Skat is a three-handed trick taking game. In parts of the USA other versions of Skat survive: Texas Skat is fairly close to the German game but in Wisconsin until the late 20th century thay played a significantly different game: Tournée Skat, which was brought by immigrants from Germany in the 19th century and reflects the form of Skat which was played in Germany at that time. In Skat clubs in Germany, the game is generally played as described here, though often with tournament scoring. In social games many variations will be encountered.
The main description on this page is based on the current version of the official German and International rules (which were revised on 1st January 1999). Note: Skat is not to be confused with the American game Scat - a simple draw and discard game in which players try to collect 31 points in a three card hand. There are smaller numbers of players in Denmark, Austria, Eastern France and Switzerland and in many overseas German communities, notably in Namibia. Skat is also popular in Silesia (the region of southern Poland that at one time was ruled by Prussia). It is well-known throughout Germany with the exception of Bavaria, where there are relatively few regular players and Schafkopf is the dominant card game. Altenburg is still considered the home of Skat and has a fountain dedicated to the game. They adapted the existing local game Schafkopf by adding features of the then popular games Tarok and l'Hombre. It was invented around 1810 in the town of Altenburg, about 40km south of Leipzig, by the members of the Brommesche Tarok-Gesellschaft. Skat is the national card game of Germany, and one of the best card games for 3 players. Please send e-mail to Mike Tobias at if you are interested in hearing about future events. The British Skat Association, founded by David Parlett, holds regular tournaments in the UK.
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