"A simpler and jollier version of Cassino" | |
Origin | Holstein, Germany |
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Alternative names | Zwickern, Zwickeln |
Type | Fishing game |
Players | 2-8, 4 best |
Age range | 10+[1] |
Cards | 58 |
Deck | French + 6 Jokers, Zwicker pack |
Rank (high→low) | K, Q, J, A, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 |
Play | Clockwise |
Playing time | 10–12 min/hand; 30–40 min/round[1] |
Related games | |
Cassino • Scopa • Skwitz • Escoba | |
Feature: employs up to 6 Jokers |
Zwickern or Zwicker, is a German fishing card game for two to eight players played in Schleswig-Holstein in North Germany. It is an old game whose rules first appeared in 1930.[2] It has been described as "a simpler and jollier version of Cassino",[3] which is "exciting and entertaining" and easy to learn.[4] German author, Hans Fallada, who learned it in while in gaol at Neumünster,[5] called it "a rather cunning farmer's game from Holstein."[6] The feature that makes it unique among fishing games is its use of up to 6 Jokers.