Bierkopf
Bierkopf ("beer-head") is a trick-taking ace–ten card game for 4 players, played in fixed partnerships. It is a simple version of the Bavarian national game of Schafkopf that is played in Franconia (northern Bavaria) and usually for litre-glasses of beer. It is especially popular in the area of Bamburg. The game is popular enough for regular tournaments to be held.
The top trumps in Bierkopf - Obers and Unters | |
| Origin | Franconia |
|---|---|
| Type | Point-trick |
| Players | 4 |
| Age range | 18+ |
| Cards | 20 |
| Deck | German |
| Rank (high→low) | A 10 K O U |
| Play | Clockwise |
| Related games | |
| Schafkopf • Blattla • Mucken | |
Bierkopf is recorded being played in Franconia just before the Second World War. It is described as a four-hand partnership game played for penalty points called Bolln represented by a blob on the slate, each one "formerly usually worth 1 or even 2 pints [of beer]." At that time a side hoping to take all tricks could announce a Bucher, which is no longer a feature of the modern game.