Skat

As soloist: Win the contract by scoring enough points. As defenders: Prevent the soloist from making their contract. Soloist scores the game value if successful, loses double if they fail. Defenders share equally if they succeed. Play to a point total or number of hands.

32-card deck (7s through Aces). 3 players. Deal 10 cards each in batches. Two cards go to the 'skat' (face-down kitty). Bidding determines the soloist.

Bid based on worst-case jack configuration - don't assume perfect trumps. The ten is more valuable than king or queen - protect your tens. As soloist, draw out opponents' jacks early to establish control.

Skat was developed in 1810-1820 in Altenburg, Germany, evolving from older games. It became Germany's most popular card game and has official tournament rules established by the International Skat Players Association.