← sheepshead-app

Sheepshead Rules for 3, 4 and 5 Players

Sheepshead is the classic Wisconsin card game. These rules cover the usual 5-player game and the variants for 4 and 3 players.

The deck and the points

32 cards: 7 to Ace in each suit. Aces count 11, tens 10, kings 4, queens 3, jacks 2 – 120 points in all. The picker's side needs 61 to win.

Trumps

14 trumps, highest first: Q♣ Q♠ Q♥ Q♦, J♣ J♠ J♥ J♦, then A♦ 10♦ K♦ 9♦ 8♦ 7♦. The other suits (clubs, spades, hearts without queens and jacks) are "fail". Ten ranks above King in every suit.

Picking and burying (5 players)

Each player gets 6 cards, 2 go to the blind. Starting left of the dealer, each player may pick the blind or pass. The picker takes the two cards and buries two – their points count for the picker. If everyone passes, many tables play a Leaster: the player with the fewest points (who took a trick) wins.

The partner

With the Jack of Diamonds rule, whoever holds J♦ is the picker's secret partner. With Call an Ace, the picker calls a fail ace they do not hold and its holder becomes the partner. The picker may also go alone.

Scoring

Schneider (losers took 30 or less) doubles the score, schwarz (no trick) triples it.

Sheepshead for 4 and 3 players

4 players: remove the black sevens, 7 cards each, 2 in the blind – two against two. 3 players: 10 cards each, 2 in the blind, and the picker always plays alone.

FAQ

How many points do you need to win Sheepshead?

The picker's team needs 61 of the 120 points; the defenders win with 60.

Who is the partner in Sheepshead?

Either the holder of the Jack of Diamonds or the holder of the ace the picker calls – depending on your house rules.

Can you play Sheepshead with 3 or 4 players?

Yes. With 4 players the black sevens are removed and it is two against two; with 3 players the picker always plays alone.

Where can I practise Sheepshead?

The free app 'Sheepshead: Card Game Offline' has 3, 4 and 5 player tables, Jack of Diamonds or Call an Ace, and no ads.