Schwimmen, also known as 31, is one of Germany’s most popular quick-play card games. Easy to learn and full of suspense, Schwimmen is a staple at family gatherings, pubs, and youth camps.
Combining simple rules with just enough strategy and luck, Schwimmen offers players a fast-paced race to reach the magic number: 31. If you enjoy games that are light-hearted yet competitive, Schwimmen is the perfect pick.
History and Origins of Schwimmen (31)
Schwimmen traces its roots to the broader family of matching and point-based card games that developed in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries. It shares features with other games like Commerce and Thirty-One, but Schwimmen evolved into a uniquely German version, particularly popular in informal social settings.
Today, it is not only a fun party game but a traditional favorite that connects generations across Germany and Austria.
Equipment
Deck
One standard 32-card deck (cards from 7 to Ace) is typically used.
French suits (Clubs, Spades, Hearts, Diamonds) are standard, though German-suited decks can also be used.
Card Ranks and Values
Card
Points
Ace
11
King
10
Queen
10
Jack
10
10
10
9
9
8
8
7
7
Players aim to make combinations totaling as close to 31 points as possible, using cards of the same suit.
Game Objective
Achieve the highest hand, ideally 31 points, by exchanging cards smartly.
Players attempt to improve their hands during their turn.
The player with the weakest hand at the end of a round loses a life (or marker).
Last player remaining with lives wins the game!
Seating and Deal
2 to 9 players can participate.
Each player receives 3 cards face-down.
Three cards are placed face-up in the center as the starting pool.
Players may view their own hand, but the pool is public.
Schwimmen (31) Gameplay and Rules
Basic Turn Structure
On a player’s turn, they may:
Exchange one card: Swap one hand card with one card from the pool.
Exchange all three cards: Swap all three hand cards with the three pool cards.
Pass: Choose not to swap at all.
Play continues clockwise around the table.
Closing the Round
When a player believes they have the highest hand, they knock on the table instead of taking a turn.
All other players get one more turn.
After the final turns, hands are revealed.
Losing a Life
The player with the lowest-valued hand loses a life.
Players typically start with three lives, marked by coins, bottle caps, or tokens.
Optional rule: Players with only one life remaining are said to be “swimming” (Schwimmen), adding tension to the endgame.
Winning
Achieving exactly 31 points is the best possible hand (instant win for that round).
If only one player has lives remaining, they are declared the overall winner.
Common Mistakes
Forgetting to match suits when calculating points.
Swapping unnecessarily instead of knocking with a strong hand.
Scoring System
Players calculate the point total of cards only within a single suit. Mixed suits do not count unless playing with certain house variations.
Examples:
Ace + King + 10 of Hearts = 31 points (perfect hand).
King of Hearts + Queen of Hearts + 9 of Diamonds = 20 points (only the two Hearts are counted).
Special cases:
Three of a kind (e.g., three 9s) is valued at 30 points, regardless of suits.
31 is always the highest and unbeatable.
Schwimmen (31) Variations
Schwimmen has many casual variations, including:
“Feuer” (Fire): If a player has 31 points immediately after dealing, they reveal and automatically win the round.
Three Lives and Sudden Death: Once a player loses all lives, they get one last “sudden death” round.
Alternative Scoring: Allow three-of-a-kind to beat regular 30-point hands.
Blind Round: Players can agree to play one “blind” round without looking at their cards first.
Before starting, players should agree on which variations apply.
Schwimmen (31) Strategy Guide
Beginner Tips
Swap high cards into your hand early to build strong suits.
Keep track of which cards opponents leave in the pool — it hints at their suits.
Intermediate Tactics
Knock early if you have a strong hand (26+), forcing others into risky exchanges.
Watch for patterns: if a player draws without hesitation, they may have a weak hand.
Expert-Level Strategies
Bluffing: Knock with a moderate hand to scare opponents into over-swapping.
Mathematical thinking: Know probabilities — if two Hearts are in the pool, there’s a good chance another is still in the draw deck.
Where to Play Schwimmen (31) Today
Casual Gatherings: Schwimmen is ideal for family reunions, parties, beer gardens, and youth camps.
Skat: Germany’s deeper, national card game for advanced players.
FAQs
Is Schwimmen easy to learn? Yes! The basic rules can be taught in just a few minutes.
Can Schwimmen be played with standard poker decks? Yes, simply remove cards lower than 7 to match the 32-card deck format.
What happens if two players tie? In most cases, both players are safe and no lives are lost.
Can Schwimmen be played with betting? Traditionally, small stakes like coins or drinks are common, but betting is optional.
Schwimmen is a fast, fun, and social card game perfect for players of all ages and skill levels. Its combination of luck, timing, and light strategy keeps every round exciting, whether you are casually swapping cards or daring to knock early.
Pick up a deck, gather a few friends, and dive into the timeless excitement of Schwimmen — where a perfect 31 could be just one lucky draw away!
