This popular card game, very similar to poker, enjoys particular popularity among players. Discover its charm and play it with friends just for fun or even for money.
Ferbl
Ferbl is a simple card game similar to poker
Popular card games
History of Ferbl
This game originally comes from Germany. Specifically, its roots date back to the first half of the 18th century. Even at that time, it gained a reputation as a gambling game and was even banned in many places. By the end of the 18th century, it was a popular pastime in rural areas and gradually spread to Poland, Silesia, and the Czech Republic. It remains a very sought-after card game played just for fun or even for money bets. It is also known as Einundvierzig due to the 41-point total.Game rules
The game can involve 3 – 7 players (some sources mention 2 – 8), who deal a deck containing 32 cards among themselves. This deck is often referred to as the German, French, or Mariáš deck. Such a deck consists of four suits, starting with a seven and ending with an ace. Individual cards then have different point values. Each player’s task is to obtain the strongest card combination and the highest number of points to become the overall winner.How to play Ferbl
The game begins with each player being dealt two cards face down, so the opponents cannot see them. If the player then decides to continue betting, they receive two more cards (four cards are the maximum they can receive in one round). Their task is to use the collected cards to get the highest point card combination. Just like in poker, players can strategize and bluff to win over their opponents even with weaker cards. In one game, players play a maximum of 2 rounds, in which they receive 4 cards, then the game is evaluated and ends. The roles of the players also change – the dealer and leader. Players take turns in the role of dealer in a clockwise direction. The leader is the player sitting immediately to the left of the dealer. In casinos where the dealer shuffles and deals the cards, a triangular marker is placed in front of the leader, which the dealer moves clockwise in subsequent rounds.Betting process
If players want to play for money, they must place a minimum bet into the pot before the cards are dealt. The leader (the player sitting to the left of the dealer) can either place the minimum bet or fold their cards and not continue in the game. The next player on their left then raises the bet or folds their cards. All players can raise the original bet only by the minimum bet, and they can do this a maximum of three times in each round. Before the third betting round, players receive the last two cards. From the four cards in hand, they choose any pair to place face-up on the table, making them visible to others. Only then do they place the final bet. After matching the bets or exhausting the betting limit, the game is evaluated. At this moment, all players reveal their remaining cards and the winner of the round, who also wins all the money placed in the pot, is determined. If all players except one fold their cards, the winner of the round does not have to reveal what they held in their hand.Point values
All cards in the deck have their point value. For cards 7 – 10, players earn points according to the number displayed on the card. Jack (J), Queen (Q), and King (K) have a value of 10 points, and Ace 11 points. Combinations are formed by cards of the same value or suit (at least three of a kind). The better the combination the player manages to get, the more points they win in the game.- Four cards of the same value: Any four cards of different suits. Aces form the strongest combination, followed by four kings, etc.
- Four cards of the same suit: Any four cards of the same suit. If multiple players manage to get four cards of the same suit, the winner is determined by the total number of points (they can earn a maximum of 41 points).
- Three cards of the same value: Any three cards of the same value and different suits. As with the four of a kind, the strongest combination is three Aces, followed by kings, etc.
- Three cards of the same suit: Any three cards of different values in the same suit. Just like with four of the same suit, the total points formed by the sum of the three cards determine the winner.
Where to play Ferbl
You can most often find this game in land-based casinos and specialized game rooms or in pubs or among friends. Casino operators or other organizers usually charge a fee for the game, typically 5% of the amount placed in the pot by individual players. Playing for money is also only available to people over 18 years of age. Currently, Ferbl is not available online, but internet portals and mobile apps offer players a wide range of other card games that they can play for money or just for fun.Try your luck in an online casino
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Frequently Asked Questions
1️⃣ What is Ferbl?
It is a card game for 3 – 7 players, where players gradually get 2 – 4 cards. The goal of the players is to get the strongest card combination in two rounds of dealt cards.2️⃣ What is the scoring in Ferbl?
Cards from 7 – 10 have a point value equal to the number displayed on them. Jack, Queen, and King are worth 10 points, and Ace is worth 11. The strongest four of a kind is 4 Aces with a total value of 44 points.3️⃣ What card combinations can players get?
From the four dealt cards, players can form four of a kind, four cards of the same suit, three of a kind, or three cards of the same suit. If no one manages to get any of these combinations, they choose the strongest pair.
Kristyna Baranova
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