Schafkopf seniors from Oberndorf: 438 years of fun and strategy!

Schafkopf seniors from Oberndorf: 438 years of fun and strategy!

In Oberndorf, a small part of Ebersberg, five senior women meet every Wednesday in the local restaurant to pursue their favorite hobby: playing Schafkopf. With an impressive age of 438 years, Inge Voith, Rosemarie Schedo, Uschi Lechner, Centa Süß and the landlady Anni Huber not only embody the tradition of this popular card game, but also the social life in their community. This weekly meeting is much more than just a game - it is a colorful get-together that connects generations.

Anni Huber, who not only hosts but also plays with passion, reports on four Schafkopf tables in her restaurant. In Ebersberg there are only three locations where the game is allowed, a circumstance that underlines the importance of these rounds. Fun and sociability are the main reasons why the women meet regularly, although Inge Voith also adds the monetary aspects: “It’s also about money.” The players use five cent coins for their bets, adding an extra thrill to the game.

Schafkopf – A Bavarian cultural asset

Schafkopf is not only a hit in Oberndorf, but is also considered the national card game of Bavaria, played by around two million people. Its roots go back to the 19th century and it is recognized as an official cultural asset. The earliest written mention of the game dates back to 1780, and the rules were established by the Bavarian Schafkopf Association in 1989 and revised in 2007. Schafkopf offers a variety of game variations, including Bierkopf and Mucken - the perfect introduction to the more complex game.

But what makes Schafkopf so attractive? The combination of strategy, skill and a bit of luck ensures that it is considered “perfect brain training”. Each player aims to score 61 out of 120 possible points, and the most common contracts are the Rufer, Wenz and Solo, with around 80% of games played as the Rufer. The cards come from a 32-card deck with the traditional German colors: acorn, grass, heart and bells. Interestingly, Schafkopf is not legally classified as a game of chance, allowing players to gamble for money.

A game full of stories

It's the little stories and anecdotes that keep the Schafkopf game alive. Anni Huber talks with a wink about the “fifth person” at the table, who is often referred to as the “brown bird” when things get a little chaotic. Uschi Lechner learned the game as a child and Centa Süß even learned it during her time in the shooting club. This means that every game evening becomes a meeting full of memories and new experiences.

As in many regions, Schafkopf in Oberndorf also has its own language and many regional variants that enrich the game. It's not just a pastime: the players talk about “a lifetime of learning” as they work to get the cards. Schafkopf not only connects generations, but also tradition and conviviality in today's world.

Whether in the cozy tavern atmosphere or on special occasions, the Schafkopf game remains a warm tradition that brings people together. The five Oberndorf women show how much joy and community can be found in a simple card game - across generations. In this sense, they are the true ambassadors of Bavarian culture.