4-Player Sheepshead Rules
The partnership variant with fixed teams and 8 cards each
Quick Overview
8
cards per player
0
cards in blind
8
tricks per hand
4-Player Partnership Methods
There are several ways to determine teams in 4-player Sheepshead:
Black Queens Partnership (Most Common)
The two players holding the Queen of Clubs and Queen of Spades are automatic partners against the other two.
Partnership is revealed as the Queens are played. Creates natural suspense!
Picker + Called Ace
One player picks up a blind (if using one) and calls an ace, similar to 5-player.
The picker plays with whoever holds the called ace against the other two.
Picker vs All
One player picks and plays alone against 3 defenders.
Harder for picker, but wins/losses are bigger. Good for experienced players.
First Two Queens Played
Whoever plays the first two Queens (of any kind) become partners.
Creates interesting dynamics around when to play Queens.
The Deal (No Blind)
- 1.Use the standard 32-card Sheepshead deck
- 2.Deal all 32 cards - 8 to each player
- 3.There is no blind in standard 4-player
Some variants deal 7 cards to each player with 4 in a blind. The picker takes all 4 and buries 4.
Black Queens Partnership Rules
Basic Rule
Holders of Q♣ and Q♠ are partners. The other two players are their opponents.
Both Black Queens to One Player
If one player has BOTH black Queens, they can:
- • Go Alone: Play 1 vs 3 for bigger stakes
- • Call Up: Name the Q♥ holder as partner
- • Call a Jack: Call a specific Jack as partner
Secret Partnership
Nobody reveals their Queen until they play it. You might not know who your partner is until mid-game!
Gameplay
Leading
Player left of dealer leads the first trick. In some variants, the Q♣ holder must lead trump on trick one.
Following Suit
Standard Sheepshead rules - must follow suit if able. All Queens, Jacks, and Diamonds are trump.
8 Tricks
Play continues for 8 tricks. Trick winner leads next.
Scoring
The Black Queens team needs 61 points to win.
Black Queens Win (61+)
Each Queen holder gains, each opponent loses
Black Queens Lose (<61)
Each Queen holder loses, each opponent gains
In a 60-60 tie, the Black Queens team loses (picker disadvantage rule).
4-Player Strategy Tips
- ✓Watch for the Black Queens
Track when they're played to identify teams. Early Queen play often signals a strong hand.
- ✓Signal to your unknown partner
If you have a Black Queen, play strategically to help your partner (even before they're revealed).
- ✓8 tricks means more trump battles
With 8 tricks, there's more opportunity for trump to be drawn out. Plan your trump usage carefully.
- ✓Schmear wisely
Once you know your partner, throw points (Aces, Tens) into tricks they're winning.
4-Player vs 5-Player Comparison
| Aspect | 4-Player | 5-Player |
|---|---|---|
| Cards per player | 8 | 6 |
| Tricks per hand | 8 | 6 |
| Teams | 2 vs 2 | 2 vs 3 |
| Partner method | Black Queens | Called Ace |
| Blind | Usually none | 2 cards |
| Balance | Even teams | Picker team outnumbered |