— "I have 24." 
 
 M. — "24 is good." 
 
 Backhand is the "Player," 
 
 M.— "I have 20." 
 
 11 
 
F.— "20 is good.'' 
 B.— "I have 24." 
 M.— "I have 24." 
 B.— "That is good." 
 Middlehand is the 'Tlayer" 
 M.— "I pass." 
 B.— "I have 20." 
 F. — "20 is good." 
 Backhand is the "Player.*' 
 
 SUGGESTIONS 
 
 A hand that has 40 points or more, is likely to 
 win. With the 40 you have, it will not be hard to 
 win 20 more. A hand that has only 25 or 30 points 
 is destined to lose. 
 Announce Game to the Scorer, as given below: 
 "Heart Solo "With" 2 and Schneider 40." 
 "Heart Solo "With" 3, and Schneider Announced 
 —60." 
 
 GAMES 
 
 LIST AND VALUE OF GAMES 
 
 
 D 
 
 H 
 
 S 
 
 G 
 
 Nullo 
 
 
 
 
 20 
 
 Tourne 
 
 5 
 
 6 
 
 7 
 
 8 
 
 Guckser Nullo 
 
 (Lost 30) 
 
 
 
 
 15 
 
 
 D 
 
 H 
 
 S 
 
 G 
 
 Null Ouvert 
 
 
 
 
 40 
 
 Solo 
 
 9 
 
 10 
 
 11 
 
 12 
 
 Guckser Null Ouvert 
 (Lost 60) 
 
 
 
 
 30 
 
 
 Tourne Grand 
 
 
 
 
 12 
 
 Nullo Tourne 
 
 
 
 
 16 
 
 Guckser Grand 
 
 (Lost 32) 
 
 
 
 
 16 
 
 Null Ouvert Tourne 
 
 
 
 
 32 
 
 RamscK (Lost) 
 
 
 
 
 
 Solo Grand 
 
 
 
 
 20 
 
 20 
 
 RamscK Jungfer 
 
 (Lost) 
 
 
 
 
 
 Grand Ouvert 
 
 
 
 
 24 
 
 30 
 
 12 
 
Tourne and Solo. — Naming the suit that is to be 
 the trump. 
 
 Grand and Variations. — Only the four Jacks are 
 trumps. 
 
 Nullos and Variations. — There are no trumps. 
 Must not take a trick. Cards rank at usual face 
 value, Ace, King, Queen, Jack, lo, 9, 8, 7. 
 
 Tourne. — D-5, H— 6, S— 7, C— 8. An all around fair 
 hand. Not strong enough in any one suit for Solo, 
 and not enough scoring cards and Jacks for Grand. 
 Usually has one or two Jacks, with some scoring 
 cards, two or three suits that by favorable turning 
 will give five trumps. The advantage of Tourne is 
 in being able to put dangerous tens *'to sleep" and 
 to shorten suits. 
 
 Counting Rule. — With Jacks, Aces and Tens that 
 will count 4. — R. F. Foster. 
 
 Tourne, when a Ramsch would be disastrous. 
 Tourne is usually a Defensive Bid, made hoping to 
 **hit'' it. Also to avoid playing a dangerous Ramsch. 
 
 Solo. — D — 9, H — 10, S — II, C — 12. To play Solo a 
 hand must be fairly strong not only in trumps (of 
 which you should have five or more) but outside 
 tricks as well. 
 
 Counting Rule. — A hand that with five or more 
 trumps and outside tricks will count to 8 is good 
 for a Solo in almost any position. — R. F. Foster. 
 
 If it goes to 7 the chances are fair (unless you 
 are in the middle). 
 
 Beware of Solos with three weak suits. A miss- 
 ing suit gives extra strength to a Solo. 
 
 The same principles govern the Tourne and Solo 
 games with a few exceptions. In Tourne the 
 
 13 
 
''Player'' has had the opportunity to discard two 
 cards, and is likely to have laid away id's from your 
 long Ace suits. 
 
 GENERAL HINTS 
 
 Lead your long suit when the ''Player'' is in the 
 Middle. 
 
 Both he and your partner must be short and your 
 partner plays last. 
 
 If the "Player" is at the end, lead your short 
 suit. Your partner tries to win the trick, continues 
 the suit, thus keeping the "Player" in the Middle. 
 
 Do not continue a suit when the "Player" is at 
 the end and can trump or discard. Never allow him 
 to get a discard if possible to avoid it. 
 
 In Solo Games change your suits often. Remem- 
 ber he is long in trumps, therefore must be short in 
 the side suits. 
 
 If your partner leads an Ace, put on the best 
 card you have. 
 
 If it is a 7 he will know you have no more. If 
 an 8, 9 or other card, he must judge from cards in 
 his hand and ones played how the cards are placed. 
 
 From two card suits open high, unless it be a 
 guarded lo. Do not open that suit at all. Let it 
 be led to you, if possible. 
 
 If forced to open it, open it with lo. 
 
 Lead a lone lo. It must go to the Ace in any 
 event. If the "Player" wins it, it may make the 
 King and Queen good in your partner's hand and 
 allow you to throw in good scoring cards. 
 
 Should the "Player" lead a Black Jack, you hold- 
 ing a small card and a Red Jack should play it. It 
 will inform your partner you are weak in trumps 
 and he can better plan his game. 
 
 u 
 
On inferior Jack led by the ''Player^' throw in 
 a good scoring card hoping your partner can cover, 
 or, holding no scoring card but a better Jack, cover, 
 giving your partner a chance to throw in. 
 
 Always overtake your partner's trick (if it does 
 not sacrifice your hand too much), if it will throw 
 the "Player'' in the Middle. 
 
 In Tourne Games it is not always wise to lead 
 an Ace from a long suit through the ''Player.'* He 
 is likely to have discarded from that suit. 
 
 From a long suit headed by an Ace lead an inter- 
 mediate card. If your partner has the lo, he can 
 win it. If ''Player" has it he will not dare play 
 
 it. 
 
 You may catch it with Ace on the second round 
 or your partner may be able to trump it on the 
 third. 
 
 It is a poor plan for partners to false card. Give 
 each other all the information you can. Two can 
 use it to better advantage than one. Do not hold 
 up your Aces in Solo Games. 
 
 Try not to sacrifice your partner's hand. 
 
 WHEN TO SMEAR WITH AN ACE 
 When you also have the lo. 
 
 From a long suit when there is danger of it being 
 trumped. 
 
