LANSQUENET, of German origin, is a game of pure chance that derives its name from the seventeenth-century German mercenary (landsknecht) with whom the poker game is said to have been popular.

NUMBER OF PLAYERS

Any number may play.

CARDS

The full pack of 52 cards is used. The banker places the two top cards of the pack (hand cards) face upwards on the table. He then deals a card face upwards to himself, and one face upwards to the players.

If either card is of the same rank as one of the hand cards it is put with them and another card dealt in its place.

THE PLAY

The players place their bets, and the banker covers them. He then draws cards from the pack, face upwards, one at a time.

If he draws a card of the same rank as the players’ card he wins the bets on it; if he draws a card of the same rank as his own card he loses all the bets on the other card; and if he draws a card that matches neither card nor the two hand cards it is placed on the table and the players may bet on it.

When the players’ card is matched the banker withdraws both cards and deals another card to the players. Cards that match the hand cards are placed with them.

The game ends when the pack is exhausted unless the banker matches his own card first.

First card drawn from pact: ♠ Q. The card is placed on the table and players may bet on it. Second card drawn: ♦ 8. The card is added to the poker hand card pile. Third card drawn: ♥ K. The banker wins the two units staked on ♦ K.

Games for Five or More Players