Definition
1000, also known as Thousand, is a trick‑taking card game traditionally played by three participants using a 24‑card deck (cards 9 through Ace in each of the four suits). The objective is to be the first player to accumulate at least 1 000 points through the acquisition of trick points and specific bonuses.
Overview
The game is popular in Central European countries, especially Poland (where it is called Tysiąc), the Czech Republic, Austria, and Slovakia. A typical session consists of a series of hands, each comprising a dealing phase, a bidding phase, the play of tricks, and a scoring phase. Points are awarded for the capture of high‑value cards in tricks (Ace = 11, Ten = 10, King = 4, Queen = 3, Jack = 2, Nine = 0) and for special declarations, most notably the “marriage” (the King and Queen of the same suit). The player who first reaches or exceeds the 1 000‑point threshold wins the game.
Etymology / Origin
The English name “1000” directly references the target score required for victory. In the languages of the regions where the game is most common, the name similarly translates to “thousand” (e.g., Polish Tysiąc, Czech Tisíc). The precise historical origin of the game is not definitively documented; it is generally regarded as a Central European development of the 20th century, possibly derived from earlier trick‑taking games such as Pinochle or the German game Skat. Accurate information is not confirmed.
Characteristics
- Players: Typically three; occasionally four with one player sitting out each hand.
- Deck: 24 cards (9, 10, J, Q, K, A of each suit).
- Card values: Ace = 11, Ten = 10, King = 4, Queen = 3, Jack = 2, Nine = 0.
- Dealing: Each player receives eight cards; four cards remain as a “talon” (stock).
- Bidding: After viewing their hands, players bid the number of points they expect to win. The highest bidder becomes the declarer, exchanges cards with the talon, and declares a trump suit.
- Play: Play proceeds clockwise; players must follow suit if possible, otherwise may play any card. The highest card of the led suit wins the trick unless a trump is played.
- Declarations: The declarer may announce a “marriage” (King and Queen of the same suit) for an additional 40 points (or 20 points if in a non‑trump suit).
- Scoring: Points from captured cards are summed; the declarer adds any bonuses from declarations, while opponents count only their trick points. If the declarer fails to meet the bid, they incur a penalty equal to the bid amount.
- Winning: The game ends when a player reaches or exceeds 1 000 points after a hand’s scoring.
Related Topics
- Pinochle – a similar trick‑taking game using a 48‑card deck and featuring marriages.
- Sixty‑Six – a two‑player German game with comparable card values and marriage bonuses.
- Skat – a three‑player German trick‑taking game employing a 32‑card deck and a bidding system.
- Sheepshead – another Central European trick‑taking game with distinct trump hierarchies.
- Bridge – a widely known four‑player trick‑taking game with complex bidding.
These games share structural elements such as trick‑taking mechanics, bidding phases, and point‑based scoring.