Pinochle hand sizes, average scores and minimum bids are doubled. The game is played with a deck of 48 cards and four players; one player is the dealer. After the shuffle, the dealer will offer a cut to the player on their right, then distribute the cards. All the cards are dealt in partnership pinochle. In variations for odd numbers of players like three, a "widow's hand" (also called a "kitty", "talon", or "stock") of cards remain. Traditionally, the deal is done clockwise, dealing a packet of three or four cards at a time, starting with the player to the left
European Skat Championship European Skat Championship The European Skat Championship has been held biennially since 1979 by the world Skat organisation, the International Skat Players Association (ISPA), at various locations. It alternates with the World Skat Championship which has also been run biennially since 1978 by the same association. In addition to the title of European Skat Champion there are awards for a European Women's Champion, a European Youth Champion, a European Veteran's Champion and a European Women Veteran's Champion. In the 2009 European Skat Championship in Graz, Claudia Knape won the final against the men and became the European Skat Champion. The