Sixty-Six
A German trick-taking game closely related to Schnapsen. Race to 66 points through tricks and marriages.
What You'll Need
About This Game
A German trick-taking game closely related to Schnapsen. Race to 66 points through tricks and marriages.
How to Play
**Setup:** Use 24-card deck (9-A in each suit). Deal 6 cards each. Flip one card for trump (under stock).
**Gameplay:**
- Non-dealer leads; no requirement to follow suit while stock remains
- Higher card wins (trump beats all). Winner leads next
- After each trick, both draw (winner first) until stock empties
- When stock empties, must follow suit if able
**Marriages:** K-Q of same suit shown when you have the lead: Trump=40pts, non-trump=20pts
**Closing:** Either player can "close" the stock. After closing, must follow suit. If closer reaches 66 first, they score; if not, opponent scores double.
**Winning:** First to 66 points wins the hand. First to 7 game points wins.
History & Background
Sixty-Six originated in Germany, with the first documented rules appearing in 1718 in an inn in Paderborn called "Zur Bürse." The game has been popular in German-speaking countries for over 300 years.
Sixty-Six (Sechsundsechzig) became the national card game of Germany, played in homes, beer halls, and clubs throughout the country. It combines trick-taking with declaration scoring (marriages and trump swaps).
The game spread to Austria, where it evolved into Schnapsen - a closely related variant with slightly different rules. Both games remain popular throughout Central Europe today.
Sixty-Six is known for its tactical depth despite using only 24 cards. The closing mechanic (where a player locks the stock) adds unique strategic considerations not found in other trick-taking games.