Learn Skat from the Masters and Play with Friends - Free Download
Skat Game Download: How to Play the Smart Classic with German Roots
If you are looking for a challenging and fun card game to play online or offline, you might want to try Skat, the national game of Germany. Skat is a three-player trick-taking game that requires tactical and deductive skills. It is comparable to games such as Pinochle, Spades, and Doppelkopf. In this article, we will explain what Skat is, how to play it, and how to download it for free.
What is Skat?
Skat is a card game that was devised around 1810 in Altenburg, Germany by members of a local Tarock club. It is based on the three-player game of Tarock (German for Tarot) and the four-player game of Schafkopf (forerunner of the American game Sheepshead). It has become the most loved and widely played German card game, especially in German-speaking regions.
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The history and origin of Skat
The first recorded rules for "Scat" date to 1835, by when it was already popular in the Kingdom of Saxony, especially in the Duchy of Altenburg and the surrounding area. There were just two contracts Frage and Solo and forehand opened the bidding or passed. A Frage bidder could be overcalled by a Solo and either could be overcalled by the same contract in a higher-ranking suit, the suits ranking in the same order as in the modern game. The declarer needed 61 card points to win and there were bonuses for scoring 90 (Schneider), taking all tricks (Schwarz) and, optionally, for holding or lacking matadors in unbroken sequence from the top. The four Unters were permanent trumps ranking above the trump suit.
The first book on the rules of Skat, Das Scatspiel: Nebst zwei Liedern, was published in 1848 by one of its inventors, secondary school teacher J. F. L. Hempel. Nevertheless, the rules continued to differ from one region to another until the first attempt to set them in order was made by a congress of Skat players on 7 August 1886 in Altenburg.
The cards and ranking of Skat
Skat is played with a 32-card deck, either with French suits (Clubs, Spades, Hearts, Diamonds) or German suits (Acorns, Leaves, Hearts, Bells). The cards rank differently depending on which type of game is played: suit games, grand games, or null games.
In suit games, one suit is chosen as trumps, and the four Jacks are always top trumps, ranking from highest to lowest as Clubs, Spades, Hearts, Diamonds. The other cards rank from highest to lowest as Aces, Tens, Kings, Queens, Nines, Eights, Sevens. In grand games, only the four Jacks are trumps, ranking in the same order as in suit games. The other cards rank from highest to lowest as Aces, Tens, Kings, Queens, Nines, Eights, Sevens. In null games, there are no trumps and no card points. The cards rank from highest to lowest as Aces, Kings, Queens, Jacks, Tens, Nines, Eights, Sevens.
The deal and the auction of Skat
The dealer shuffles and then the player to their right cuts the deck. The dealer deals 10 cards to each player in batches of 3-4-3 or 4-3-3. The remaining two cards are placed face down in the middle of the table and are called the Skat. The player to the dealer's left begins the auction, which is a bidding process to determine the declarer and the game value. The possible bids are numbers from 18 to 264, increasing by increments of one. The bids are based on the type of game, the trump suit, and the number of matadors (the highest trumps in unbroken sequence). The player who bids the highest becomes the declarer and can pick up the Skat, discard two cards, and announce the game. The other two players form a team called the defenders and try to prevent the declarer from winning.
The types and values of Skat games
There are four types of Skat games: suit games, grand games, null games, and ramsch games. Each type has a different way of scoring and winning.
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In suit games, the declarer chooses one of the four suits as trumps and tries to take at least 61 card points in tricks. The game value is calculated by multiplying the base value of the trump suit by the multiplier, which is determined by the number of matadors, the hand factor (whether the declarer picked up the Skat or not), and any additional bonuses (such as Schneider, Schwarz, or Ouvert). The base values of the suits are: Clubs = 12, Spades = 11, Hearts = 10, Diamonds = 9.
In grand games, only the Jacks are trumps and the declarer tries to take at least 61 card points in tricks. The game value is calculated by multiplying the base value of 24 by the multiplier, which is determined by the same factors as in suit games.
