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Trick-taking

How to play Doppelkopf

A German partnership game played with two copies of every card in a short deck.

Players
4
Cards
48 cards
Time
45–90 minutes

Objective

The Re side, normally the holders of the club queens, competes against the Kontra side for card points.

Setup

  1. 1

    Use two copies of A, 10, K, Q, J, and 9 in each suit.

  2. 2

    Deal 12 cards to each player.

How play works

  1. 1

    Determine teams through the club queens unless a solo contract changes them.

  2. 2

    Queens, jacks, and diamonds form the usual trump structure.

  3. 3

    Follow suit if able. Identical cards are normally won by the one played first.

Scoring and winning

  1. 1

    Card points total 240; a side normally needs 121 to win.

  2. 2

    Announcements, thresholds, foxes, Charlie, and other achievements change game points.

Rules to settle before play

  1. 1

    Tournament rules and household rules vary.

  2. 2

    Clarify solos, wedding, poverty, and extra-point conventions.

Rule reference

Card games develop regional and household variations. This guide states a common form and flags important choices. For formal or tournament play, consult the linked rules.

Pagat Doppelkopf rules