Wenz
The thrilling solo variant with only 4 trump cards
What is Wenz?
Wenz is a solo Schafkopf variant where only the four Unters (Jacks) are trump. The Obers (Queens) lose their trump status and become regular suit cards.
The declarer plays alone against all three opponents. With only 4 trump cards in the entire deck, Wenz requires a very strong hand to attempt.
High risk, high reward: Wenz pays more than Sauspiel but failing means paying all three opponents!
Trump Cards in Wenz
Only the four Unters are trump, ranked by suit:
Important: Obers Become Suit Cards!
In Wenz, the Obers (Queens) are not trump. They rank between King and Nine in their respective suits: Ace > Ten > King > Ober > Nine > Eight > Seven
Suit Ranking in Wenz
Each of the four suits has 7 cards (not 6 like in Sauspiel):
Note: Hearts is also a regular suit in Wenz (not a trump suit like in Sauspiel)
When to Play Wenz
Wenz requires a very specific hand. Consider playing when you have:
Strong Wenz Hand
- • 2-3 Unters (the more the better)
- • Aces in multiple suits (to control suits)
- • Length in one or two suits (A-10-K-O is ideal)
- • No weak suits with just low cards
Weak Wenz Hand
- • Only 1 Unter
- • Short suits without Ace or Ten
- • Many middle cards (9s, 8s, 7s)
- • Suits where opponents can win easily
Example Strong Wenz Hand
Two Unters + four Aces + one Ten = likely Wenz win
Wenz Strategy
As Declarer
- • Lead Aces first - collect points while you have control
- • Save Unters for later - use them to win crucial tricks
- • Watch point cards - know when opponents have 60+ points remaining
- • Create voids - then you can trump with Unters
As Defender
- • Lead suits where declarer is short - force them to use Unters early
- • Schmear to partner's tricks - pile on the points
- • Count Unters - once all 4 are played, declarer has no trump left
- • Lead high cards in long suits to draw out declarer's Unters
Wenz Variants
Farbwenz (Suit Wenz)
Like regular Wenz, but you also choose a trump suit. So you have the 4 Unters PLUS all cards of one suit as trump (11 trumps total). Easier than regular Wenz.
Wenz Tout
Commit to winning ALL 8 tricks. If you succeed, you win double. If you lose even one trick, you pay double to all opponents.
Geier
The reverse of Wenz: only the four Obers (Queens) are trump. The Unters become regular suit cards.
Laufende in Wenz
In Wenz, you can claim Laufende (runners) starting from 2 consecutive top trumps (instead of 3 in Sauspiel):
- 2 Laufende:Eichel-Unter + Gras-Unter
- 3 Laufende:+ Herz-Unter
- 4 Laufende:All four Unters (maximum)
Note: Either the declarer OR the defenders can claim Laufende if they hold the sequence.