Doublers
The alternative to Leasters when nobody picks - double the stakes instead!
Quick Summary
A Doubler happens when all players pass (nobody picks). Instead of playing a Leaster, the same dealer redeals and the next hand is worth double. Pass out again and the doublers stack — a “double doubler” is worth 4×. The deal does not rotate until someone finally picks.
How Doublers Work
1. Everyone Passes
After the deal, all 5 players pass on picking up the blind.
2. Same Dealer Redeals
Gather all the cards and deal a fresh hand. The deal does not rotate — the same dealer keeps dealing until someone picks.
3. Double Stakes
The next hand is played for 2x the normal points.
4. Doublers Stack
If everyone passes again it’s a “double doubler” — 4x stakes — then 8x, and so on, all riding on whoever finally picks. (Play Sheepshead uses this multiplying method.)
Consecutive Doublers
What happens when multiple doublers occur in a row? Common house rules:
Multiply Method (used on Play Sheepshead)
Stakes multiply and ride on one hand. One doubler = 2x, two = 4x (“double doubler”), three = 8x. The same dealer keeps dealing until someone picks, and the full multiplier applies to that hand. This is how many Wisconsin groups play.
Stack-Separately Method
Each doubler instead adds one more separate hand at 2x (two doublers = the next two hands doubled, not quadrupled). Some groups prefer this to cap how expensive a single hand can get.
Cap Method
Maximum of 2x or 4x no matter how many doublers occur.
Always agree on house rules before playing!
Doublers vs Leasters
| Aspect | Doublers | Leasters |
|---|---|---|
| What happens | Same dealer redeals, stakes stack (2x, 4x…) | Play the hand differently |
| Goal | Normal (61+ to win) | LOWEST points wins |
| Teams | Normal (next hand) | None - every man for himself |
| The blind | Redealt | Goes to last trick winner |
| Game pace | Faster (skip hand) | Same (play the hand) |
| Stakes impact | Increases next hand | Normal stakes this hand |
Why Play Doublers?
Reasons to Prefer Doublers
- • Faster - no awkward reversed gameplay
- • Keeps normal game dynamics
- • Builds excitement for next hand
- • Easier to understand
- • Everyone knows the rules
Reasons to Prefer Leasters
- • Still get to play the dealt cards
- • Fun strategic challenge
- • No escalating stakes — every hand plays for normal points
- • Traditional Wisconsin style
- • Tests different skills
Example Scenario
Hand 5:Everyone passes → Doubler!
Hand 6:Normal play, but worth 2x points
Result:Picker wins with Schneider → normally +4, but gets +8!
House Rules Reminder
Whether to play Doublers or Leasters (or Forced Pick) should be decided before the game starts.
Some groups let the dealer choose each time, others stick with one method. Make sure everyone knows the rules!