Rules for Schwarzer Peter

Schwarzer Peter is a timeless card game that has entertained families for generations. Easy to learn and quick to play, it's perfect for children while still being enjoyable for adults. The goal is to form pairs and discard them - but don't get stuck with the Schwarzer Peter!

The game is suitable for 2-6 players and typically takes 5-15 minutes. You'll need a standard 52-card deck.

Prepare the deck as follows:

• Remove any jokers from the deck
• Take out all queens except the Queen of Clubs (♣️Q)
• The Queen of Clubs is the "Schwarzer Peter" - the card nobody wants to be left with
• You now have 49 cards in total

Shuffle the cards thoroughly and deal out all cards to the players. It doesn't matter if some players have more cards than others.

The goal is simple:

• Get rid of all your cards by forming pairs
• A pair consists of two cards with the same rank (e.g., 7♦️ and 7♣️)
• Don't be left holding the Schwarzer Peter (♣️Q) when the game ends!

The player left with the Schwarzer Peter at the end loses and becomes the "Schwarzer Peter".

Before play begins:

1. All players look at their cards
2. If you have any pairs in your hand, place them face up on the table
3. A pair is two cards of the same rank (e.g., two 5s or two Kings)

The game play:

1. The player to the dealer's left goes first
2. Hold your cards in a fan with the backs facing other players
3. On your turn: Draw one card from the player to your right
4. Check if the new card forms a pair with any card in your hand
5. If you make a pair, place it face up on the table
6. Play continues clockwise

The game continues in this manner:

• Players who get rid of all their cards drop out of the game
• The remaining players continue playing
• Eventually, only one player will be left
• This player has the Schwarzer Peter (♣️Q) and loses!

The loser is called the "Schwarzer Peter" and often has to perform a forfeit agreed upon before the game.

While Schwarzer Peter is primarily a game of chance, there are some strategies:

• Keep track of which cards have been paired - you'll know which pairs are no longer possible
• Try to keep a poker face when someone draws the Schwarzer Peter from you
• If you have the Schwarzer Peter, try positioning it strategically in your fan
• Watch other players' reactions when they draw cards
• Remember that as fewer players remain, the chances of drawing the Schwarzer Peter increase

There are several fun variations of Schwarzer Peter:

• Double Trouble: Keep two queens (e.g., ♣️Q and ♠️Q) for extra excitement
• Speed Schwarzer Peter: Players must draw within 5 seconds
• Forfeit Schwarzer Peter: The loser must perform a silly task
• Reverse Schwarzer Peter: The player left with the Schwarzer Peter wins!
• Color Pairs: Pairs must be the same color (red or black) for increased difficulty
• International versions: Known as Schwarzer Peter (German), Baba Nuki (Japanese), and Svarteper (Norwegian)