Sheepshead Blitz
Double the stakes when you hold "The Ma's" - both black Queens
The Black Queens ("The Ma's")
The Queen of Clubs and Queen of Spades - the two highest cards in Sheepshead
What is Blitz?
Blitz is a variant where a picker who holds both black Queens (Q♣ and Q♠) can declare "Blitz" to double the stakes for the hand.
Since the black Queens are the two most powerful cards in the game, holding both gives the picker a significant advantage - and Blitz rewards taking that risk.
How Blitz Works
1. Pick and Check
After picking up the blind, check if you have both Q♣ and Q♠.
2. Declare Blitz (Optional)
If you have both, you MAY declare "Blitz" before burying. It's optional!
3. Double Stakes
If you declare Blitz, all points for the hand are doubled.
4. Play Continues
The hand is played normally - bury, call partner, play tricks.
When Should You Blitz?
✓ Good Time to Blitz
- • You have 6+ trump cards total
- • You have other high trump (Jacks)
- • You can bury significant points
- • Your hand has a clear void to exploit
✗ Maybe Don't Blitz
- • You only have 4-5 trump total
- • Your other trump are low (7♦, 8♦, 9♦)
- • You have no fail Aces to bury
- • You're already nervous about picking
Why "The Ma's"?
In traditional Sheepshead slang, the black Queens are affectionately called "The Ma's"(or "The Moms"). This comes from German-American card game culture where these powerful cards are personified as matriarchal figures ruling over the game.
You might also hear: "I've got The Ma's!" or "Watch out, I'm holding both mothers!"
Blitz Scoring Example
Normal Win (No Blitz)
Picker wins with 65 points
+2 points
With Blitz Declared
Picker wins with 65 points
+4 points
Blitz doubles both wins AND losses - use it wisely!
⚡ Blitz + Crack = Big Stakes!
In games that allow both Blitz and Cracking, the multipliers stack:
- • Blitz alone = 2x
- • Blitz + Crack = 4x
- • Blitz + Crack + Re-crack = 8x
This can lead to huge swings in score - exciting but risky!