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
International Skat Court International Skat Court The International Skat Court is the highest decision-making body in the sport of Skat. It oversees the observance of the International Skat Order (regulations for the game of Skat), the refereeing regulations and the rules for referees in Skat. The International Skat Court was founded on 1 December 2001 by a merger of the German Skat Court (" Deutsches Skatgericht"), founded in Altenburg in 1927, with the Rules Commission of the International Skat Players Association. (ISPA). It took over on 1 January 2002 and its seat is in the Hotel am Roßplan in the centre of Altenburg.