Schnapsen Log Archives
Columns for March, 2012
The Card Game Called Schnapsen
Martin Tompa
March 5, 2012
Schnapsen is the best two-person card game. At least in the opinion of one writer, and thousands of Austrians. It is easy to learn, requires only one other willing player (or a computer program, always willing), is quick and fun to play, involves interesting strategy, and is rich in thought-provoking situations.
My goal in this series is to present a number of those thought-provoking situations, in a manner very similar to the daily newspaper’s bridge or chess columns. Think of this as the Schnapsen column.
Just like the bridge or chess columns, I am going to assume that readers of this series know how to play the game and are interested in improving their play, learning new moves, or testing their strategic skills. If you don’t yet know how to play Schnapsen, we have provided clear rules for the game. Grab a friend, learn the rules together, and play a few games. Schnapsen is fun even when you are a…
Safety First
Martin Tompa
March 7, 2012
Welcome to the Schnapsen table. As I promised, we will warm up with some basic situations you will face at the table.
This evening you are at the Black Eagle, your regular card club, enjoying a cold beer and playing against the local milliner Katharina. Katharina happens to be the regional Schnapsen champion. She would intimidate you from across the table even without those outlandish creations on her head. You are in the last deal of a tightly contested game and find yourself in the following situation…
To Duck or Not to Duck
Martin Tompa
March 14, 2012
Welcome back to the Schnapsen table. We continue to warm up with some basic situations. You are playing against your nemesis Uncle Claudius when you find yourself in the following situation…
Who Laughs Last
Martin Tompa
March 21, 2012
You are drawn once again to your club, the Black Eagle, holding its weekly tournament. Sitting across from you is your archrival Itell Reding, who mocks you relentlessly. The situation you find yourself facing illustrates a common struggle in Schnapsen…
“You First.” “No, You First.”
Martin Tompa
March 27, 2012
Nearly all of our work in these columns will be in the “endgame”, the last five or six tricks of the deal. Today we look at an important and common endgame strategy, in its simplest form. You are playing against your aunt, Polite Polona. Despite her nickname, Polona does not just let you win….
