Mauer
German: "Mauer" — wall; you're "walling off" and refusing to pick
Definition
To deliberately pass on a pickable hand, often to avoid risk or because the blind looks unfavorable. Considered poor etiquette by some players.
Mauer in play
The image is a player who throws up a wall (eine Mauer) rather than committing, passing on a hand strong enough to pick in hopes someone else takes the risk or a doubler sweetens the next deal. Sheepshead tradition treats this as poor form because it stalls the game and leeches off other players' courage. The opposite vice is the thin pick, so good judgment lives between walling off and over-reaching.
Example
“He had 6 trump but mauered anyway — didn't trust the blind.”
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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).
Pick
To take the blind cards. The picker leads their team against the defenders and must choose what to bury and which Ace to call.
Blind
The two face-down cards dealt in the center of the table. The player who "picks" takes these cards into their hand.