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Up until 1998, tournament play worldwide was governed by two International bodies, the German Skat Association (DSkV) and the International Skat Players Association (ISPA). For the most part, the rules of Skat have become standardized over time. However, there were some differences between the rules promoted by each of the two major Skat organizations. In the interest of promoting the game on a wider scale, these differences have now been eliminated by the creation of a unified set of rules binding on both governing bodies beginning January 1, 1999. A full listing of the changes is available from ISPA or the DSkV.
The basics remain the same as described in the Beginners' Handbook on these pages. The most significant changes (with reference to the Handbook sections) follow:
1. All lost games now are scored a double loss. [Previously, lost games played "Hand" were scored only as a single loss. See Handbook, Section 6.0.]
2. Grand Ouvert now has a base value of 24. An additional multiplier is counted for the Ouvert bid. [Previously, Grand Ouvert had a special base value of 36 and no additional multiplier was counted for the Ouvert bid. See Handbook Section 3.2.]
3. A side is played, "Schneider" with 30 or fewer points. [North American and ISPA rules were previously 29 or fewer points.]
4. "Jump" bids are acceptable (18, 20, 30...), but bids must be the value of some potential game (i.e., 29 is not acceptable). [See Handbook Section 3.2.]