Psellos
Life So Short, the Craft So Long to Learn

The Schnapsen Log

June 19, 2014

Make a Wish

Martin Tompa

The family has again gathered at your house for coffee, cake, and cards. With the eating out of the way, you have taken to the Schnapsen table with Uncle Tibor while assorted relatives look on. In the very first deal you find yourself in an interesting position.

Unseen cards:
AK
T
♣ TK
A

Your cards:
T
A
♣ QJ
Q

Trump: J
Stock: 1 face-down card
Game points: Tibor 7, You 7
Trick points: Tibor 28, You 11
On lead: Tibor

Tibor pauses to consider his options, finally leads his K and, with a smile, warns you, “Tread carefully.” His trump lead at this juncture does seem unusual enough to demand your attention.

What is your plan? When you think you have a good one, you are welcome to read my analysis.

© 2014 Martin Tompa. All rights reserved.


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About the Author

Martin Tompa

Martin Tompa (tompa@psellos.com)

I am a Professor of Computer Science & Engineering at the University of Washington, where I teach discrete mathematics, probability and statistics, design and analysis of algorithms, and other related courses. I have always loved playing games. Games are great tools for learning to think logically and are a wonderful component of happy family or social life.

Read about Winning Schnapsen, the very first and definitive book on the winning strategy for this fascinating game.

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September
Sidestep a Few Landmines, Sep 2
June
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