Großtarock: All the Rules, Winning Strategies, and How-to-Play Guide

Introduction

Originating from the Tarot family of card games, Großtarock is played with a 78-card Tarot Nouveau deck, which is divided into four suits: hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades. Each suit has 14 cards: 1-10, Jack, Cavalier, Queen, and King. Additionally, there are 21 trump cards and one special card, the Fool. The game is typically played by three players, but variations can accommodate four or five players.

Rules for playing Großtarock

The rules of Großtarock are quite straightforward once you get the hang of it. The game begins with the dealer shuffling the deck and dealing 25 cards to each player. The remaining three cards are placed in the center of the table, forming the talon.

The objective of the game is to score the most points by winning tricks. Each card has a specific point value, and the player who wins the trick collects all the points from the cards in that trick. The game continues until all cards have been played, and the player with the highest score wins.

The Deal for Großtarock

Dealing in Großtarock is a crucial part of the game. The dealer shuffles the deck and deals 25 cards to each player in batches of five. The remaining three cards are placed face down in the center of the table, forming the talon. The player to the dealer’s right has the first opportunity to exchange cards with the talon, followed by the other players in clockwise order.

In the beginning, the dealer, who is chosen at the beginning of the game, shuffles the deck. Shuffling is important to assure that the cards are randomized and to avoid any predictable outcomes. This process ensures fair play for all participants.

After shuffling, the dealer then begins the process of dealing. Unlike in most card games where cards are dealt one at a time, in Großtarock, cards are dealt in batches of five to each player. This means that each player should have 25 cards in their hand after the dealing process is complete.

However, the deck consists of 78 cards, meaning that after dealing 25 cards to each of the two players, there are still three cards left over. These three cards are placed face down in the center of the table, forming what is known as the “talon”. The talon is a pile of cards that players can exchange their cards with during the game.

The player who is seated to the right of the dealer is given the first opportunity to exchange cards with the talon. This player can choose to swap any of their cards with the three cards in the talon. The aim of this exchange is to improve their hand, based on the strategy they are using for the game.

After the first player makes their exchange, the opportunity to exchange cards with the talon moves to the next player in a clockwise direction. This means that the dealer, who is the last one in the order, gets the last chance to exchange cards.

The process of dealing in Großtarock is not just about distributing cards. It involves strategic decisions and an element of luck. The way the cards are dealt and exchanged can greatly impact the outcome of the game, making the dealing process a crucial part of Großtarock.

How to Play Großtarock

Setup

The game begins with the dealer shuffling the deck and dealing 25 cards to each player. The remaining three cards are placed in the center of the table, forming the talon.

Gameplay

The player to the dealer’s right leads the first trick. Players must follow suit if possible. If they cannot, they must play a trump card. If they cannot do either, they can play any card. The player who plays the highest trump card, or the highest card of the led suit if no trump was played, wins the trick and leads the next one.

End of the Game and Scoring

The game ends when all cards have been played. Players add up the points from the cards they have won in tricks. The player with the highest score wins.

How to Win at Großtarock

Winning at Großtarock requires a blend of strategy, skill, and a bit of luck. Here are some strategies that can help you improve your game:

1. Keep track of the trump cards: The trump cards are the most powerful cards in the game. Keeping track of which ones have been played can help you plan your strategy.
2. Use your high cards wisely: High cards can win you tricks, but they can also be wasted if played at the wrong time. Try to use them when you can win a trick that contains a lot of points.
3. Exchange cards with the talon: The talon can contain powerful cards. If you have the opportunity to exchange cards with the talon, take it.

Best Strategies for playing Großtarock game

While there’s no surefire way to win at Großtarock, here are some strategies that can increase your chances:

1. Manage your hand: Try to maintain a balance of cards in your hand. Having a variety of cards can give you more options during gameplay.
2. Pay attention to your opponents: Keep an eye on what cards your opponents are playing. This can give you clues about what cards they might have left.
3. Plan your moves: Don’t just play your cards randomly. Think about what cards your opponents might play and plan your moves accordingly.

Game Variations

While the three-player version of Großtarock is the most common, there are variations that accommodate four or five players. In these versions, the number of cards dealt to each player and the rules for exchanging cards with the talon may vary. Personal experience I recommend at least 20 cards per player, so consider playing with multiple standard decks if you want to play with more people.

Scenarios for Großtarock

There are many scenarios that can arise during a game of Großtarock. Here are a few examples:

1. You have a lot of trump cards: This can be a great advantage, as trump cards are the most powerful. However, you need to use them wisely to make the most of them.
2. You have few or no trump cards: This can be a disadvantage, but it doesn’t mean you can’t win. You’ll need to rely on your high cards and your strategy to win tricks.
3. You have the opportunity to exchange cards with the talon: This can be a great opportunity to improve your hand. However, you need to choose carefully which cards to exchange.

Frequently Asked Questions about playing Großtarock game

1. How many players can play Großtarock? The game is typically played by three players, but variations can accommodate four or five players.
2. What is the objective of Großtarock? The objective of the game is to score the most points by winning tricks.
3. What is the talon in Großtarock? The talon is a pile of three cards that are placed in the center of the table at the beginning of the game. Players have the opportunity to exchange cards with the talon.
4. How do you win a trick in Großtarock? The player who plays the highest trump card, or the highest card of the led suit if no trump was played, wins the trick.
5. What is the role of the Fool card in Großtarock? The Fool is a special card that can be played at any time, regardless of the led suit. However, it cannot win a trick unless it is the last card played in the final trick of the game.

External Links

If you’re into the topic, A History of Games Played with the Tarot Pack is an interesting read. Published by Michael Dummett and John McLeod, you can read a rather in-depth history of games played with Tarot cards, including Großtarock