 A Lone Ace — You may be able to trump the lo. 
 When it will give you 6i points, or save being 
 Schneidered. 
 
 Think well before Smearing with an Ace. Doing 
 so may clear a suit in the "Player's" hand — just the 
 thing he wants most. 
 
 15 
 
RULES FOR THE ^TLAYER^^ 
 
 TOURNE AND SOLO GAMES 
 
 In discarding weaken a suit so you can trump the 
 winning cards of the opponents. 
 
 Discard good scoring cards unless they can be 
 used to better advantage. 
 
 Do not discard a lone Ace. 
 
 Discard lone or poorly guarded Tens. 
 
 The ''Player" should try to keep the lead, or 
 throw it, so on the next round he will play last. 
 
 Avoid in every way becoming Middle Hand. 
 
 If in playing Tourne you turn a trump of which 
 you have only four, with Ace or Ten of the suit, 
 they are almost sure to be lost, therefore put them 
 in the ''Skat" 
 
 Unless the chances are greatly in your favor do 
 not 'Ta^st Nicht." 
 
 The loss is double. 
 
 If there is danger of being Schneidered, do not 
 play the hand. 
 
 SOLO 
 
 Many Games are lost by the ''Player" not leading 
 trumps. 
 
 Exhaust the trumps that your good suit cards will 
 not be trumped. 
 
 The "Player^' has uphill work unless his hand is 
 phenomenally strong, as he has two opponents to 
 thwart him. 
 
 If all the trumps are exhausted except the win- 
 ing one do not lead for it. Rather try to force it 
 on good suit cards. 
 
 16 
 
Some players advocate the lead of trumps always 
 in Solo Games if for no other reason than to con- 
 ceal the weakness of the hand. 
 
 It should depend on the hand entirely. If void in 
 other suits and you have guarded tens to make, the 
 lead should be thrown, perhaps by leading trumps 
 or some other suit. 
 
 Holding only the best Jack, do not lead it unless 
 very anxious to get out two rounds of trumps. 
 
 Do not lead away from Tenaces unless forced to 
 do so. Lead low cards from trump suit if you hold 
 the Ace and Ten. When cards must win against 
 you let it be as quickly as possible. Always try to 
 throw the lead to your left hand adversary. Do 
 not give up the Club Jack too early, you may need it 
 to control the game later on. Trump with your 
 scoring cards, and lead your worthless one. 
 
 If forced to trump from five trumps it greatly 
 weakens the hand for leading them. 
 
 Grand and Variations. — Only Jacks are trumps. 
 The highest card of the suit wins unless trumped 
 by a Jack. This can only be done if void of the 
 suit led. 
 
 Counting Rule. — ^Any combination of Jacks and 
 suits that will count 5 is a fair Grand. 
 
 2 Jacks — 3 good suits. 
 
 3 Jacks — 2 good suits. 
 
 4 Jacks — I good suit. 
 
 A fairly safe Grand Bid is 3 or 4 Aces, and 2 or 
 3 tens, if the suits are short. If the suits are long 
 they will be trumped with the Jacks. 
 
 TOURNE GRAND— 12 
 
 This is an accidental Grand. Turning a Jack 
 from the "Skat" after Tourne has been announced, 
 allows the ''Player" to change it into Grand. 
 
 17 
 
Passt Niche Tourne Grand may also be played. 
 Sometimes turning a Jack will so strengthen a 
 hand that with judicious discarding it will make a 
 safe Grand. 
 
 GUGKSER GRAND 
 WON 16 LOST 32 
 
 The word "Guckser" means ''to peep*' or "coax" 
 helping cards from the "Skat." 
 
 Usually one plays "Guckser*' in order to protect 
 or discard dangerous Tens, otherwise the hand is 
 strong enough for Solo Grand. 
 
 Some hands look almost good enough for a Grand. 
 If only we could discard or protect a lone lo. If 
 only the suit were a little longer. It is then we play 
 "Gukser." We fondly imagine "Skat" holds just the 
 thing we most want. 
 
 To some this is the most fascinating feature of 
 the game, and it is truly called a pitfall for the 
 novice. 
 
 SOLO GRAND -20 
 
 A hand so strong in Jacks and suit cards that it 
 is strong enough to play out of hand. 
 
 GRAND OUVERT-24 
 
 The highest bid in Skat. The hand is so strong 
 the "Player^' lays it on the table and defies his 
 opponents to take a trick. 
 
 Necessarily the hand must be very strong and is 
 safest for Forehand. 
 
 All Grands are played on the same principle. 
 
 GRAND 
 PLAY OF THE "PLAYER" 
 
 If Forehand, lead a Jack, hoping to get two for 
 one. 
 
 18 
 
With two Jacks., one Black, not the best one, lead 
 the lower one. It may force the best one. 
 
 With two Red Jacks do not lead either. 
 
 Lead your suit cards trying to establish suits. 
 
 Do not lead from a long established suit at once. 
 The opponents will only throw on worthless cards. 
 
 // some tricks must lose let it be early in the 
 game while both opponents can follow suit, or later 
 one can play high card and the other throw in 
 high scoring cards. 
 
 Exhaust the Jacks as soon as possible. Lead your 
 losing cards, while opponents have suit, if you have 
 reentry cards Then play your long suit at the end 
 of the game, when the high scoring cards must go 
 to you. 
 
 This only applies to established suits, otherwise 
 you must establish it. 
 
 PLAY OF THE OPPONENTS 
 
 Lead from your long suit. Do not leave a suit 
 until it is established. 
 
 Do not be afraid to play out your high scoring 
 cards. They must win or weaken the ''Players'* 
 hand by forcing him to trump with a Jack. When 
 your partner leads, put on the best card you have 
 of the suit. Return the best you have. 
 
 Bear in mind to force the player. Do not hesitate 
 to trump his good cards with your Jacks. If he does 
 not lead Jacks, he either has them all, or does not 
 want to lead them because he is weak. 
 
 Do not lead out your Aces too quickly in Grand. 
 
 Do not play Guckser Grand unless you have some 
 weak point that you hope the "Skaf* will protect. 
 Grand from the hand does not expose your weak- 
 ness, and Guckser loses double. These are two 
 19 
 
good reasons for not becoming a victim of Guckser 
 fever. 
 
 A lone Ten needs protection, or can be put to 
 ''sleepr 
 
 Do not discard a guarded Ten. It may save itself, 
 also stop the opponent's suit. 
 
