Schmearing in Sheepshead
The art of throwing points to maximize your team's score
What is Schmearing?
Schmearing (also spelled "smearing") means throwing high-point cards onto a trick that your teammate is winning. It's how you maximize points from tricks you control.
The word comes from German/Yiddish and literally means "to spread" - you're spreading points onto winning tricks!
When to Schmear
✓ Your Team is Winning the Trick
Only schmear when you're confident your teammate has the trick won. Check who played the highest card!
✓ No One Can Beat Your Teammate
If players after your teammate could still beat them, don't schmear yet.
✓ You Can't Win the Trick Yourself
If you could win with that Ace, sometimes that's better than schmearing.
What Cards to Schmear
Schmear your highest point cards (in order of priority):
A
11 points
10
10 points
K
4 points
Q/J
3/2 points
Aces and Tens are the prime schmear targets - they're worth 21 points together!
⚠️ Schmearing Mistakes
- ✗Schmearing to the wrong team - Make sure you know who's winning!
- ✗Schmearing before the trick is safe - Wait until no one can beat your teammate
- ✗Schmearing when you could win - Sometimes winning the trick yourself is better
- ✗Revealing yourself as partner - Schmearing too early can expose the secret partner
🤝 Schmearing as the Secret Partner
As the secret partner, schmearing is how you help the picker without revealing yourself immediately. But be careful - obvious schmearing tells defenders who you are!
- • Early game: Subtle schmears (Kings instead of Aces)
- • Mid game: More aggressive if needed
- • After reveal: Schmear freely!
Example Schmear Situation
Situation: The picker leads Q♣ (highest trump). You're the partner holding A♠ and K♣.
✓ Good play: Schmear A♠
The Q♣ will win (nothing beats it). Throw your 11-point Ace!
Result: The trick is worth 11 (Ace) + 3 (Queen) = 14 points for your team.