Württemberg Schafkopf

It is played with a 36-card Württemberg-pattern German deck. That regional deck is part of what separates the game from better-known Bavarian Schafkopf.

The two games share trick-taking roots but use different regional conventions for trumps and bidding. Württemberg Schafkopf is specifically associated with the Württemberg deck, while Bavarian Schafkopf is usually played with Bavarian cards.

Bidding determines which player takes responsibility for the contract and influences the trump structure for the hand. The exact calls can vary by local tradition, so players should agree on the regional rules before dealing.

It is commonly played around a table with four players, as with many Schafkopf traditions. The central mechanic is still the same: players follow suit where possible and try to win valuable tricks.