 NULLOS 
 
 Nullo is such a pleasing interloper in the game 
 of Skat, that no one would willingly consent to be 
 without it. To many players it is the most intense 
 and exciting of all games played. To win 
 or overthrow a Nullo is equally satisfying. 
 Some players would sooner win an Open Nullo than 
 an Open Grand. The word suggests itself : worth- 
 less. As soon as a trick is taken by the ''Player'* 
 the game is lost. There are several variations of 
 Nullo. Some are safe, some are risky. The more 
 risky, the more one delights in playing it. The 
 cards have their natural face value. There is only 
 the Basis Value for Nullos, as Jacks have no scoring 
 Value. 
 
 NULLO— 20 
 
 Played from the hand. May have some weak 
 points that you hope to overcome by being able to 
 discard on other suits. 
 
 NULL OUVERT— 40 
 
 Placed on the table before a card is led. To be 
 played open. The "Player** not to win a trick. 
 
 NULL OUVERT FORCE-60 
 
 The "Player** places his hand on the table and 
 defies the opponents to force a trick on him, even 
 after they have consulted as to how it might be 
 done. 
 
 20 
 
The above game is optional. It may be ruled out 
 : the beginning of the game if the majority wish it. 
 
 at the beginning 
 
 GUGKSER NULLO 
 WON IB LOST 30 
 
 A hand that with the help of the ''Skaf' might be 
 worthless enough to play Nullo. Do not try it if 
 you have more than two dangerous cards, as that 
 is all the ''Skat" will allow you to discard. 
 
 GUGKSER NULL GUVERT 
 
 WON 30 LOST 60 
 
 Played open, after taking the Skat cards. Do 
 not play the above unless forced to do so to get 
 the bid. It is dangerous, and the loss is too great. 
 
 NULLO TOURNE— 16 
 
 An accidental Nullo. If after announcing Tourne 
 the "Player'' turns a card that will enable him to 
 play Nullo he can do so. 
 
 NULL GUVERT TGURNE— 32 
 
 If the second ''Skaf card makes the hand a sure 
 losing one, it can be played open. 
 
 SUGGESTIONS 
 
 FGR THE OPPONENTS IN NULLO GAMES 
 
 Never return the "Player's" lead. 
 
 Always return your partner's lead. He had some 
 object in leading it. 
 
 With Ace and 7 lead the Ace, then the 7. Your 
 partner can overtake it and continue the suit. 
 
 Continue a suit if your partner is discarding; he 
 21 
 
may bare his hand of a suit and you may be able 
 to overthrow the "Player.'* 
 
 Experience alone will teach the possibilities in the 
 fascinating game of Nullo. 
 
 Never allow the "Player" to get a discard. Con- 
 tinue a suit if the ''Player" follows. He is more 
 than likely long in it. If you are also, it will allow 
 your partner to discard high cards from other suits. 
 
 Try to overthrow the "Player** in the suits of 
 which you hold the 7. 
 
 Try to keep the ''Player' in the middle if you can, 
 for he can then only underplay one card. If he is 
 Backhand he can underplay two. Do not discard 
 low cards. They are safe, and may overthrow the 
 "Player:* 
 
 The adversaries should give each other discards. 
 
 SUGGESTIONS 
 
 rOR THE "PLAYER'* IN NULLO GAMES 
 
 The "Player^* taking one trick loses the game. 
 
 Unless the "Player'* has low cards in each suit so 
 that he can "duck" any card led, the declaration is 
 unsafe. 
 
 There is an exception — ^holding a singleton or two 
 short suits the "Player** hopes he may discard them. 
 
 The "Playe/* holding a singleton 7, 8 or 9, should 
 lead it. 
 
 As the "Player** can only have one lead, that must 
 be an absolutely safe one. 
 
 Lead a lone 7 or 8 spot ; from suit with both 7 and 
 9 lead the 9 ; if you lead the 7, it may be taken with 
 a high card, and you may be forced to take the 8 
 with the 9. 
 
 22 
 
RAMSGH RAMSCH JUNGFER 
 
 LOSES 20 LOSES 30 
 
 Ramsch was introduced into the game as a punish- 
 ment, for those who hold good hands and will not 
 bid, in order to overthrow the "Player/' It is 
 better to lose a cheap Tourne than a Ramsch. 
 
 It is played after all have passed. Middlehand 
 and Backhand not being able to bid, Forehand may 
 name a Game or Ramsch 7nust be played. 
 
 Played the same as Grand (only Jacks are 
 trumps) except, the object is to lose, instead of 
 gain the scoring cards. 
 
 There is more chance for good play than one 
 would at first suppose. 
 
 Do not refuse to take a trick or two, early in the 
 game. 
 
 You can take 39 points and still some player must 
 have more. 
 
 Do not "duck'* a trick unless you can do so twice. 
 If you must win a trick at all in the suit, do it at 
 once. Leave yourself with a low card to throw the 
 lead later. If left with high cards at the end of the 
 game one is more apt to have to take all the scoring 
 cards that have been held up. Therefore keep one 
 or two low cards to throw the lead toward the end 
 of the game. 
 
 With only two cards of a suit lead the higher one 
 first. 
 
 From a three-card suit usually lead the middle 
 one. 
 
 Lead the Diamond Jack if you have it, as some 
 one must have a better Jack. 
 
 The one winning the most points loses 20 from 
 his score.. 
 
If one player does not have a trick the loss is 30 
 (for the loser) instead of 20. 
 If one player has all the tricks his loss is 50. 
 
 METHOD OF PLAYING 
 
 Forehand takes the ''Skat" and discards two 
 cards — the ones that seem the most dangerous. 
 
 Middlehand takes the two discarded by Forehand 
 Backhand takes the two discarded by Middlehand. 
 Each will discard the cards most dangerous to his 
 hand. 
 
 The player taking the last trick must take the 
 ''Skat" cards and they are added to his score. 
 
 This will influence Backhand's discard, if he is 
 likely to take the last trick; he will not put high 
 scoring cards in the "Skat" but take a chance on 
 being able to discard them in play. 
 
 Each player is for himself. 
 
 If a Jack is led a Jack must be played if you have 
 one. 
 
 ILLUSTRATED HANDS 
 
 One of the things to consider in bidding is your 
 "Position." 
 
 A hand that would be a sure winner as Fore- 
 hand, possibly Backhand, is almost impossible as 
 Middlehand. 
 
 You are between your opponents. They at once 
 discover your weakness and can attack you so mer- 
 cilessly if you are in the "Middle." 
 
