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

Klaverjassen is a classic Dutch trick-taking card game played by four players in two partnerships. Using a 32-card deck, players compete to win tricks and score points through strategic play and trump selection.

This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see our disclosures here.

How to Play Klaverjassen

---

Objective

The goal is for a partnership to score more points than the opposing team by winning tricks and fulfilling contracts. The game is typically played to a predetermined total, such as 501 or 1000 points.

---

Setup

1. Players

• 4 players in two teams of two.

2. Deck

• A 32-card deck is used (7, 8, 9, 10, J, Q, K, A of each suit).

3. Dealing

• Each player receives 8 cards, dealt in sets of 3-2-3.
• The dealer rotates clockwise after each round.

---

Gameplay

1. Choosing Trump

• The player to the dealer’s left selects a trump suit after reviewing their hand.
• If they pass, the next player can choose or force a redeal.

2. Playing Tricks

• The player to the left of the dealer leads the first trick.
• Players must follow suit if possible; otherwise, they can play any card.
• The highest card in the suit led wins the trick, unless a trump card is played.
• If multiple trump cards are played, the highest trump wins.

3. Scoring Points

• Tricks are worth points, with certain cards scoring higher:
  • J (trump suit) – 20 points
  • 9 (trump suit) – 14 points
  • Aces – 11 points
  • 10s – 10 points
  • Kings – 4 points
  • Queens – 3 points
  • Jacks (non-trump) – 2 points
• Last trick bonus: Winning the final trick earns an extra 10 points.
• Roem (Combinations): Melds like sequences or four-of-a-kinds score bonus points.

4. Winning the Game

• The game ends when a team reaches the agreed-upon total (e.g., 501 points).
• The team with the highest score wins.

---

Strategy Tips

• Choose trump wisely based on your hand.
• Track played cards to predict opponents’ moves.
• Communicate with your partner through strategic play.
• Control the last trick for bonus points.

Klaverjassen is a deep and strategic game requiring teamwork, memory, and clever card play to outscore the opposing partnership.