The Skatordnung

Definitions

Card-points

The point-value of individual scoring cards taken in tricks. Card-points (Augen) differ from game-points (Punkte), which are points recorded on the score-sheet or translated into cash payments.

Game

The establishment and play of a game contract following any one deal. (Spiel.)

Kibitzer

A spectator who is not one of the participants at the table he is watching. Referees and authorised tournament representatives do not count as kibitzers. (Kiebitze.)

Match

A complete series of games or session of play. (Serie.)

Opponents

The two active players who seek by co-operative play to prevent the soloist from making his contract. (Gegenspieler.)

Participants

All those playing at the same table, whether or not active in the current deal. (Mit-spieler.)

Party

The three active players form two parties: the soloist on one hand, and his two opponents on the other. (Partei.)

Player

Unless otherwise stated, 'player' (Spieler) means one of the three active players. (Skat may be played by four at a table, but at each deal only three are active.)

Schneider

A higher level of win than a simple game

comparable to the lurch or skunk in Cribbage. (Literally snip or cut.)

Schwarz

The winning of every trick, equivalent to a grand slam or whitewash. (Literally black.)

Skat

Two cards dealt face down to the table at start of play, which belong to the eventual soloist and may be taken by him in exchange for unwanted cards from his hand.

Soloist

The highest bidder, who declares a contract and plays alone against the other two. (Alleinspieler)

Tops (Top trumps)

An unbroken sequence of trumps from the highest downwards. It is here used to translate Spitzen, literally 'peaks', for which there is no satisfactory English equivalent. ('Matadors' is archaic and not entirely accurate).