3-Player Sheepshead Rules
The challenging three-handed variant where every trick counts
Quick Overview
10
cards per player
2
cards in blind
10
tricks per hand
How 3-Player Differs from 5-Player
More Cards Per Player
Each player receives 10 cards instead of 6. This means you hold nearly a third of the entire deck!
No Partner
The picker plays alone against both defenders. There's no calling an ace - it's always 1 vs 2.
10 Tricks
With more cards, there are 10 tricks instead of 6. Stamina and card management become crucial.
Aces Matter More
With only 3 cards per trick, fail Aces have a much better chance of winning. Quantity of trump becomes as important as quality.
The Deal
- 1.Use the standard 32-card Sheepshead deck (7 through Ace in all suits)
- 2.Deal 10 cards to each player (typically 3-4-3 or 4-3-3)
- 3.Place 2 cards face-down as the blind
Gameplay
Picking
Starting left of dealer, each player can pick or pass. The picker takes the 2 blind cards, then buries 2 cards face-down (these count toward their points).
No Partner Call
Unlike 5-player, there's no calling an ace. The picker automatically plays alone against both opponents.
Play
Player left of dealer leads first. Standard following-suit rules apply. Play continues for 10 tricks.
Scoring
The picker needs 61 points to win (same as standard). Points in the bury count for the picker.
Picker Wins (61+)
Picker gains points from each defender
Picker Loses (<61)
Picker pays points to each defender
Schneider (opponent <31) and Schwarz (opponent takes no tricks) bonuses still apply.
3-Player Strategy Tips
- ✓Be more conservative when picking
You need to beat TWO opponents alone. Require stronger hands than in 5-player.
- ✓Value fail Aces highly
With only 3 cards per trick, Aces often take tricks. They're nearly as valuable as low trump.
- ✓Count trump carefully
With 10 tricks and more cards visible, tracking becomes crucial. Know when opponents are out of trump.
- ✓Pace yourself
10 tricks is a marathon. Don't blow all your high trump early - you might need them late.
- !All 4 Queens isn't automatic
Unlike 5-player, you can actually lose with all 4 Queens if your fail cards are weak. The extra tricks give defenders more chances.
When Everyone Passes
If all 3 players pass, you can play a Leaster (everyone plays for themselves, lowest points wins) or use Doublers (deal again, next hand is worth double).
Agree on your house rules before starting!
3-Player vs 5-Player Comparison
| Aspect | 3-Player | 5-Player |
|---|---|---|
| Cards per player | 10 | 6 |
| Tricks per hand | 10 | 6 |
| Teams | 1 vs 2 (always) | 2 vs 3 (usually) |
| Partner | Never | Called Ace |
| Trump emphasis | Less dominant | Very dominant |
| Ace strength | Very strong | Moderate |