Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you wanted to know about Sheepshead
📖 Basic Questions
What is Sheepshead?
Sheepshead is a trick-taking card game that originated in Germany and became hugely popular in Wisconsin and the American Midwest. It's played with 5 players using a 32-card deck (7s through Aces), featuring unique trump rules and a secret partner mechanic.
Learn the basics →How many players do you need?
Traditional Sheepshead is played with 5 players. However, variants exist for 3, 4, and 6 players. The 5-player version with called Ace partner is considered the 'standard' game and is what most people mean when they say 'Sheepshead.'
What cards do you use?
Sheepshead uses a 32-card deck: 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace of each suit. You can create this from a standard deck by removing 2s through 6s. Some stores sell dedicated Sheepshead decks.
Why is it called Sheepshead?
The name comes from the German word 'Schafkopf' (sheep's head). The exact origin is debated - some say it refers to the pattern on old German cards, others to a practice of keeping score on a sheep's head-shaped board. The game is also called 'Schafskopf' in some regions.
👑 Trump & Card Questions
Which cards are trump in Sheepshead?
All 4 Queens, all 4 Jacks, and all 6 Diamonds are trump (14 cards total). The order from highest to lowest is: Q♣ > Q♠ > Q♥ > Q♦ > J♣ > J♠ > J♥ > J♦ > A♦ > 10♦ > K♦ > 9♦ > 8♦ > 7♦.
See the full card hierarchy →Why are Queens and Jacks trump?
This comes from the German Schafkopf tradition where 'Ober' (Queens) and 'Unter' (Jacks) are the permanent high trumps. It's what makes Sheepshead unique among card games - you always know which 8 cards are the highest trump, regardless of what's led.
If I have Q♣ and 7♣, and clubs is led, what do I play?
You must play the 7♣! The Queen of Clubs is trump, not a club. This trips up many beginners. When clubs is led, only your actual club cards (A, 10, K, 9, 8, 7 of clubs) can follow suit - Queens and Jacks are never part of their original suit.
Learn about following suit →How much is each card worth?
Aces = 11 points, Tens = 10, Kings = 4, Queens = 3, Jacks = 2, and 9/8/7 = 0. The total in the deck is 120 points. Your team needs 61 points to win.
See the point values table →🎮 Gameplay Questions
What does it mean to 'pick'?
To 'pick' means to take the two face-down blind cards, adding them to your hand. The picker then buries (discards) two cards and calls a partner by naming a fail suit Ace. The picker leads their team against the three defenders.
How does the partner system work?
After picking, you call a fail suit (Clubs, Spades, or Hearts). Whoever holds that Ace becomes your secret partner. They don't reveal themselves until they play the called Ace - creating suspense and strategic deduction!
Learn about calling a partner →What is a Leaster?
A Leaster happens when all 5 players pass (nobody picks). Everyone plays for themselves, and the player who captures the FEWEST points wins. The blind goes to whoever wins the last trick.
Learn about Leasters →What does 'schmear' mean?
To 'schmear' (or 'smear') means to throw high-point cards (Aces, Tens) onto a trick your teammate is winning. It's a key strategy for maximizing points when your team controls a trick.
Learn schmearing strategy →What is the 'bury'?
After picking up the blind, you must discard 2 cards face-down. These 'buried' cards count toward your team's points at the end. Smart players bury Aces and Tens (worth 21 points together!) when safe.
Learn what to bury →⚡ Variants & Options
What is 'Cracking'?
Cracking is an optional variant where defenders can 'crack' (double the stakes) after someone picks. The picker can then 're-crack' to double again. It adds a poker-like betting element to the game.
Learn cracking rules →What is 'Blitz' or 'The Ma's'?
Blitz is a variant where holding both black Queens (Q♣ and Q♠, called 'The Ma's') lets you double the stakes. Since these are the two highest cards, it rewards having ultimate trump power.
Learn blitz rules →What is 'Forced Pick'?
In Forced Pick, if everyone passes, the dealer must pick regardless of their hand. This prevents Leasters and ensures every hand has a picker. It's a common house rule variation.
What is 'Schneider'?
Schneider means the losing team got less than 31 points (less than 30 for defenders). It typically doubles the score for the hand - a significant penalty for getting crushed.
🧠 Strategy Questions
When should I pick?
Generally, pick with 4+ trump and a way to score points (either through the bury or tricks). Position matters too - you can pick lighter hands in late position. Avoid picking on Aces alone - you need trump to control the game.
Full picking strategy guide →How do I know who the partner is?
Watch for clues! The partner often: schmears to the picker's tricks, avoids leading the called suit, plays supportively. They're revealed for certain when they play the called Ace. Good players track these signals.
Should I lead trump or fail?
As the picker, usually lead trump to pull out defenders' trump cards. As a defender, consider leading fail suits to force the picker to use trump. Leading the called suit can help find or pressure the partner.
What's the best Ace to call?
Call a suit where you're void (have no cards) or have only small cards. This way you can trump in when that suit is led. Avoid calling a suit where you have the Ace yourself - you want the partner to have it!
Ready to Play?
Practice against AI opponents and put your knowledge to the test!