Slamlin 2026

Slamlin is a point-trick game for two. Players compete to become the Declarer, who names the game type: a Trump, No-trump, or Nullo game.

Instead of bidding points, you offer a harder target or handicaps. Handicaps give your opponent an edge, such as a pick from the talon or a power to use in the tricks. Targets and handicaps are worth levels. The more levels you offer, the more the contract is worth, and the more your opponent scores if you fail it. While the cards arrive, the higher offer earns a bonus. If you stay ahead, though, your opponent can pass and leave you to declare. If you win the auction, your opponent becomes the Defender and uses your handicaps against you.

All 32 cards are in play. Once the talon is taken, you know exactly which cards your opponent holds. Two things stay hidden. Before the first trick, both players set aside three cards face down as a lay-off for the last three tricks. In the first six tricks, the double tricks, both players place their second card face down at the same time. Choosing the lay-off takes careful planning. Since you know each other's cards, the second cards turn into bluffing and second-guessing.

Both players score card points, so the Defender plays for points too. If the Defender, or in Nullo the Declarer, captures no more card points than the target allows, the Declarer makes the contract and scores its value. Otherwise, the Defender scores it, and the levels count double.

After six deals, the player with the higher score wins.

-description from designer