How to Play Sjavs
Sjavs is a lively Danish trick-taking game for three players. Learn the basics here at Playmore, and you’ll be ready to join a game quickly. This guide gives a clear beginner-friendly walk through the basic loop and setup.
Quick facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Game name | Sjavs |
| Family | Danish Schafkopf-family game |
| Typical players | 3 |
| Deck / components | 20 French-suited cards (reduced setup made from one normal 52-card deck) |
What you are trying to do
The main goal in Sjavs is to win tricks and score more points than your opponents in each hand. Players usually compete to declare and make a contract or to stop a declarer from meeting their goal. Exact card ranks, which cards are trumps, and how many points you need are version-dependent, so groups should check the linked official or regional rules for the exact version they play.
What you need and how to set up
You need one standard 52-card deck, but you will use only 20 specific cards. That means you remove the unwanted ranks before play. Sit so everyone can see the center of the table. Pick a dealer by agreement or by random draw. The dealer shuffles and deals according to the local pattern. How many cards each player gets and whether any cards form a talon or kitty varies by version, so agree the deal before you start.
How to play
- Deal and declare: The dealer deals the agreed number of cards to each player. After the deal, players may have a chance to bid, declare a contract, or pass. The contract decides who will try to win the hand and whether any special rules apply.
- Establish trumps (version-dependent): Some variants name a suit as trump or use specific high cards as permanent trumps. Make sure everyone knows which cards are trumps before the first trick.
- Lead and follow: The player who wins the bid, or the player left of the dealer if no bidding, leads the first trick. Players must follow suit if they can. If they cannot follow, they may play a trump or any card, depending on the rules you agreed.
- Winning a trick: The trick is taken by the highest card of the suit led, unless a trump is played; then the highest trump wins. The trick winner collects the cards and leads the next trick.
- Play all tricks: Continue until all cards have been played from each hand. Keep each trick’s cards in a pile so you can count points at the end.
- Score (version-dependent): After the hand, players add up trick points and compare them to the contract or to one another. Exact scoring and payments vary by regional rules.
How a round or game ends
A single round ends after every trick is played and the scores are counted. A full game usually runs to an agreed number of rounds or a points target. Because scoring and match length differ between local versions, check the official or regional rules your group follows for exact winning conditions.
Beginner tips
- Learn which cards are trumps for your group before the first lead.
- Keep track of which high cards and trumps have already been played.
- When you can’t win a trick, use low cards to save better options for later.
- Watch opponents’ play patterns to guess what they hold.
- Agree rules clearly before you start; many variations exist.
- If the game in your group involves penalties, use non-consumption consequences if adults prefer.
FAQ
Do I need a special deck for Sjavs?
No. Use a normal 52-card deck and remove cards to make the 20-card setup that your version requires.
How many players can join?
Sjavs is typically played by three players, which is the most common and traditional format.
Where can I find the exact rules for my version?
There are several regional variants. Groups should check the linked official or regional rules for the exact version they wish to play before deciding on card ranks, trumps, scoring, and deal patterns.