GameTwist

Marias is a mix of Schnapsen and Tarock. It's the game that's played in every Austrian tavern. Marias is a game for 3 players and uses a deck of 32 cards consisting of four suits. The cards are ranked from high to low: Ace - 10 - King - Over - Under - 9 - 8 - 7. Players must follow suit and trump rules and make tricks where possible.

At the start of the game the forehand (dealer) receives 12 cards whilst the other two players receive 10 cards. The forehand starts the bidding by placing two cards in the talon and sets the game contract. The forehand must always set a normal game. If a ten or an ace is placed on the talon as the initial bid in following rounds, then only 'Betl' or 'Durch' games may be played.

The aim of the game is to win tricks by playing the highest trump suit card. Players must play trump suit cards if they have one in their hand. If the player does not possess a card of the correct suit, they are forced to take the trick by playing a trump card. If this isn't possible, then the player may throw a card of choice.

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