Swabian War (2 player card game)

“Swabian War,” also known as “Schwäbische Krieg,” is a trick-taking card game traditionally played by three or more players in teams, but it can be adapted for two players with some adjustments. Here’s how to play:

Setup:

1. Use a standard 32-card deck, removing all cards below 7 in each suit.
2. Shuffle the deck thoroughly and deal 10 cards to each player.

Gameplay:

1. Player 1 starts the game by leading a card from their hand. They can choose any card to play.
2. Player 2 must then follow suit if possible. If they don’t have a card of the same suit, they can play any card from their hand.
3. The player who plays the highest card of the leading suit wins the trick and leads the next one.
4. If a player cannot follow suit, they may play any card from their hand.
5. The game continues with players taking turns playing cards and winning tricks until all 10 tricks have been played.
6. After all tricks have been played, players count the number of tricks they have won.

Scoring:

• In Swabian War, each trick won is worth one point.
• Additionally, there are bonus points called “Kritischer,” which are awarded to the player who wins the majority of the tricks. If a player wins 6 or more tricks, they earn 2 bonus points. If a player wins all 10 tricks, they earn 4 bonus points.
• The player with the most points at the end of the game wins.

Adaptation for 2 Players:

• In the two-player version, each player plays individually to win tricks and earn points.
• Players take turns leading tricks, with Player 1 starting the first trick and alternating turns thereafter.
• To compensate for the reduced number of players, you can modify the scoring system. For example, you could increase the number of bonus points earned for winning tricks or adjust the threshold for earning bonus points.
• The rules for following suit and winning tricks remain the same as in the standard game.

Summary: In this adapted version of Swabian War, tailored for a 2-player setting, players compete individually to win tricks and earn points. By adjusting the gameplay and scoring system, Swabian War becomes an engaging 2 player card game of strategy and skill, despite its usual design for team play.