Scharfe Schoten

About this board game

Scharfe Schoten is a trick-taking game for 3–4 players that takes about 30 minutes, challenging players to predict which color they will collect the most or fewest tricks in.

Instead of naming a number of tricks, each player announces a color-based goal. You must decide whether you expect to take the most tricks in one color or the least tricks in another. The player whose result comes closest to their prediction wins.

Information is unusually open from the start: every card shows its color on the back. This gives you clues about the cards in play while still leaving plenty of uncertainty about who will win each trick. During every trick, players must follow suit, even when using special trump cards, making the outcome—and your prediction—difficult to control.

A common supply of cards adds another layer of tactical choice. Some of these cards can be added to tricks to help you reach your chosen goal, whether you are trying to build up one color or keep another as low as possible.

• Predict the color you will take the most or fewest tricks in.
• Use the colors visible on card backs to assess the situation.
• Follow suit during every trick, including when special trump cards are involved.
• Draw from the common supply to influence tricks, while risking an unwanted color.

That final risk is central to Scharfe Schoten: adding cards may help your plan, but cards of the wrong color can undermine a low-score prediction. Balance visible information, uncertain trick outcomes, and carefully timed choices to finish closest to your stated color prediction.