How to Play Fipsen
Fipsen is a fun local trump card game from Germany that plays best with friends who like trick-taking contests. If you want short, clear guides for more games, check out Playmore for other beginner pages.
Quick facts
| Game | Details |
|---|---|
| Game name | Fipsen |
| Type / family | Germany – local trump trick game |
| Typical players | 3–5 |
| Deck or components | 32 French-suited cards (a reduced setup made from one 52‑card deck) |
| Beginner focus | Local trump game with an unusual ranking |
| Rules note | Exact rankings and scoring vary by local rules; check your group's official or regional rules. |
What you are trying to do
Your goal in Fipsen is to win tricks and meet your contract or target as your group plays it. The game centers on a trump suit and a special card ranking that is not the same as many other trick games. Because local versions differ, focus on winning the tricks you need and managing your trumps carefully.
What you need and how to set up
You need one standard 52-card deck reduced to the 32-card French-suited set commonly used in German games (many players remove all 2s through 6s, leaving 7–Ace in each suit). Sit in a circle. Decide who deals first by any fair method (cutting or lowest card). The dealer shuffles and deals the number of cards your group’s version uses. Some versions have a talon or a turned card to decide trump; others use bidding. Check your local rules to confirm the deal and trump method.
How to play
- Determine dealer and deal the hands according to your group's version. Keep any remaining cards as the rules require (some versions use a stock).
- Decide trump. Many local rules use either a turned card or a bidding phase. Make sure everyone knows which method your game uses.
- The player to the dealer’s left (or the winner of a previous trick) leads the first trick by playing a card face up.
- Players must follow suit if they can. If a player cannot follow suit they may play a trump or another card, depending on the version’s rules about trumping and discarding.
- The trick is won by the highest card in the suit led, unless a trump is played. Remember: Fipsen uses an unusual ranking. Do not assume Ace is highest—check your version.
- The trick winner collects the cards and usually leads the next trick. Continue until all cards are played or the round condition is met.
- At the end of the round, count tricks or calculate points as your group's rules require. Scoring systems vary, so follow your local or printed rules for exact totals and penalties.
How a round or game ends
A round finishes when the players have played all cards dealt or when an agreed stop condition happens. The match or game often continues for several rounds until a player reaches a target score or until a set number of deals are complete. Because scoring and winning conditions differ between versions, check your group’s official or regional rules for the exact end‑game and point values.
Beginner tips
- Learn the special card ranking before you play. It changes how you value cards.
- Keep track of which trumps have been played. That helps you plan when to use yours.
- Count suits as tricks go by. You’ll know who still has which suits.
- If your version allows bidding, bid conservatively until you understand scoring.
- Lead from a strong suit to force opponents to use valuable trumps early.
- Practice with a small group and agree on one set of local rules before you start.
FAQ
What cards make up the 32-card deck?
The 32-card setup is a reduced deck made from one standard 52-card deck. Many players remove all 2s through 6s, leaving 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace in each suit.
How is trump chosen?
That depends on the version. Common methods are turning a card from the remaining stock or deciding trump by a bidding phase. Agree on the method before you play.
Where can I find the exact rankings and scoring?
Fipsen has regional differences in ranking and scoring. Check your group's authoritative or regional rules for the precise ranking, point values, and penalties before you play.