OBJECT OF RAMSEN: The objective of Ramsen is to be the first player to complete two crosses by winning tricks.
NUMBER OF PLAYERS: 3 to 5 Players
MATERIALS: 1 Bavarian Pattern Pack
TYPE OF GAME: Trick Taking Card Game
AUDIENCE: Ages 8 and up
OVERVIEW OF RAMSEN
Ramsen is a traditional trick taking game, with the goal being to win as many tricks as possible. Ramsen, however, allows players to drop out if they think they are not going to win the number of tricks that is required. Players of many ages are able to play Ramsen, making it a fun family game if you have the pack!
SETUP
Setup begins when the dealer shuffles and deals the cards. Each player is dealt five cards in two groups, one group of three and one of two. The last card is flipped to decide the trump suit for the hand. The rest of the cards are placed in the center of the table, creating the talon. The game is ready to begin.
GAMEPLAY
Ramsen consists of exchanging, bidding, and trick playing. During the exchange, players may exchange cards from their hand for cards found int the talon. The group as a whole may only exchange five cards, and not all players will have a chance.
During the bidding portion of the game, each player may choose to pass or play. If the player completed an exchange in the exchange portion, then they must play. Players may choose to pass if they do not think they are going to be able to win the required number of tricks and thus, be punished.
The player to the dealer’s right will lead the first trick. Players must follow suit if they are able. If they have no suit or trump card available, then they may play any card.
Prior to the game beginning, two crosses are drawn representing each player. For every trick that is won, the player draws a bar at the end of one of the arms of the crosses. The final, or fifth, trick won allows a bar to be drawn in the middle of the cross, completing the cross.
The first player to complete two crosses, wins!
END OF GAME
The game comes to an end when a player completes two crosses. This player is declared the winner!
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