Binokel

Binokel, also known as Pinochle or Pokerl, is a trick-taking card game that originated in the 18th century in Germany. The game is closely related to the popular card game Pinochle, but it has some distinct differences.

In Binokel, the game is played with a deck of 48 cards, consisting of the 32 cards from the numbered cards of each suit, plus the eight special "marriage" cards (King and Queen of each suit). The game is typically played with two to six players, who form two teams of two or three players.

The objective of Binokel is to score points by taking tricks and forming valid card combinations, such as runs and pairs. The game is played in several rounds, with each round consisting of a deal and a subsequent trick-taking session. The player who wins the first trick gets to lead the first card, and play continues clockwise.

Binokel has some rules that differ significantly from Pinochle. For example, players can only lead a card from the same suit as the first card of the trick, unless they have already led a card from that suit. Players can also declare Honors, which allow them to change the suit of play and score bonus points.

Binokel has gained popularity among card players in Europe and North America, and is widely available in card clubs and online platforms. Despite its complexity, the game offers a challenging and engaging experience for players of all levels, from beginners to experts.

In recent years, Binokel has also been the subject of some academic studies, which have analyzed its mathematical properties and strategic elements. These studies have shed light on the game's underlying strategy and have helped to explain its enduring popularity among players.