Game Rules
WattenSecret Signals at the Table

Bavarian-Austrian trick-taking game with a secret "Schlag" and "Kritische" for trump determination.

Players4
Duration10 – 20 Min
Deck32 Cards · 1 Deck
DifficultyMedium
I · Game Idea

Schlag and
Kritische

I

Watten is played by four players in partner teams. Before the game, two special cards – the "Schlag" and the "Kritische" – determine the trump rules in a special way.

Players may try to convey information about their hand to their partner through subtle gestures or facial expressions – without the opponents noticing.

II · Preparation

Before the
Game Begins

II
1
Deal cards
32 cards: 5 cards per player for 4 players.
2
Determine Schlag
A designated card (usually the 7 of Acorns) is the "Schlag" – the strongest card in the game.
3
Set Kritische
A second card (usually the 2 of Hearts or 2 of Bells) is the "Kritische" – the second strongest card.
Before the start

As a team, agree on your secret signals beforehand – a wink or a specific hand gesture is usually sufficient.

III · Card Values
What the strongest
cards are
III
S
Schlag
Highest Card
The designated Schlag card is always the strongest card in the entire game.
K
Kritische
Second Highest
The Kritische is the second strongest card, regardless of the suit played.
T
Trump
By the Leader
The first player to lead determines the trump suit for the round with their first card.
Z
Giving Signals
Allowed
Secret signals to your partner about your hand are an integral part of the game.
IV · Gameplay

Trick by
Trick

IV
1
First card determines trump
The leading player determines the trump suit with their first card.
2
Follow suit or trump
Play the requested suit if possible, otherwise use a trump.
3
Observe Schlag and Kritische
These two cards beat everything, regardless of the suit played.
4
Give signals
Team partners may discreetly inform each other through agreed gestures.
5
Count points
The team that takes the most tricks wins the round. Several rounds are played over a point system (often up to 11).
V · Variants
Variants
V

Watten is played in Bavaria, Tyrol, and South Tyrol with different signaling systems.

T
Tyrolean Watten
Own signaling system with traditional gestures.
B
Bavarian Watten
Slightly different Schlag and Kritische cards depending on the region.
S
South Tyrolean Watten
Variant with additional special cards.
∅
Without Signals
Fairer variant: no secret signals allowed at all.
VI · Tips & Tricks

What really
matters

VI
Strategy Tips
+

As a team, agree on clear, subtle signals before the game – overly obvious gestures are quickly caught.

+

Hold back Schlag and Kritische for as long as possible if you have them – they are most valuable in critical late tricks.

+

Determine the trump suit tactically wisely when leading – choose a suit in which your team is strong.

+

Observe the opponents' behavior closely – they too might subconsciously reveal information about their hand.

Common Mistakes
–

Giving too obvious signals that opponents can easily decipher.

–

Playing Schlag or Kritische too early and carelessly, instead of saving them for a crucial moment.

–

Mis-timing the trump choice when leading – the first card determines the suit for the entire round.

–

Not paying attention to your partner's signals, even though you agreed on them beforehand.

Berlin Hold'em · Matching Decks
Get the right deck

Watten thrives on facial expressions and poker faces – with a 32-card deck ready for the next round of play.

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20s Playing Cards – Double Pack For larger groups and long game nights. View product Viking Playing Cards – Double Pack Two decks, suitable for 5+ players. View product
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