German Whist
A two-player trick-taking game played in two phases. First, players compete for cards from the stock pile, then play out their hands in a second phase with the cards they've acquired.
What You'll Need
About This Game
A two-player trick-taking game played in two phases. First, players compete for cards from the stock pile, then play out their hands in a second phase with the cards they've acquired.
How to Play
- Use standard 52-card deck, deal 13 cards to each player
- Place remaining 26 cards as face-down stock, turn top card face-up
- Phase 1: Players play one card each (following suit if possible)
- Higher card wins the face-up stock card; loser takes face-down card
- Winner leads next trick; repeat until stock is exhausted
- Phase 2: Play remaining 13 tricks normally
- Must follow suit if possible; highest card of led suit wins
- Trump optional variant: turn-up card's suit is trump
- Player who wins most tricks (out of 26) wins the game
- Strategy: Win good cards in phase 1, position for phase 2
History & Background
German Whist developed in the 19th century as a two-player adaptation of Whist, the dominant trick-taking game of the era. The name suggests Germanic origins, though the exact history is unclear.
The game was popular among Victorian card players who wanted Whist-style play without requiring four people. It became a standard two-player trick game in Britain.
German Whist uniquely splits into two phases - the first phase where players compete for good cards from the stock, and the second phase of pure trick-taking. This adds layers of strategy absent in simpler games.
The game declined with the rise of Bridge but has maintained a dedicated following among trick-taking enthusiasts. It's often recommended as an excellent introduction to serious two-player card games.