Jass in Switzerland - game, tradition and identity

Jass is more than just a card game - it is a living cultural asset and as deeply rooted in Switzerland as fondue, swinging and the Rütli oath. Whether in a pub, on the train or when visiting grandparents - Jassen is part of the Swiss identity and is enjoyed by young and old alike. But where does this game come from, how is it played and why is it almost sacred for many?

What is Jassen? - Origin and meaning

Jass is a "strategic card game" for four people that is played with a special set of Jass cards. It originated in the Netherlands, was brought to Switzerland in the 18th century and has since spread in countless variations. Today it is considered Switzerland's unofficial national sport.

For many, Jass means more than just keeping score: It is social interaction, tactics, humor - and a window into the Swiss tradition.

The most important types of Jass in Switzerland

Switzerland knows many regional variations of JassThe following are among the best known:

• Schieber: The most popular variant. Two against two, trump bidding, chasing points up to 250.
• Coiffeur: Strategic Jass with compulsory rounds - each round has its own rules (e.g. no trumps, only Obeabe etc.).
• Differenzler: The aim is to achieve the exact number of points announced.
• Obeabe and Undeufe: The game is played either from top to bottom or vice versa - without trumps.

The game is usually played with a German-Swiss card hand (Rosen, Eicheln, Schellen, Schilten), more rarely with French suits, but this depends heavily on the region.

 

Why Jassen is so typically Swiss

Jassen thrives on "diversity and decentralization" - just like Switzerland itself. Every canton, indeed almost every valley, has its own peculiarities. People discuss rules, count points differently and have local names for cards.

Jassen stands for:

• Socializing and intergenerational exchange
• Cultural cultivation in pubs, clubs, families
• Swiss values: fairness, tactics, humor, tenacity

Where do people play cards in Switzerland?

Whether at the farmers' association, in a pub in Appenzell or in an online Jass club - people play everywhere:

• Beizen Jass evenings (often with prizes or prizes in kind)
• Tournaments with ranking lists and prize money
• Jass on the train - an SBB tradition on long journeys
• Jass programs on SRF such as "Samschtig-Jass"
• Online platforms such as jass.ch, where thousands play every day

Learning to play Jass - it's that easy

Getting started with Jass is easier than it seems at first glance - even if the game requires depth and strategy. If you understand the basic rules, you can quickly join in. In Switzerland, the variant slider is usually played - two teams of two players sitting opposite each other. The aim is to score as many points as possible.

The Jass card set

The game is played with 36 cards. There are two variants:

• German-Swiss handSchilten (sword), roses, acorns, bells
• French leaf: hearts, clubs, spades, diamonds

The card values range from 6 to Ace. There is a special ranking in trumps.

➡️ Original Jass cards

Number of players and teams

In Schieber-Jass, 4 people play in two fixed teams of two. The game is played in turn (counter-clockwise).

This is how a round of the game works:

1. Divide: Everyone receives 9 cards.
2. Trump announcement: The first player decides whether to declare the trump or "push" (leave it to his partner). A symbol (e.g. heart) or a special shape (Obeabe, Undeufe) can be chosen as the trump.
3. Playing: The player to dealer's left begins. The color must be announced - whoever has the color played must play it. If not, another card may be played or trumps may be played.
4. Trick: The highest trump wins the trick. Without trumps, the highest card in the suit played wins the trick.
5. Scoring: The points are counted after 9 tricks.

Card values and trump rules

Each card has a point value:

• Ace: 11 points
• King: 4 points
• Queen: 3 points
• Jack: 2 points
• Ten: 10 points
• Nine, eight, seven, six: 0 points (except for the trump card)

With the trump applies:

• Jack (trump under): 20 points - strongest card
• Nine (Trump-Nine): 14 points - second strongest card
• All other cards as above

Special rules & terms

• Obeabe: No trump - from top to bottom (Ace to Six)
• Undeufe: No trump - from bottom to top (six to ace)
• Stöck: King + Queen in trumps give 20 bonus points
• Match target: The team that reaches 250 points first wins

Learning to play cards with apps and online platforms

There are good ways for beginners to practise the game:

• Online platform for Schieber, Coiffeur and Differenzler
• Mobile apps such as "Swiss Jass" or "Jass Fédéral"
• YouTube channels with video tutorials

Our tip: Play a few rounds with experienced Jass players - it's the most fun. And don't forget: Jass is half skill, half humor!

Download rules as PDF

Conclusion: Jass is living Switzerland

Jass is more than just a game - it is a piece of Switzerland. Anyone who can play Jass has access to a world of strategy, wit, regionality and community. Whether at tournaments, in everyday life or when traveling - Jass is and remains an integral part of the Swiss way of life and is part of Swiss tradition.

Tip: A set of Jass cards is the perfect souvenir or gift for anyone who appreciates genuine Swiss traditions.

 

Frequently asked questions about Jass

What is Jass?

Jassen is a traditional card game from Switzerland that is played with 36 cards. It is one of the most popular parlor games in the country.

How many people do you need to play Jass?

Usually four people play in two teams. However, there are also variants for two or three players.

What types of Jass are there?

Popular game types are Schieber, Coiffeur, Differenzler, Obeabe and Undeufe. Rules and names vary depending on the region.

Which cards are used for Jass?

The game is usually played with a German-Swiss Jass card hand (Schilten, Rosen, Eicheln, Schellen), more rarely with French cards.

What does trump mean in Jass?

Trump is the popular suit that beats all other suits. Trump has its own rules for ranking and scoring.

What is Stöck?

Stöck is a bonus of 20 points for the king and queen in trumps if they are held in one hand and are announced.

How does the scoring system work?

The cards score points depending on their value (e.g. ace = 11, ten = 10). The aim is to reach 250 points per round with your partner.

Are there Jass competitions?

Yes, tournaments are held regularly throughout Switzerland - in pubs, clubs or online. There are also television programs such as Samschtig-Jass.

Where can you learn to play Jass?

You can often learn to play Jass with family or friends. There are also online platforms such as jass.ch as well as apps and YouTube tutorials.

Why is Jass so typically Swiss?

Because it combines regionality, strategy, conviviality and closeness to the people - values that are deeply rooted in Swiss culture.