Skat

Skat

Card Game
Players
3
Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
3 players
Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
30 min
AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
10+
ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
3.1 / 5
Year
1810

About the game

Skat is a traditional German trick-taking card game for three players, roughly 200 years old and drawing on elements of Schafkopf, Ombre, and Tarock. Each hand begins with an intricate bidding process to determine the solo player, who then chooses the type of game to play, Suit, Grand, or Null, before the trick-taking phase begins. The solo player competes alone against the other two, scoring points based on the announced game type and various modifiers for margin of victory. It's a deeply strategic card game with official tournament rules recognized internationally.

Hobbli's Notes

Skat is a genuine classic: the bidding phase alone is a masterclass in risk assessment, and the scoring system rewards years of refinement. It's not an easy game to pick up casually, but for three dedicated card players it offers about as much long-term depth as a card game can hold.

What we like

  • Deep, time-tested trick-taking strategy.
  • Rich bidding system that rewards skill and reading opponents.
  • Highly portable, needing only a deck of cards.
  • Strong tournament and community tradition worldwide.

Keep in mind

  • Steep learning curve for newcomers.
  • Requires exactly three players.
  • Scoring system takes real effort to master.

Who it's for

Best for dedicated card game enthusiasts aged 10 and up who can gather exactly three committed players.

Mechanics

Auction / BiddingCommunication LimitsTeam-Based GameTrick-taking

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