Klaverjassen

About this board game

Klaverjassen is a traditional Dutch card game listed for 2–4 players, with a play time of approximately 75 minutes. It is most traditionally played by four players divided into two pairs, with partners sitting opposite each other.

Popular in the Netherlands, Klaverjassen has long been played in cafés and social clubs as well as at home. Its enduring presence in these social settings makes it a distinctive part of Dutch card-game culture.

The game uses a compact 32-card pack containing the following cards in each suit:

• Ace
• King
• Queen
• Jack
• 10
• 9
• 8
• 7

Klaverjassen has several recognized variants, named for the cities where they originated. These include Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht, giving the game a clear regional identity and providing different ways to explore its tradition.

First recorded in 1890, Klaverjassen remains a focused social card game for players who enjoy sitting down with a partner and opponents for an extended session. Whether played at home or in a more communal setting, Klaverjassen offers a direct connection to one of the Netherlands’ most popular card-game traditions.