An Easy Canadian Card Game
As we find ourselves about to navigate the aftermath of another Alberta Clipper—a frigid winter weather phenomenon that brings bitter cold, high winds, and often a healthy dumping of snow—many of us in the Prairies are well-acquainted with the need to hunker down indoors. Whether the roads are impassable, or the thought of braving the cold feels like a non-starter, this kind of weather calls for cozy indoor activities.
What better way to pass the time and connect with family and friends than with a classic card game? Enter Kaiser, a beloved game with deep roots in Saskatchewan and Western Canada. If you’ve never played it, or if it’s been a while, here’s everything you need to know to get a game going while the snow swirls outside.
What is Kaiser?
Kaiser is a trick-taking card game for four players, played in teams of two. Known for its mix of strategy and surprises, it’s a game where you not only aim to win tricks but also manage the unique point cards that make Kaiser so distinctive. With just a standard 32-card deck, you’ll discover a world of strategy, competition, and camaraderie.
The Cards
The deck for Kaiser consists of the following cards:
- Aces through 7s in each suit.
- Two special cards:
- The 5 of Hearts is worth +5 points.
- The 3 of Spades is worth -3 points.
Objective of the Game
The goal is to accumulate the most points by the end of the game. Teams do this by winning tricks that contain the valuable 5 of Hearts or avoiding the troublesome 3 of Spades.
Setting Up
- Shuffle the deck and deal eight cards to each player.
- Determine teams: players sitting opposite each other are partners.
How to Play
- Bidding:
- After examining their cards, players bid on how many points they think their team can score in a single round. Bids start at 5 points and go up from there. The highest bidder names the trump suit, which becomes the most powerful suit for the round.
- Gameplay:
- The player to the left of the dealer starts by playing any card.
- Other players must follow the suit of the card played if possible. If they cannot, they may play any card.
- The highest card in the suit led wins the trick—unless a trump card is played, in which case the highest trump wins.
- Scoring Points:
- At the end of the round, teams tally their points based on the tricks they’ve won:
- Each trick won is worth 1 point.
- The 5 of Hearts adds 5 points.
- The 3 of Spades subtracts 3 points.
- At the end of the round, teams tally their points based on the tricks they’ve won:
- Winning the Round:
- If the bidding team meets or exceeds their bid, they score their points. If they fail to meet their bid, they lose points equivalent to their bid.
- The opposing team scores all points they earned during the round.
Why Kaiser is Perfect for a Snow Day
- Engaging and strategic: Kaiser is easy to learn but offers endless opportunities for clever play and strategic thinking.
- Inclusive: It’s a game that welcomes everyone, from beginners to seasoned players, making it a great choice for family gatherings or casual get-togethers.
- Compact: All you need is a deck of cards and four players—perfect for those snowed-in afternoons.
Weathering Winter Together
When the wind howls and the snow piles up, winter’s challenges can feel less daunting when you’re sharing laughter and friendly competition around the card table. So, the next time an Alberta Clipper leaves you housebound, gather your loved ones, brew a pot of coffee or tea, and pull out the cards for a spirited game of Kaiser. You might just find that the storm outside feels a little less harsh when you’ve got good company and a great game to enjoy.
Do you have fond memories of playing Kaiser or another favorite winter pastime? Share them in the comments below! Let’s keep the warmth of community alive, even on the coldest days.
Sandals and Parkas 
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