 BEST POSITIONS 
 
 For Grand — Forehand. 
 
 For Solo and Tourne — Forehand; possibly Back- 
 hand. 
 
 For Nullos — Backhand. 
 
 24 
 
Favorable Backhand Position for Solo — when you 
 have a missing suit, a guarded ten or a tenace. With 
 such a hand you want the lead to come to you. 
 
 FOUR HANDS 
 TOURNE 
 
 C-J, Qu. 
 S— J, 10, 8. 
 H— 10, Qu. 
 D-J, A, 9. 
 
 Any turn will help the 
 hand. 
 
 C— A, ID. 
 S— J, A, ID. 
 H— K, 9, 8. 
 D-J, K, Qu. 
 
 Not strong enough for 
 Grand or Solo but too 
 good to pass. 
 
 Not one of the above hands is good enough for 
 anything else. 
 
 If in turning for trump the turn is not favorable, 
 and you still wish to try it, with an Ace or lo of 
 the trump suit that is likely to be lost, put it 'to 
 sleep" in the ''Skat" 
 
 If there is danger of being Schneidered do not 
 play the hand. 
 
 SOLOS 
 
 C— J, 10, K, 9. 
 S— A, Qu, 8. 
 H— 10, K. 
 D— 10. 
 
 Hoping to turn a Club 
 or Spade. 
 
 C~io, Qu, 9. 
 S-J. 
 
 H— 10, K, 9. 
 D— A, 10, 8. 
 Hoping to turn a C, H, 
 or D. 
 
 C— J, A, ID, Qu. 
 S-J, 9, 8. 
 H— A, K. 
 D— 10, K. 
 
 Club Solo with 2. 
 
 C— A. 
 
 S— A. 
 
 H-J, 9. 
 
 D-A, 10, K, Qu, 9, 8. 
 
 Diamond Solo without 
 
 2. 
 
 25 
 
C--J, A. 
 S-J, 9, 7. 
 H-J, 10, Qu, 8, 7. 
 D . 
 
 C— A, 10, Qu, 9, 8, 7. 
 S— 10, K. 
 
 H . 
 
 D— 10, 9. 
 
 "Heart Solo nVith" 3." "Club Solo 'Without" 
 
 Hands as good as the above, with 5 or more 
 trumps and outside tricks or a missing suit are good 
 Solo hands. 
 
 POSSIBLE TOURNE GRANDS AFTER TURNING 
 A JACK 
 
 C— J, A, K. C— A, 10. 
 
 S— A, Qu, 8. S— 10, K, Qu. 
 
 H— 10, K. H— A, 9. 
 
 D— A, K. D— J, 10, K. 
 
 C — A, 10, 8. C . 
 
 S—io, K. S— J, A, 10, 9. 
 
 H— J, 9. H— 10, K, Qu. 
 
 D— J, K, Qu. D— A, 10, 7. 
 
 If the card turned is a jack, the four hands given 
 above are fair Grands, as a favorable discard can 
 be made in each one. 
 
 GUCKSER GRANDS 
 
 C— J, A, 10. 
 S— 10, K, Qu. 
 H— 10. 
 D~J, A, K. 
 Good for Guckser if 
 Forehand. 
 
 C-J, 10. 
 S-~J, A, K. 
 H— 10, K, Qu. 
 D-J, 8. 
 
 Better for Guckser than 
 a Heart Solo. 
 
 C-A, K, 9, 8. 
 
 S-J, A, 9. 
 
 H-J, 10. 
 
 D-J, 10. 
 
 Good in any position. 
 
 C-~J, A, 7. 
 
 S— J, A, 8. 
 
 H-.10. 
 
 D— 10, Qu, 9. 
 
 Good as Forehand. 
 
 28 
 
It will be seen each of the above hands has a 
 singleton lo. The ''Skat'' allows it to be discarded 
 or it will protect it. 
 
 GRAND SOLO 
 
 C— J, A, 10, 9, 8. 
 S~J, A, K. 
 H— A. 
 D—K. 
 
 Good for Grand if Fore- 
 hand. Club Solo in 
 any other position. 
 
 C— 10, K. 
 S— J, A, 10. 
 H-J, A, K. 
 D-J, A. 
 
 Good in any position. 
 Most favorable for 
 Backhand. 
 
 C — J, A, 10. 
 
 S— A. 
 
 H— J, 10, K, 9. 
 
 D— A. 
 
 Good for Forehand. If 
 
 any other position 
 
 Heart Solo. 
 
 C-J, A. 
 
 S-J, 10, 8, 7. 
 
 H~J. 
 
 D— J, A. 
 
 Good in any position. 
 
 GRAND OUVERTS 
 
 C~J, A, 10. 
 S— J, A, 10. 
 H— A, 10, K, 7. 
 D— 
 
 Good only for 
 hand. 
 
 Fore- 
 
 C-J. 
 
 S— A, 10, K. 
 
 H~J, A, 10. 
 
 D— J, A, 10. 
 
 Good for any position. 
 
 C— J, A, 10, K, 9. 
 S— J, A, 10, K, 9. 
 H— 
 D— 
 
 Good in any position. 
 
 C— J, A, 10, K. 
 
 S— J, A, 10. 
 
 H-J. 
 
 D— A, 10. 
 
 Good for any position. 
 
 27 
 
NULLO 
 
 C— A, 10, 8, 7. 
 
 S^K, 9, 8, 7. 
 
 H-Qu, 7. 
 
 D— 
 
 Hoping to discard. Qu. 
 of Heart on a Dia- 
 mond. 
 
 C — A, 10, 9, 8. 
 S-K, Qu, 9, 8, 7. 
 H~ 
 D— A. 
 
 Hoping to discard Dia- 
 mond Ace on a Heart. 
 
 C~K, 8, 7. 
 S~K, 9, 8, 7. 
 H-Qu, 9, 7. 
 D— 
 
 Hoping to be able to 
 discard K. Club and 
 Qu. Hearts. 
 
 S~K, Qu, 9, 7. 
 H— 10, 7. 
 D-9, 8, 7. 
 
 Not a good hand but 
 worth trying. 
 
 GUGKSER NULLO 
 
 C--K, Qu, 9, 8, 7. 
 S-9, 8, 7. 
 H— K. 
 
 C-K, 7. 
 S— A. 
 H-9, 8, 7. 
 D~A, 10, 9, 8. 
 
 C-K, Qu, 9, 7. C-A, 9, 8, 7. 
 
