Klammern is far more than a game of luck. With the right strategy, you can significantly improve your win rate. This guide takes you from the fundamentals to advanced tactics that experienced Klammern players use to win consistently.
Every round of Klammern has a total of 162 points up for grabs. The team that took trump (the "taker") must score more than half — at least 82 points. If they fail, all points go to the opposing team.
The point values of each card are crucial to understand:
Trump card ranking:
Non-trump card ranking:
Remember: Jappa (Jass) + Mie alone are worth 34 points — nearly a fifth of all points. Whoever holds both controls the game.
Choosing trump is the most important decision of every round. Don't take it lightly — as the taker, you bear the responsibility of scoring more than half the points.
Take trump when:
Better to pass when:
Rule of thumb: If you have Jappa plus another high trump, or Mie + Ace + additional trumps, it's almost always worth taking. Without Jappa and without Mie, you need at least 4 trumps and strong side suits.
The two highest trumps are your most powerful weapons. But timing is everything.
Tactical tips:
Melds can completely turn a round around. A Quart (50 points) is nearly a third of the 162 total points!
Important: Melds are only revealed on the first trick. The team with the highest meld scores for both of its players. Factor potential melds into your trump decision — a Tierce in the trump suit can make all the difference.
For more details on all melds, see our complete melds guide.
Kontra doubles the points for the round. It's a powerful tool — but only when used at the right time.
Call Kontra when:
Don't call Kontra when:
Re (the response to Kontra) should only be called when you are truly confident in your hand. Re quadruples the points — it can decide a game on the spot.
Klammern is a team game. The best solo player will lose against a well-coordinated team. Here are the key teamplay principles:
The most important skill of experienced players: keep track of which trumps have already been played. With 8 cards per suit and 4 players, this is entirely manageable. Focus on the high trumps (Jappa, Mie, Ace, 10) and count how many are still in play.
Winning all 8 tricks earns a hefty bonus. Aim for a sweep when you hold Jappa + Mie + Ace and at least 5 trumps. Lead all your trumps immediately, then play your Aces. But be careful: losing even a single trick means no bonus at all.
In the final 2–3 tricks, precision matters most. If you know which cards are still out there, you can calculate which order of play yields the most points. Often it pays to concede a small trick in order to win the last trick with maximum points.
As the last player in a trick, you have the advantage of seeing everyone else's cards first. If you sit behind the taker, you can strategically capture their high cards with trump. Use your position deliberately.
Mistake: Playing trump too early
Beginners tend to play their strongest trumps right away. Instead, wait until opponents are forced to play valuable cards, then capture them with your high trumps.
Mistake: Overtaking your partner
When your partner already has the highest trump in the trick, don't play a higher card. Feed them points instead. You're playing together, not against each other.
Mistake: Passing with a strong hand
Some beginners pass out of fear even when they have a powerful hand. If you hold Jappa or Mie plus side strength, you should almost always take.
Mistake: Forgetting about melds
Before every trump decision, check whether you have a meld in your hand. A Tierce (20 points) can be the difference between winning and losing.
Mistake: Calling Kontra out of frustration
Kontra is a strategic decision, not an expression of annoyance. Only call Kontra when your cards justify it — never out of spite.
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Play NowLast updated: March 2026