German Whist

About this board game

German Whist is a two-player trick-taking game that takes about 20 minutes to play. First published in 1894, it offers a quick, accessible introduction to Whist and Bridge.

Only half the deck is dealt, and the game unfolds in two distinct stages. During the first half, players compete in an additional series of 13 non-scoring tricks. These tricks are not about immediately earning points; instead, each one helps determine how the next cards are dealt.

Before every trick is played, the top card of the draw deck is revealed. The player who wins the trick receives that revealed top card, while the losing player receives the second card from the draw deck without seeing it first. This creates a simple but meaningful decision: winning gives you information as well as the known card, while losing still adds a hidden card to your developing hand.

• Designed for exactly two players
• Approximately 20 minutes of play time
• 13 early tricks that improve the players’ hands
• A second stage in which the resulting hand is played out

After these preparatory tricks are complete, the game moves into its second half. Players then play out the hand they have built, turning the earlier contest into the foundation for the closing stage of the game.

Easy to learn, quick to arrange, and fast-playing, German Whist is a convenient starting point for players unfamiliar with trick-taking games. It also serves as a useful first step toward learning the broader traditions of Whist or Bridge.