 S— K, 8. S— A, 9, 8, 7. 
 
 H— K, 7. H— K, Qu. 
 
 D-«, 7. D— 
 
 Only one or two cards in the above hands look 
 
 dangerous. The "Skat" may enable you to discard 
 Of further protect them. 
 
 NULL OUVERT 
 C— 7. C— A, 10, 7. 
 
 S-9, 7. S-Qu, 9, 8, 7. 
 
 H— K, 10, 9, 8, 7. H— 9, 7. 
 
 D-9, 8. D-7. 
 
 Looks invincible. Dangerous if in the 
 
 Middle. 
 
 28 
 
GUCKSER NULL OUVERT 
 
 C-A, 7. C--9, 8, 7. 
 
 S-Qu, J, 8, 7. S-9, 8, 7. 
 
 H--9, 8, 7. H— K, 8. 
 
 D^7. D~Qu, 8. 
 
 The above have dangerous points, but if forced to 
 bid 30 would take chance on favorable cards in the 
 "Skat" 
 
 NULL OUVERT FORGE— OR REVOLUTION 
 
 This is not played unless invincible as the Op- 
 ponents may consult how to overthrow the ''Player.'* 
 
 In some localities Guckser Null Onvert Force is 
 played, taking the ''Skat" cards to make the hand 
 weaker. The loss is 120. 
 
 READY REFERENCE POINTS 
 
 The Jacks are the prime factors in the game, 
 Club being the highest followed by Spades, Heart 
 and Diamond. The cards in the "Skat" may make 
 or mar a hand, if playing "Without*' 2, 3 or 4. 
 Should one happen to be in "Skat" it will lessen the 
 value of the hand. 
 
 If playing "With;* a Jack in the "Skat" is 
 apt to enhance the value of the hand. 
 
 Try to keep the "Player" in the Middle. 
 
 Lead short suits to the "Player'* when he is Back- 
 hand. 
 
 Lead long suits through the "Player** when he is 
 in the Middle. 
 
 The "Player^* should in most cases lead trumps. 
 Failure to do this has ruined many hands. 
 
 Trump with scoring cards and lead non-scoring 
 cards. 
 
 29 
 
A weak Solo is better than a doubtful Tourne, 
 as there is less likelihood of turning the trump you 
 may hope for if long in your hand. 
 
 Beware of Gucksers. They are a pitfall for the 
 novice. 
 
 In Grand games show j^our weak suit by dis- 
 carding from it, unless you wish to throw in a good 
 scoring card or trying to guard a ten. 
 
 Opponents will lead from top of established suit, 
 noting the card played by partner. He will throw 
 the highest card he has of the suit or if void will 
 "Smear/' 
 
 Accustom yourself to count quickly the points in 
 your hand; also that of the opponents. 
 
 Know how many points it will take to win the 
 game; how many you can lose and still win. 
 
 This part of the game you can strengthen each 
 time you play. 
 
 Do not be discouraged when game is overthrown. 
 It happens as often as not. 
 
 Don't forget the main thing is to secure 6i points 
 to win game and 91 to Schneider. Every trick 
 must be won to Schwarz opponents. 
 
 Remember in Tourne and Guckser Games, the 
 ''Player" has no doubt discarded from the suit in 
 which you are long, and is ready to trump your 
 high scoring cards. Be backward about leading 
 them. Lead low from that suit. If he is in the 
 middle he will have to trump, as he will think the 
 high cards are back of him. 
 
 In Solo, lead your Aces freely, as he has had no 
 chance to discard. Change suits often, so he cannot 
 discard. 
 
 Rules repeated several times are most important, 
 therefore carefully follow them. 
 ao 
 
Do not announce Schneider if you can lose more 
 than one trick and that card must not be an Ace or 
 Ten, for enough points could be put on it to make 
 30 points. 
 
 It does not pay to risk winning once the value 
 of the Play when there is danger of losing it ALL. 
 
 TWO- HAND SKAT 
 
 The players sit opposite each other. 
 
 The cards are dealt as if for three players, the 
 dummy always being at the right of the Dealer. 
 The Dealer has the first bid. The one holding the 
 bid names the game. The non-dealer leads regard- 
 less of who is the ''Player." After the first card is 
 led the dummy hand is placed face upward and the 
 non-*Tlayer'' plays the hand. Should the Dealer 
 pass, and Forehand is not able to name the game, 
 he may change his hand for that of the Dummy, but 
 must then name a game to score 18 or more, or he 
 must lose 18. If he names a game he then wins or 
 loses the full amount of his hand. 
 
 PROGRESSIVE SKAT 
 
 Four players sit at each table. 
 
 Play four hands, and the two having high scores, 
 move. 
 
 Each player has an individual score card. 
 
 Keep a plus and minus column. 
 
 At the time appointed for the close of the game 
 each player will add his plus and minus columns, 
 subtract the lesser from the greater, and the result 
 will be his net score, 
 
 31 
 
The player having the highest score wins. Should 
 all the scores be minus, the one having the lowest 
 minus wins. 
 
 (From the North American Skat League) 
 PASST NIGHT TOURNE 
 
 When a player turns one of the ''Skat" cards 
 and it does not suit him, he may so declare without 
 showing it. He must then turn the other card 
 which shall be trump. Should the second card 
 turned be a Jack, the ''Player" may either play 
 the suit or grand tournee. The player is obliged 
 to show the second card before he mixes it with 
 his other cards, otherwise he is bound to play the 
 game which his opponents select. The highest play 
 called for must then be played by him. If won 
 counts as tourne, if lost — counts double against the 
 player. 
 
 RULES OF GAME 
 
 1. Cards must be dealt in the following order, 
 viz.: Three-Skat-Four-Three. (See penalties.) 
 
 2. Cards must be cut by the player to the right of 
 the dealer. 
 
 3. If all cards are dealt, the game must be played, 
 even if the dealing was done out of turn; in such 
 case the deal must be made by the one who 
 should have dealt before, and then proceed as if no 
 misdeal had been made, however, omitting the one 
 who has dealt out of his turn, thus each player 
 deals but once during one round. 
 
 4. Bids must be made in numbers, the value of 
 which must occur in some possible game. 
 
 5. Plays or bids below ten points are not per- 
 mitted. 
 
6. In games in which the aid of the "Skaf* is re- 
 quired, the ''Player** must discard two cards. (See 
 Penalties.) 
 
 7. "Schneider" or **Schwarz" cannot be an 
 nounced in any game in which the aid of the ''Skat'* 
 was required. 
 
