Last Updated on December 18, 2025 by The Official Game Rules Team

Klaberjass, also known as Bela, is a classic trick-taking card game with deep roots in German-speaking regions and strong connections to Central and Eastern Europe. While the game shares some structural similarities with Piquet and Skat, Klaberjass stands apart due to its unusual card rankings, powerful trump cards, and high-scoring cards that can dramatically swing a round.

In its most common form, Klaberjass is a two-player game played with a 32-card deck, combining bidding, melding, and strict trick-taking rules. Victory depends not only on winning tricks but also on careful hand evaluation, choosing the right trump card, and knowing when to commit to a deal.

This guide explains the full rules of Klaberjass, including setup, rankings, bidding, trick-play, scoring, and winning conditions, followed by strategy advice and a detailed FAQ.

two decks of red and blue playing cards labeled klaberjass

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How to Play Kalberjass

Number of Players and Objective

Klaberjass is traditionally played by two players, though three- and four-player variants exist. In the standard game, players compete individually.

The objective is to score points by winning tricks, declaring valid melds, and capturing high-value cards. The game is played over multiple deals, and the first player to reach 500 points is declared the overall winner.

Deck and Card Rank

The Deck

Klaberjass uses a 32-card piquet deck, consisting of the following ranks in each suit:

Ace
King
Queen
Jack
10
9
8
7

The four suits are hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades. Each suit behaves differently depending on whether it is the trump suit.

Card Rankings

The card rank changes dramatically once a trump card is chosen.

Trump Suit Rankings (highest to lowest):

The rank of trump cards is different from that in the other suits.
Card rank in trumps: J (Jass), 9 (Manille), A, 10, K, Q, 8, 7.
Card rank in the other suits: A, 10, K, Q, J, 9, 8, 7.

Because of this ranking system, the highest card of the suit is not always the Ace. In trump, the Jack and 9 dominate the game and are among the most valuable high-scoring cards.

Dealing and First Round of Bidding

Dealing

One player is designated as the dealer. The non-dealer is always the first player to act during bidding.

Cards are dealt in batches:

Each player receives two packets of three cards (six total)
One additional card is turned face up to propose a trump card

The remaining cards form a face-down stock.

First Round of Bidding

The face-up card determines the proposed trump suit. The non-dealer may either accept or pass. If they pass, the dealer gets the same choice.

If both players pass, a second bidding round begins, during which either player may name any suit as trump. If both pass again, the deal is canceled, no points are scored, and the dealer role changes.

Once a trump suit is accepted, the stock is distributed so that both players have nine cards in their hand.

Special Trump Exchange

If the original face-up trump card is accepted, a player holding the 7 of trumps may exchange it with the face-up card. This exchange must occur immediately after trump selection and before any melding or trick-play begins.

Melding and Sequences

Best Sequence and Marker System

Melding allows players to score points for sequences or combinations held in their hand, but only one player may meld per deal. The right to meld is determined during the first trick using a system of coded questions and answers, often referred to as a marker process.

Players compare:

Length of the sequence
Whether it is a higher sequence
Whether it is in trumps
The higher top card of the sequence

The player with the best sequence earns the right to declare melds.

Common Melds

Three-card sequence: 20 points
Four-card sequence: 50 points
King and Queen of trumps (Bela): 20 points

Only one sequence is required to establish meld rights, but the declaring player may reveal additional valid sequences once their right is confirmed.

Trick-Play Rules

Leading and Following Suit

The first player leads the opening trick. Players must always follow suit if possible.

If a player cannot follow suit:

They must play a trump card if able
If a trump has already been played, they must overtrump if possible

These rules make trump management critical, especially when holding high-ranking trumps.

Winning a Trick

The winner of the trick is determined as follows:

If trumps are played, the highest-ranking trump wins
Otherwise, the highest card of the suit led wins

The winner of the trick leads the next trick.

Bela Announcement

If a player holds the King and Queen of trumps, they may announce Bela. The Queen must be played first with the announcement, and the King must be played later to confirm it.

End of the Deal and Scoring

Trick Points

Each card has a point value depending on whether it is trump:

Trump Suit Points

Card	Points
Jack (Jass)	20
9 (Manille)	14
Ace	11
10	10
King	4
Queen	3
8	0
7	0

Non-Trump Suit Points

Card	Points
Ace	11
10	10
King	4
Queen	3
Jack	2
9	0
8	0
7	0

Additional Scoring Rule

Bonus	Points
Winning the final trick	10

Deal Outcome

At the end of the deal:

If the player who accepted the trump scores more points, both players record their totals
If not, the opponent scores both totals
If scores are tied, the taker scores nothing and the opponent keeps their points

New hands are then dealt, and play continues until a player reaches 500 points.

Strategy Tips for Klaberjass

Track trumps carefully, especially the Jack and 9
Avoid accepting a trump suit without enough control cards
Save high trumps for forced overtrumping situations
Declaring melds reveals information, so weigh points against secrecy
Leading strong suits early can limit opponent options
Watch which suits your opponent fails to follow

Advanced play often revolves around predicting when your opponent is out of trumps and forcing them into losing positions.

Variants and Regional Rules

Klaberjass has many regional variations, including:

Team-based four-player versions
Mandatory dealer acceptance in some regions
Expanded meld systems such as five-card sequences
Alternative trump rankings in certain countries

While these rules differ, the core mechanics remain consistent.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many players can play Klaberjass?

The standard game is for two players, though three- and four-player versions exist.

Is spades always the highest suit?

No. Suits have no inherent hierarchy. Only the chosen trump suit is special.

What happens if I cannot follow suit or trump?

If you cannot follow suit and have no trumps, you may discard any card.

Can both players meld?

No. Only one player may declare melds per deal.

What are the most important cards?

The Jack and 9 of trumps are the most powerful and valuable cards in the game.

When does the game end?

The game ends when one player reaches 500 points or more.

Conclusion

Klaberjass is a richly layered card game that rewards memory, calculation, and bold decision-making. With its shifting card rank system, strict trick rules, and dramatic scoring swings, it offers far more depth than it first appears. Whether played casually or competitively, Klaberjass remains one of the most strategically rewarding trick-taking games still played today.