Zwickern

Zwickern is a card game primarily played in Austria and Bavaria. It is a trick-taking game that belongs to the Karnöffel family of games. Zwickern is characterized by its unique card ranking, which differs from standard card games, and its complex bidding and scoring system.

The game is typically played with a deck of 33 cards, consisting of the Ace, King, Ober (Over), Unter (Under), Banner (Ten), Nine, Eight, and Seven of each suit (Hearts, Bells/Diamonds, Leaves/Spades, Acorns/Clubs), plus the Weli (often considered the Seven of Bells).

A key feature of Zwickern is the presence of "Privileged" cards. The Weli is almost always the highest trump. Other cards, such as the Seven of Bells, may also have special properties depending on regional variations. The ranking of the remaining cards is also unusual and not standardized.

Gameplay involves players bidding on the number of tricks they believe they can win. The player who bids highest becomes the soloist. The soloist then plays against the remaining players, who form a party. The goal of the soloist is to win the number of tricks bid, while the party tries to prevent this. Scoring depends on whether the soloist succeeds or fails, and also on the number of tricks won by each side.

Regional variations in rules, card ranking, and scoring are common. These variations can significantly alter the strategy and dynamics of the game. Zwickern is often considered a challenging and strategic card game, requiring careful planning and skillful play. Its complexity and regional variations contribute to its enduring popularity in its native regions.