 8. The "Skat** must not be looked at by any par- 
 ticipant before the end of a game, except by the 
 "Player** when playing a game with the aid of the 
 "Skat.** (See penalties.) 
 
 9. In case a card is served face up a new deal 
 must be made. 
 
 10. The "Player** to be out of Schneider must 
 have at least 31 points, and must have at least 61 
 points to win his game. The opponents need but 30 
 points to Schneider the "Player** and 60 points to de- 
 feat his game. 
 
 11. In all games that are played Ouvert, the 
 "Player'* must expose his cards and play openly, 
 meaning that he lay his ten cards, face up, on the 
 table for the observation of his opponents and play- 
 ing thus from them. 
 
 12. If any player leads wrongly (plays out of his 
 order) or neglects to follow suit, such error shall 
 teminate the game and the same is to be considered 
 as lost for the side having made the error. (See 
 penalties.) 
 
 13. A player bidding ten or more must play some 
 game the value of which amounts to the number of 
 points bid by him ; and in case he loses the game, he 
 loses its full value. 
 
 14. Ramsch must be played when all participants 
 have passed or failed to bid. 
 
 15. If a player has overbid his hand, the next 
 
 33 
 
higher value of the respective game is counted and 
 charged against the player. (See penalties.) 
 
 i6. In case a playef, having overbid his hand, 
 plays his game and either of the opponents com- 
 mits an error, the value of such game is credited to 
 the ''Player^' and deducted or charged against the 
 opponent who made the error. (See penalties.) 
 
 17. Examination of tricks taken or the counting 
 of the points of such tricks (except the last trick 
 made) shall terminate the play. (See penalties.) 
 
 18. Participants have the privilege to examine 
 the last trick made. (This must be done however 
 before the next card is played.)) 
 
 19. All participants must keep their respective 
 tricks in the order in which the cards were played, so 
 that each trick in a game can be traced at the end 
 of the game. 
 
 20. If a player has not heard or misunderstood 
 the bidding of another player, and thereupon has 
 turned one of the cards in the "Skat** the other 
 player shall not be deprived of his rights, provided 
 one Of the other players corrobroates his statement 
 that he had not passed. The dealer shall then mix 
 the two cards in the ''Skat" the bidding shall be 
 continued and the player bidding highest shall have 
 the right of playing tourne or any other game. 
 
 21. If a player, when turning, accidentally sees 
 both cards without having announced "Passt nicht," 
 he shall be compelled to turn the top card and loses 
 the right to play Passt nicht. 
 
 22. If, after the termination of a game and after 
 the cards have been thrown together a difference of 
 opinion arises as to which side has won the game, 
 then it shall be the privilege of the player to an- 
 nounce the tricks he has made and what each of 
 
 34 
 
them counted. If he does not succeed hi convincing 
 the opponents that he really had won the game, the 
 value of same shall be deducted from his score as 
 lost. The player should, in his own interest, see to 
 it that the cards are not thrown together before it 
 has been determined whether the game was won or 
 lost. 
 
 23. The player has the privilege to throw his 
 game after the first trick so as to save Schneider. 
 He loses this privilege after two cards of the second 
 trick are on the table. 
 
 PENALTIES 
 
 All Penalties in the Nature of Rules are to be 
 
 considered as Rules 
 
 1. A dealer misdealing shall be charged with ten 
 points and must deal again.* If in the course of a 
 game it develops that cards had been misdealt, i. e. 
 that one or more players either had too many or not 
 enough cards, then the player loses the game if he 
 did not have the right number of cards, even if the 
 same thing occurred with one of the opponents. But 
 if the player had the right number of cards and one 
 or both of the opponents had too many or not 
 enough, then the player wins, even if he would have 
 lost the game otherwise. The dealer is not fined in 
 this case. Each player should make sure before 
 beginning the game, that he has 10 cards, neither 
 more nor less, in his hand. 
 
 2. In games in which the aid of the ''Skat" is re- 
 quired, the ''Player" will be charged the full value 
 of the game if he neglects to discard the proper 
 number of cards. 
 
 3. If a dealer looks at either of the "Skaf* cards 
 
 * Which said points shall be deducted from his total score 
 at the end of a session. 
 
before or during the progress of a game, he shall 
 be charged lo points.* 
 
 4. In case a participant examines either of the 
 ''Skaf cards (without right) before the termination 
 of a game, such person shall be charged the full 
 value of the game announced, but the opposing 
 person or persons shall have the privilege of con- 
 tinuing the game for the purpose of increasing the 
 value thereof by making Schneider. 
 
 5. If, before a game is announced, it is discovered 
 that the ''Skat" cards are missing or they, or any of 
 them, are in the possession or have been seen by any 
 participant, the dealer shall draw out of the hand of 
 the person having the "Skat" cards, or any of them, 
 sufficient cards to leave said player ten cards, after 
 which the bidding shall proceed as if no mistake 
 had been made, but the player causing this proceed- 
 ing, shall be fined 25 points and is forbidden to par- 
 ticipate in the bidding and denied the opportunity to 
 play any game during this particular deal.* 
 
 6. A player mis-leading or neglecting to follow 
 suit, loses the game, but any one of the participants 
 has the privilege to have such error corrected and 
 proceed with the game to its end for the purpose of 
 increasing the player's loss. If then one of the 
 opponents makes one of these errors the player wins 
 his gpame, but its value is also charged against the 
 opponent making the error. 
 
 7. If either of the opponents leads wrongly (plays 
 out of order) or neglects to follow suit, such error 
 shall terminate the game; in such case the game is 
 won by the ''Player" and its value charged against 
 the opponent who made the error, but the "Player^* ^ 
 has the privilege to have such error corrected and 
 
 * Which said points shall be deducted from his total score 
 at the end of a session. 
 
proceed with the game to its end, for the purpose of 
 increasing the value of the game. If he then makes 
 one of the errors mentioned himself, he loses the 
 game, and the first error is fully condoned. 
 
 8. If, in playing Solo, the player has overbid his 
 game and one of the opponents makes one of the 
 errors mentioned, he wins the value of the game 
 which he has bid and the same value shall be 
 charged against the opponent making such error. 
 
 9. If, during the progress of a game, the 
 ''Player" places his remaining cards upon the table 
 and declares his game won, but is found to have 
 erred, he shall have lost his game, even if he might 
 have obtained all the remaining tricks. 
 
