Leaster
German: Possibly from "letzt" (last) — the last resort when no one picks
Definition
A special hand played when all 5 players pass. Everyone plays for themselves, and the player who takes the FEWEST points wins.
Leaster in play
When all five players pass, a Leaster is played: there is no picker, everyone is on their own, and the player who takes the fewest points wins (you usually must win at least one trick to be eligible). The blind generally goes to the winner of a designated trick, so a Leaster flips your instincts - you actively duck point-heavy tricks. Doublers often pile up after one.
Example
“In a Leaster, you want to avoid winning point-heavy tricks!”
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Related Terms
Pass
To decline picking up the blind. If all players pass, a Leaster is played (or forced pick, depending on rules).
Points
The scoring value of cards: Aces=11, Tens=10, Kings=4, Queens=3, Jacks=2, 9/8/7=0. Total in deck: 120.
Forced Pick
A variant where the dealer must pick if everyone else passes, preventing a Leaster.