In null games, there are no trumps and no card points. The declarer tries to lose every trick. The game value is fixed and depends on whether the declarer picked up the Skat or not, and whether they played Ouvert or not. The fixed values are: Null = 23, Null Hand = 35, Null Ouvert = 46, Null Ouvert Hand = 59.
In ramsch games, there are no trumps and no card points. All players try to avoid taking tricks. The player who takes the most card points loses and pays to the other players. If one player takes all tricks, they win and receive payment from the other players.
How to download Skat game for free?
If you want to play Skat on your computer or mobile device, you have several options to download it for free. Here are some of the best Skat game apps that you can find online:
Skat by Isar Interactive GmbH & Co. KG
This app is one of the most popular and highly rated Skat game apps for Android and iOS devices. It features realistic graphics, sound effects, and animations. You can play against computer opponents with adjustable skill levels or online against real players from around the world. You can also join clubs, tournaments, and leagues to compete with other Skat enthusiasts. The app supports all official Skat rules and variants, as well as custom rules and settings. You can also track your statistics, achievements, and rankings. The app is free to download and play, but you can purchase in-app items for extra features and benefits.
You can download Skat by Isar Interactive GmbH & Co. KG from these links:
Google Play Store
Apple App Store
Skat by Spiele-Palast GmbH
This app is another great option for playing Skat on your Android or iOS device. It offers a user-friendly interface, high-quality graphics, and realistic sound effects. You can play against computer opponents or online against real players in various modes and formats. You can also join clubs, chat with other players, and participate in events and competitions. The app follows all official Skat rules and allows you to customize your own rules and preferences. You can also view your statistics, rankings, and trophies. The app is free to download and play, but you can purchase in-app items for extra features and benefits.
You can download Skat by Spiele-Palast GmbH from these links:
Google Play Store
Apple App Store
Skat Offline - Single Player by Zariba
This app is a simple and fun way to play Skat offline on your Android device. It features colorful graphics, smooth gameplay, and easy controls. You can play against three computer opponents with different skill levels and personalities. You can choose from four different game modes: suit, grand, null, and ramsch. You can also adjust the game speed, the card design, and the sound effects. The app follows the official Skat rules and calculates the game value automatically. You can also view your score history and statistics. The app is free to download and play, but it contains ads that you can remove by purchasing the premium version.
You can download Skat Offline - Single Player by Zariba from this link:
Google Play Store
Conclusion
Skat is a fascinating and rewarding card game that you can enjoy on your computer or mobile device. It is a game of skill, strategy, and luck that requires you to think and act smartly. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you can find a Skat game app that suits your level and preference. Download one of the apps we recommended and start playing Skat today!
FAQs
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about Skat game download:
What are the benefits of playing Skat?
Playing Skat can help you improve your mental abilities, such as memory, concentration, logic, and problem-solving. It can also provide you with entertainment, social interaction, and mental stimulation.
How can I learn to play Skat?
You can learn to play Skat by reading the rules, watching tutorials, practicing with computer opponents, or joining online Skat communities. You can also find helpful tips and tricks from experienced Skat players online.
What are the best strategies for playing Skat?
Some of the best strategies for playing Skat are: bidding wisely, counting cards, memorizing the Skat, playing according to your hand strength, bluffing occasionally, cooperating with your partner (if you have one), and adapting to different situations.
How can I win at Skat?
You can win at Skat by taking more than half of the card points in tricks (if you are the declarer) or preventing the declarer from doing so (if you are a defender). You can also win by losing all tricks (if you are playing a null game) or avoiding taking tricks (if you are playing a ramsch game).
Where can I find more information about Skat?
You can find more information about Skat on these websites:
Skat.com: The official website of the International Skat Players Association (ISPA), which organizes tournaments, events, and activities for Skat players worldwide.
Skat.de: The official website of the German Skat Association (DSkV), which is the largest national Skat organization in the world.
Skat Wiki: A comprehensive online encyclopedia about Skat, its rules, variants, history, culture, and more.