Official Sixty-Six Rules

Last Updated on April 9, 2025 by The Official Game Rules Team

Sixty-Six (also written as 66) is a fast-paced trick-taking card game for two players, closely related to the game Schnapsen. Both games share similar mechanics and point objectives, but Sixty-Six is played with a slightly larger deck and has its own unique flow. Popular across Central Europe, especially in Germany and Austria, Sixty-Six blends strategy, memory, and a bit of boldness.

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How to Play Sixty-Six

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Deck

Sixty-Six uses a 24-card deck consisting of the A, 10, K, Q, J, and 9 of each suit. These cards have specific point values:

• Ace (A) – 11 points
• Ten (10) – 10 points
• King (K) – 4 points
• Queen (Q) – 3 points
• Jack (J) – 2 points
• Nine (9) – 0 points

There are 120 points available in the deck.

Objective

The goal is to be the first player to reach 66 points in tricks and melds during a hand and then declare it. The overall game is played to 7 match points.

Setup

Each player is dealt 6 cards in two sets of 3. The next card is turned face up to determine the trump suit and is placed crosswise under the remaining undealt cards (the stock). The non-dealer goes first.

Gameplay

Trick-Taking Phase

Players alternate playing cards to tricks. Until the stock is closed or exhausted:

• Players do not need to follow suit.
• The higher card of the led suit or any trump wins the trick.
• The trick winner draws the top card from the stock; the loser draws next.
• The trick winner leads the next trick.

Scoring During Play

If you hold the King and Queen of the same suit (a marriage), you may declare it on your turn (when leading), scoring:

• 40 points for a marriage in trump
• 20 points for a marriage in a non-trump suit

You must play one of the two cards (King or Queen) when declaring.

Closing the Stock

If a player believes they can win without drawing more cards, they may close the stock on their turn before playing a card. This signals that the rest of the hand will be played using only the remaining cards in hand. Once closed, players must follow suit and try to win the trick (standard trick-taking rules apply).

If the closing player reaches 66 first, they win extra match points. If they fail, the opponent scores.

Ending a Hand

A player may end the hand at any time after winning a trick by announcing they have 66 or more points. The hand ends immediately, and points are tallied. If the claim is correct, that player wins the hand. If not, the opponent scores.

If no one declares 66 and the stock runs out, standard trick-play rules apply until all cards are played. Then, points are counted and the winner is determined.

Match Scoring

Points for each hand are awarded as follows:

• 1 point: The opponent has 33 or more points.
• 2 points: The opponent has fewer than 33 points.
• 3 points: The opponent has no tricks.

Closing the stock and winning increases your point reward, while failing to win after closing lets your opponent score.

The first player to 7 match points wins the game.

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Sixty-Six is a compact, strategic card game that rewards memory and bold moves. With its roots in traditional European gaming culture, it’s perfect for two players looking for a challenge that plays quickly but offers long-term replay value. Whether you’re transitioning from Schnapsen or picking up something new, Sixty-Six has the depth to keep you coming back.