Klaverjassen and Hartenjagen: Popular Variants

Klaverjassen Variants

Klaverjassen, a traditional Dutch card game, has several well-known variants that are enjoyed globally. Here are some of the most popular ones:

Common Variants

• Kob
• Kabababrious
• Kalabriasz
• Kolobiosh
• Clubby
• Bella
• Club
• Indiana Clobber
• Klawerjas

Kraken or Wilde Boom

A particularly popular variant of Klaverjassen is Kraken or Wilde Boom (wild tree). This version introduces additional strategic elements and scoring opportunities.

Rules:

1. Trump Challenge: Once the trump maker selects the trump suit, opponents can challenge by calling "ik kraak," doubling the final scores if they believe the trump maker will score less than half the points.
2. Counter-Challenges: If challenged, the trump-making team can respond with "herkraken," quadrupling the points. Further, opponents can escalate with "superkraken," multiplying the points by eight.
3. Card Combinations: Kraken allows a unique card combination: five or more cards of a suit are worth 100 points.
4. Bonus Points: At the game's start, a player holding "stuk" (the king and queen of trumps) can claim a 20-point bonus.
5. General Rules: The rest of the rules align closely with traditional Klaverjassen.

Hartenjagen Variants

Hartenjagen, known as Hearts in English-speaking countries, also boasts several intriguing variants. Here are some of the most notable ones:

Kitty

In Kitty, only 12 cards are dealt to each player, adding a layer of complexity to the game.

Partnership Hearts

Partnership Hearts emphasizes team play, requiring players to strategize and collaborate effectively.

Huse Hearts for Two

A fun version for two players, Huse Hearts for Two involves a dummy hand, making it a unique and engaging experience.

Turbo Hearts

An American adaptation of Gong Zhu, Turbo Hearts introduces faster gameplay and additional challenges.

Cancellation Hearts

Cancellation Hearts is an unusual variant played by up to 10 players using two 52-card decks shuffled together. Cards are dealt as far as they go, with leftover cards forming a face-down kitty taken by the winner of the first trick.

Black Maria or Dirty Lady

A British variant for three players, Black Maria or Dirty Lady removes the 2 of clubs from the deck, dealing 17 cards to each player. Cards pass in the same direction, usually to the right, with no restriction on leading hearts.

Popular Scoring Schemes:

1. Scheme 1:
   • 1 point for each heart
   • 7 points for the jack of spades
   • 10 points for the king of spades
   • 13 points for the queen of spades
2. Scheme 2:
   • 1 point for each heart
   • 13 points for the queen of spades

Interesting Statistics

• Klaverjassen Popularity: Klaverjassen is particularly popular in the Netherlands, with over 1 million active players. (Source: Dutch Card Games Association)
• Hartenjagen Global Reach: Hearts, the English version of Hartenjagen, is played by millions worldwide, with online platforms like Microsoft Hearts contributing to its widespread popularity. (Source: Microsoft Hearts)

Conclusion

Klaverjassen and Hartenjagen have transcended their Dutch origins, evolving into various exciting and strategic variants enjoyed by players globally. Whether you prefer the traditional rules or the added complexity of variants like Kraken and Turbo Hearts, these games offer endless hours of entertainment and challenge.

For more information on card games and their variants, visit Pagat and Bicycle Cards.