Pinochle The word is also possibly derived from the French word "binage" for the combination of cards called "binocle". This latter pronunciation of the game was adopted by German speakers. German immigrants brought the game to America, where it was later mispronounced and misspelled "pinochle." Auction pinochle for three players has some similarities with the German game skat, although the bidding is more similar to that of bid whist. During World War I, the city of Syracuse, New York outlawed the playing of pinochle in a fit of anti-German sentiment. Pinochle was the favorite card game of Ashkenazic American Jews and
World Skat Championship World Skat Championship The World Skat Championship has been organised biennially since 1978 by the International Skat Players Association (ISPA) at various locations worldwide and is the highest level Skat competition in the world. It alternates with the European Skat Championship which has taken place biennially since 1979 and which ISPA also organises. In addition to the title of World Skat Champion, players compete for other titles: the Women's World Skat Champion, a Youth World Champion, a Veteran World Champion and a Veteran Women's World Champion. In addition, there is an award for the best team (since 1980) and the