Kaiser – Rules
Play Kaiser against the computer
1. Overview
| Name | Kaiser |
| Type | Bidding and trick-taking game with partners |
| Players | 4, two teams, partners opposite |
| Recommended age | 10 and up |
| Playing time | one round 3–5 minutes; a game to 52 points 45–75 minutes |
| Material | 32 French cards (8 to ace, plus 7 of clubs, 7 of diamonds, 5 of hearts, 3 of spades), pen and paper |
| Goal | As a team, be first to 52 points – above all by making your bids. |
| Difficulty | medium |
What is it about? Kaiser was brought to the Canadian prairie provinces by Eastern European immigrants and is still a popular game there in families and community halls. Bidding is for tricks. Two special cards add spice: the 5 of hearts scores 5 extra points, the 3 of spades costs 3 points.
2. Cards and material
- Pack: 32 cards: 8 to ace in each suit, plus the 7 of clubs and 7 of diamonds, and the 5 of hearts and 3 of spades in place of the 7 of hearts and 7 of spades.
- Ranking (high → low): A, K, Q, J, 10, 9, 8 and the suit's low card (7, 5 or 3).
- Points per round:
| What | Points |
|---|---|
| each trick | 1 |
| trick with the 5 of hearts | +5 |
| trick with the 3 of spades | −3 |
| total | 10 |
- Face up and face down: Hands concealed, tricks face down.
3. Preparation and start
- Dealing: Everyone gets 8 cards.
- Bidding: Starting left of the dealer, everyone bids once or passes.
- Trumps: The highest bidder names trumps (not needed for "no trumps").
- Start: The highest bidder leads.
Start example: You hold the ace, king and queen of spades and the 5 of hearts. You bid 8 in spades.
4. Goal and winning
- A round: The bidding team needs at least as many points as its bid.
- Game: The first team to 52 points wins. If both pass it at once, the bidding team wins.
5. Play in detail
Bidding.
- Bids range from 6 to 12.
- "No trumps" ranks above the same number with trumps.
- Each bid must be higher – only the dealer may hold the highest bid.
- If everyone passes, the dealer must bid at least 6.
A trick.
- Follow suit; a player who can't may play anything.
- The highest trump wins, otherwise the highest card of the suit led.
Example with Players 1 to 4. Players 1 and 4 against Players 2 and 3. Player 1 bid 8 in spades.
- Player 1 leads the ace of spades, everyone follows: 1 point.
- Later Player 1 plays the 5 of hearts – Player 4 wins the trick with the ace of hearts: 1 + 5 = 6 points.
- Player 3 wins a trick containing the 3 of spades: 1 − 3 = −2 for the opponents.
- At the end Players 1 and 4 have 11 points: bid made, +11.
6. Scoring
| Case | Score |
|---|---|
| Bidding team makes it | record its own points |
| Bidding team fails | subtract the bid |
| No trumps | both doubled |
| Opponents | score only while below 45 |
| Minus points | always count |
- Kaiser: A bid of 12 no trumps – it can't go higher.
- Recording: Points per team; a team can go into minus.
7. Special rules and situations
- Dealer's privilege: Only the dealer may hold the current highest bid.
- Opponents from 45: They can only score through their own bids.
- Shed the 3 of spades: Ideally into a trick the opponents win anyway.
- Common mistakes: bidding too high; giving the 5 of hearts to an opponent's trick.
8. Variants
Standard in this description: 32 cards, bids 6–12, game to 52.
| Variant | What changes | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| To 32 | Shorter game. | little time |
| Minimum bid 5, 7 or 8 | Different bidding level. | a change |
| Low no trumps | The lowest cards win. | advanced players |
When playing against the computer on cardgames.zone you play with the player opposite as your partner, game to 52 or 32 points.
9. Tips for beginners
- 5 of hearts to your partner: Give it into a trick your team wins.
- Dump the 3 of spades: Into a trick the opponents take.
- Bid carefully: 10 points are in play – 7 or 8 is already a lot.
- No trumps only with aces: It counts double – also when you fail.
- Count on your partner: They hold 8 cards you don't know.
- Opponents at 45: From then on only their own bid scores.
- Keep count: Who has played the 5 of hearts and the 3 of spades?
10. Summary in 10 steps
- 32 cards with the 5 of hearts and 3 of spades, two teams.
- 8 cards each, clockwise.
- Bid 6–12, no trumps ranks higher.
- The dealer may hold the highest bid.
- The highest bidder names trumps and leads.
- Follow suit, otherwise anything.
- Each trick 1, 5 of hearts +5, 3 of spades −3.
- Made: record points; failed: subtract the bid.
- No trumps: double.
- The first team to 52 points wins.
11. Frequently asked questions
Why is there a 5 of hearts and a 3 of spades?
They replace the 7 of hearts and 7 of spades and score +5 and −3.
How many points are there per round?
Ten: 8 tricks plus 5 minus 3.
What is a "kaiser"?
A bid of 12 no trumps.
What happens if everyone passes?
The dealer must bid at least 6.
Why do opponents stop scoring at 45?
So the game has to be won with your own bids.
How long does a game take?
To 52 points about 45 to 75 minutes.
Origin & history
Kaiser is the typical card game of the Canadian prairie, especially in Saskatchewan, where it is played in church halls, clubs and tournaments. It is particularly widespread in families of Ukrainian descent. The name recalls the German Kaiser; the highest bid is still called the “Kaiser” today.