Sheepshead Point Values
Every card has a point value - and capturing points is how you win
120
Total points in deck
61
Points to win
30
Schneider threshold
Card Point Values
| Card | Points | Count in Deck | Total Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aces (A) | 11 | 4 | 44 |
| Tens (10) | 10 | 4 | 40 |
| Kings (K) | 4 | 4 | 16 |
| Queens (Q) | 3 | 4 | 12 |
| Jacks (J) | 2 | 4 | 8 |
| 9, 8, 7 | 0 | 12 | 0 |
| TOTAL | 120 | ||
Why 61 Points to Win?
With 120 total points in the deck, 61 is the majority. If you have 61, your opponent can have at most 59 - so you've captured more than half the points.
This is why ties go to the defenders - if both teams have exactly 60, neither has a majority, so the picker's team hasn't achieved their goal.
💡 Strategic Insight: "Point Cards"
Aces and Tens are often called "point cards" because they're worth the most. Together, the 8 Aces and Tens contain 84 of the 120 points (70%!).
- • Bury point cards when safe (they count toward your score)
- • "Schmear" (throw point cards) to tricks your team is winning
- • Protect your Aces from being trumped
Scoring Thresholds
✓
61+ Points = Win
Standard victory
⚡
91+ Points = Schneider
Opponent got less than 30 - double points!
💀
120 Points = Schwarz
Opponent won zero tricks - triple points!