Sixty-Six: A Comprehensive Guide

See also: Schnapsen

Introduction

Sixty-six is a classic trick-taking game that requires strategy, skill, and a bit of luck. It’s played with a deck of 24 cards, which includes the 9, 10, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace of each suit. I remember the first time I played Sixty-six; I was intrigued by its unique blend of strategy and chance, and I’ve been hooked ever since.

The sixty-six card game, also known as “Schnapsen” in many regions, traces its history back to 17th century Germany. It is believed to have evolved from a game called “Mariagen-Spiel”, which was popular among the German middle classes. The game got its name from the fact that players aim to be the first to score sixty-six points. It steadily gained popularity throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, spreading across Central Europe, particularly in regions that are now part of modern-day Austria and Hungary. Today, the game is still widely played in these areas and has also found its place in the digital world with online versions attracting players globally.

Rules for playing Sixty-six

1. The game is played by two players.
2. Each player is dealt six cards, and the remaining cards form the stock.
3. The top card of the stock is turned face up to determine the trump suit.
4. The objective of the game is to be the first player to score 66 points.

There are also some ‘house rules’ that can add variations to the game, such as playing with a full deck of cards or changing the scoring system.

The Deal for Sixty-six

The dealer shuffles the deck and deals six cards to each player, three at a time. The next card is turned face up to determine the trump suit, and the remaining cards are placed face down to form the stock.

How to Play Sixty-six

1. Setup: The dealer shuffles the deck and deals the cards as described above.
2. Gameplay: The non-dealer leads the first trick. Players must follow suit if possible, and the player who plays the highest card of the led suit or the highest trump wins the trick.
3. End of the Game: The game ends when a player reaches 66 points or when all the tricks have been played.
4. Scoring: Points are scored for certain cards won in tricks and for declaring certain combinations of cards.

How to Win at Sixty-six

Winning at Sixty-six requires a combination of strategy and luck. You need to make the most of your high cards and trumps, and try to force your opponent to use up their trumps early. It’s also important to keep track of the cards that have been played and to make strategic decisions based on this information.

Best Strategies for playing Sixty-six

The best strategies for playing Sixty-six involve careful planning and strategic play. Here are some tips:

1. Try to control the trump suit.
2. Keep track of the cards that have been played.
3. Try to force your opponent to use up their trumps early.
4. Make the most of your high cards and combinations.

Game Variations of Sixty-six

There are several variations of Sixty-six, including:

1. Schnapsen: A popular Austrian variant that uses a 20-card deck.
2. Four-player Sixty-six: A version of the game for four players, played in teams of two.

Scenarios for Sixty-six

There are many different scenarios that can arise in a game of Sixty-six. For example, you might find yourself with a hand full of trumps, or you might have no trumps at all. In each case, you need to adjust your strategy accordingly. The key is to always be aware of the state of the game and to make the best possible decision based on the information available.

Frequently Asked Questions about playing Sixty-six

1. What is the trump suit? The trump suit is determined by the card that is turned face up after the deal.
2. How do I score points? Points are scored for certain cards won in tricks and for declaring certain combinations of cards.
3. What happens if I run out of cards? If you run out of cards, the game continues with the remaining tricks.
4. What is the objective of the game? The objective of the game is to be the first player to score 66 points.
5. Can I play Sixty-six with more than two players? Yes, there are variations of Sixty-six that can be played with three or four players.

External Links

Sixty-six is available to play online via mobile games and apps. Here’s one I recommend.