 10. If, during the progress of a game, any one 
 of the opponents places his cards upon the table, 
 declaring thereby to have defeated the ''Player's" 
 game, all the remaining cards belong to the "Player'' 
 and the opponent who erred shall be charged with 
 the full value of the game. 
 
 11. If a player declares his game lost and places 
 all the remaining cards upon the table, such remain- 
 ing or all cards belong to the opponents, and the 
 player loses the full value of the game. 
 
 12. A player who examines the tricks taken (ex- 
 cept the last made trick) or counts the points there- 
 of, loses the game announced, but any one of the 
 participants has the privilege to insist on the game 
 proceeding to its end for the purpose of increasing 
 the "Player's" loss. 
 
 13. If either of the opponenets commits the act 
 last above mentioned, the "Player" can insist on pro- 
 ceeding with the game for the purpose of increasing 
 its value. The full value of the game in such case 
 shall be charged against the person committing this 
 act. 
 
 87 
 
14. If the "Player" or one of the opponents claims 
 all remaining tricks and exposes his cards and it 
 then develops that the other side could have made 
 another trick, then all the remaining tricks go to the 
 other side. 
 
 15. In all cases of errors, the points lost by the 
 participants who erred, shall be of the same number 
 as that which the ''Player'' wins. 
 
 16. Should the ''Player'' revoke, he loses the full 
 value of his game. Should one of the opponents 
 revoke, the "Player" wins his Game and the one 
 making the revoke loses the full value of the Game. 
 Either side may continue the Game if he thinks he 
 can make Schneider or Schwarz. The dealer inter- 
 ested in the Game may call attention to a re\^oke. 
 
 GLOSSARY 
 
 Backhand — the player holding third hand— bids 
 after Middlehand. 
 
 Bidding — Buying as at auction. 
 
 Contingencies — ^Jacks (or Matadores), Schneider 
 and Schwarz. 
 
 Cross Ruff — Where each opponent can trump a 
 suit. 
 
 Deal — The thirty-two cards. 
 
 Discard — Not being able to follow suit, and not 
 wishing to trump, one throws away from some other 
 suit. 
 
 Established Suit^ — One headed by Ace — 10. 
 
 Force — Playing a card that to be won must be 
 trumped. 
 
 Forehand — The one next the dealer. 
 
 Guckser — To peep, or "coax" cards from the 
 "Skat" for Grands or Nullos. 
 
 38 
 
Leading Through the ^'Player'' — When he is on 
 your left. 
 
 Leading Up to the ''Player" — When he is on your 
 right. 
 
 Matadores — The Jacks — Known as the fighting 
 cards. 
 
 Middlehand — The second player from the dealer. 
 
 Opponents — The two who combine forces to beat 
 the *Tlayerr 
 
 Ouvert — Playing the hand open. 
 
 Plain Suits — Not trumps. 
 
 "Player*' — The one who names the game. 
 
 Passt-Nicht — Turning the second ''Skat" card 
 loses double. 
 
 Revoke — Failing to follow suit when you can do 
 so. 
 
 Ruff — Trumping a suit. 
 
 Singleton — Having only one of a suit. 
 
 "Skaf — The Game. Also the two cards in the 
 "blind" or "Skat." 
 
 Smearing — Throwing in counting cards against the 
 "Player." 
 
 Tenace — First and third best of a suit. Club Jack 
 and Heart Jack are a tenace over the Spade Jack. 
 Ace and King of a suit are a tenace over the lo. 
 
 "With"— All Jacks from the Club Jack in t/w- 
 broken Sequence. 
 
 "Without"--Failing in Jacks from the Club Jack, 
 in Unbroken Sequence. 
 
 FINIS 
 
 In these simple first steps to the Great Game of 
 "Skat" only the foundation in the most brief way 
 has been touched. 
 
 Experience will teach the fine points. 
 
BRIDGE NOTES 
 
 40 
 
BRIDGE N'OTES 
 
 41 
 
BBIBGE NOTES 
 
 42 
 
BRIBGE NOTES 
 
 43 
 
BRIDGE NOTES 
 
 a 
 
BRIDGE NOTES 
 
 45 
 
BRIDGE NOTES 
 
BBIBGE NOTES 
 
 47 
 
SMALL TALKS ON 
 SOLO 
 
SMALL TALKS ON SOLO 
 
 SCHEME OF THE GAME 
 
 Solo is played by three, four, or five people. Only 
 three take an active part in the game. The silent 
 players scoring with the opponents against the 
 Maker. 
 
 Thirty-six cards are used, from the six to the 
 Ace inclusive. 
 
 There are nine trumps in each suit. The cards 
 rank in value : Ace, lo ; King, Queen, Jack, 9, 8, 7, 6. 
 
 VALUE OF THE CARDS 
 
 Each Ace counts 11 
 
 Each Ten counts 10 
 
 Each King counts 4 
 
 Each Queen counts 3 
 
 Each Knave counts 2 
 
 Making a total of 120 
 
 The 9, 8, 7, 6, are called Voids, and have no 
 scoring value. 
 
 The object of the game is to get 60 points or over; 
 Tricks not being considered. 
 
 DIFFERENT GAMES 
 
 Frog. 
 
 Solo. 
 Solo Best. 
 
 51 
 
FROG 
 
 Frog. — From the German word Frage (pronounced 
 Frahgah). 
 
 Frog. — Hearts are trumps. The Maker takes the 
 "Blind" and discards three cards. 
 
 SOLO 
 
 Solo. — Clubs, Spades, or Diamonds. A hand 
 strong enough to name a trump without the help of 
 the "Blind." 
 
 SOLO BEST 
 
 Solo Best. — Made Hearts from the hand, not 
 taking the "Blind." 
 
 DEALING 
 When four play, the dealer sits out. 
 There is no mis-deal. 
 Each player has ii cards. 
 
 They may be dealt one at a time, or 4-3-4, giving 
 the "Blind" 3 any time except the first or last cards. 
 
 MANNER OF BIDDING 
 
 The one at the dealer^s left may bid or pass. He 
 may Frog, Solo, or Solo Best. 
 
 If he Frogs, the next player may Solo or solo 
 Best 
 
 If he Solos the next player may Solo Best. 
 
 If he Solo Best, he cuts out any other bid. 
 
 If first player passes, the second player may bid 
 in the same way. 
 
 The third player can overbid unless the second 
 player names Solo Best. 
 
