skat

skat

A player lays down a card during a game of skat.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A card game: "skat" is a three-handed card game popular in Germany, typically played with a 32-card deck (from 7 to Ace). It involves bidding, trick-taking, and a unique "skat" (two-card discard) that can be used to influence the game's outcome.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • Every Friday evening, they gather to play skat at the local pub. (They engage in the German card game.)
    • Learning skat requires understanding its complex bidding system. (The game's rules involve strategic offers of points.)
Advanced Usage
  • "to play skat": to participate in the card game skat.

    • He taught me how to play skat during our trip to Berlin. (He instructed me in the rules and strategies of the game.)
  • "skat tournament": a competitive event where skat is played.

    • The annual skat tournament attracts players from across the country. (A contest featuring the card game.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Skat player (n): a person who plays skat.

    • She is a skilled skat player, known for her strategic bidding. (Someone proficient in the card game.)
  • Skat deck (n): the specific set of 32 cards used in skat.

    • A standard skat deck includes cards from 7 to Ace in four suits. (The card set used for the game.)
Synonyms
  • Card game: a game played with playing cards.
  • Trick-taking game: a type of card game where players collect sets of cards (tricks).
Phrasal Verbs

None directly associated with "skat" as a noun; however, the verb "to skat" is not standard in English. The game is referred to with the phrase "to play skat."

Related Idioms
  • "To have a skat up one's sleeve": a figurative expression (rare) meaning to have a hidden advantage or secret plan, derived from the game's discard mechanic.
    • He kept his best card hidden, as if he had a skat up his sleeve. (He held a secret advantage.)