About the Skitgubbe card game
Skitgubbe is a classic Swedish card game for 2 to 4 players. The
game is divided into two phases: in phase 1, you
collect cards by winning tricks, and in phase 2, you must get rid of
them as quickly as possible. The last player with cards in hand
loses and becomes the Skitgubbe.
1
Deck and deal
A standard deck of 52 cards is used. Card rank from
highest to lowest:
- A – K – Q – J – 10 – 9 – 8 – 7 – 6 – 5 – 4 – 3 – 2
- Each player gets 3 cards in hand
- The rest of the cards form a face-down pile
- Suits do not matter in phase 1 – there is no trump yet
2
Phase 1 — Collect cards
The player to the left of the dealer starts, then play continues
clockwise.
-
You can play 1 card or
2–3 cards of the same value
- Suits do not matter in this phase
-
After you play, you immediately draw a card so that you always
have 3 cards in hand
-
The player with the highest card wins the trick and
takes all the cards – the winner leads the next trick
3
Phase 1 — Tie (Stunsa)
If several players play the same highest card, it is a tie –
called Stunsa.
- Only those players replay the trick
- The highest card wins
-
If it is still tied, the replay continues until it is decided
4
Phase 1 — Take a chance
Instead of playing from your hand, you can take a chance:
- Draw a card from the pile and play it immediately
-
You cannot look at the card first
- A risky but exciting tactic
5
Phase 1 — The trump card
The pile runs out when there is only one card left. The player who
draws the last card keeps it hidden – no one else may
see it.
That is the trump card. Phase 1 continues until
no one can play anymore.
6
Between phases — Reveal trump
When phase 1 is over, it is time to reveal trump:
-
The trump card is turned over – its suit becomes trump
for all of phase 2
- All players take their trick cards into their hand
- The player who held the trump card starts phase 2
7
Phase 2 — The race begins
The player who drew trump starts.
- Your goal is to get rid of all your cards
- You must either beat or pick up
- You cannot pass
8
Phase 2 — Beat
- A higher card in the same suit beats
- Trump beats everything else
- You can play single cards or sequences
9
Phase 2 — Sequences
Sequences are powerful.
- The highest card decides the strength
10
Phase 2 — Pick up
- If you cannot beat, you pick up
- Empty table = new round
11
Phase 2 — Trick completed
- When everyone has played, the trick is complete
- The cards are removed
- The last player starts the next round
12
Phase 2 — Fewer players
- Fewer cards left = shorter rounds
- If you get rid of all your cards, you are safe
13
Who loses?
The last player with cards loses and becomes the Skitgubbe.
Good luck – and may you never become the Skitgubbe. 🃏
