Psellos
Life So Short, the Craft So Long to Learn

The Schnapsen Log

September 19, 2020

Know Your Opponent

Martin Tompa

You have begun a brand new game against Uncle Tibor, a most dangerous opponent.

Concealed cards:
AQ
A
♣ TQJ

Your cards:
KJ
K
♣ AK

Trump: Q
Stock: Closed, 1 face-down card
Game points: Tibor 7, You 7
Trick points: Tibor 28, You 24
On lead: Tibor

Tibor has just closed the stock and is about to lead. Your heart always sinks when your opponent closes the stock. It feels as though a trap has been sprung and you’re in grave danger. Even though it’s Tibor’s turn to lead, what is your plan? When you think you have a good one, you are welcome to read my analysis.

© 2020 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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