 If all pass, the one next the dealer may Solo, pick 
 52 
 
up the ''Blind," show it to the other players, name 
 the trump and discard three cards. If he loses, the 
 loss is double. The above is optional and is decided 
 upon before beginning to play. 
 
 FROGGING 
 
 The generally accepted way is not to show the 
 "Blind." 
 
 METHOD or SCORING 
 
 If each side makes 60 points, the game is a stand- 
 off. 
 
 Frog — Each point over 60 counts . . . . i 
 Solo — Each point over 60 counts.... 2 
 Solo Be^t — Each point over 60 counts 3 
 
 If the Maker scores less than 60, the loss is 
 adjusted in the same way. 
 
 RULES FOR PLAYING 
 
 If a player cannot follow suit, he must trump, 
 even though his partner has already won the trick, 
 whether by suit or trumping. If by trumping, he 
 may over or undertrump as he pleases. It can 
 readily be understood that suits may have the same 
 value as trumps. They are valuable in the hand of 
 the Maker, for with them he can exhaust the 
 opponents' trtimps by playing small suit cards, when 
 he knows they have no more of the suit. 
 
 A long suit in the hands of the opponents may be 
 made to ruin the Maker, for it can be led, and he 
 must trump. As one twelfth of the cards are in 
 the "Blind," it is reasonable to suppose that one will 
 find some scoring cards. 
 
 It is hard to give any rules for bidding. Experi- 
 ence teaches one more than any set rules. 
 &3 
 
FROG 
 
 Heart Trump— With the help of the "Blind" with 
 some Hearts, and some scoring cards that are likely 
 to win. 
 
 The hand has an extra value with lone tens, as 
 they may be discarded after taking up the "Blind." 
 
 SOLO 
 
 Naming Spade, Club, or Diamond trump, without 
 the help of the "Blind," with a good suit and some 
 scoring cards. 
 
 SOLO BEST 
 
 An all around good hand with Aces and Tens 
 that are likely to be saved, or a long Heart suit and 
 some outside scoring cards. 
 
 The main object is to make 60 points or over, 
 naming the game that will be most likely to win, 
 always aiming for the one counting the most. 
 
 RULES FOR THE MAKER 
 
 A missing suit is a dangerous element, as the 
 opponents will lead low cards from it, exhausting 
 your trumps, and then bring in their scoring cards. 
 
 If you have good trumps and outside suits, lead 
 the trumps so that you may win your good suit 
 cards. 
 
 If you have a long outside suit with Ace and 10, 
 lead low from it. The opponents can make no 
 scoring cards of great value and must soon trump. 
 As each must trump if void of the suit it will soon 
 leave you master of the game. 
 
 RULES FOR THE OPPONENTS 
 
 Be careful not to sacrifice your partner's hand, 
 when the Maker plays after him. 
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 I 
 
Avoid opening a suit in which you have neither 
 Ace nor Ten, as your partner's Ten may be at the 
 mercy of the Maker's Ace. Keep away from that 
 suit and let someone else open it. Short Suits are 
 not good openings unless you want to use your 
 trumps for trumping. Avoid opening a very long 
 suit unless your partner plays after the Maker, as 
 both will soon have to trump, for if the Maker 
 plays after your partner it is sacrificing his hand. 
 If the Maker is in the middle then open your long 
 suit, for his hand is sacrificed to your partner. 
 
 In Solo Games, if the Maker is in the Middle, 
 if Elder hand leads a Heart, it shows he has neither 
 Ace nor lo of that suit. If he leads a Diamond, he 
 shows he has the Ace or lo of Hearts. If he leads 
 one of the black suits, he shows the Ace or lo in 
 both the red suits. 
 
 The element of being compelled to trump is a 
 disagreeable one for both sides; and it is for that 
 reason hard to make any set rules. Judgment must 
 be used. 
 
 COUNTING 
 
 Learn to count as you are winning tricks, so that 
 at all times you will have an idea how many more 
 points you may be able to win. Remember every 
 point over 60 means a gain of i, 2, or 3, according 
 to the game played. 
 
 ILLUSTRATION FOR COUNTING 
 Suppose you have gained 90 points 
 30 over 60. 
 
 You will win from each player— for Frog 30 
 
 You will win from each player — for Solo 60 
 
 You will, win from each player — for Solo Best.. 90 
 
 55 
 
If you have made only 35 points, you pay each 
 one of the others 
 
 Frog 25 
 
 Solo 50 
 
 Solo Best 75 
 
 If the score is written the Maker alone scores 
 plus or minus. If he scores Plus 90, it naturally 
 makes the other player Minus 90, but it is not 
 scored. 
 
 A time limit is agreed upon, and the game then 
 ends. 
 
 There are variations and some additional games 
 that are played in different localities. These are as 
 here given. If a player named a Game and is over- 
 bid by some other player, he may again bid on some 
 Game of higher value. 
 
 ADDITIGNAL GAMES 
 
 Misere. 
 
 Spread Misere. 
 Guarantee Solo. 
 Call Solo. 
 
 MISERE— COUNTS 20 
 
 The Maker cannot take a card that has a scoring 
 value. 
 
 SPREAD MISERE-GOUNTS 40 
 
 The Maker lays his hand face up on the table. He 
 must not take a card of scoring value. 
 
 The general rules for Misere and Spread Misere, 
 are the same as Null and Null Ouvert in ''Skat" 
 
 56 
 
Exception — The Maker may take tricks if they 
 have no cards of scoring value. 
 
 GUARANTEE SOLO~-GOUNTS 40 
 
 The Maker guarantees that he will win 80 points 
 (or over). 
 
 In a Guarantee Heart Solo, 74 points (instead of 
 80) will win the game. 
 
 GALL SOLO— GOUNTS 100 
 
 The Maker must win every trick. He may call 
 for any card he wishes and in exchange give any 
 card he pleases from his own hand. 
 
 OPTIONAL RULE 
 
 If the card happens to be in the "Blind" he may 
 call the card he wished to discard, the one named. 
 
 MISGELLANEOUS 
 
 In bidding a Misere outranks a Solo. 
 
 A Spread Misere outranks anything but a Call 
 Solo. 
 
 In some clubs the silent player is paid if the 
 Maker loses, but he does not pay if the Maker wins. 
 In other clubs, he pays or is paid. This can be made 
 an optional club rule. 
 
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SOLO NOTES 
 
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SOLO NOTES 
 
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SOLO NOTES 
 
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SOLO NOTES 
 
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SOLO NOTES 
 
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SOLO NOTES 
 
SOLO NOTES 
 
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