Clabber is a trick-taking game for four players testing your memory and tactic skills. If you’ve never played it before, my Clabber card game rules explain it step by step.
Trick-taking card games are popular all over the world. However, Clabber (also known as Klob, Clobber, or Dad) is particularly famous in the state of Indiana, US.
The game’s origins are uncertain, but it may be related to the European game of Klaberjass, which can be played by two players, whereas Clabber is a four-player game.
This Clabber card game rules guide will cover the following:
- What is Clabber?
- What you’ll need to play Clabber
- Clabber Rules
- How to play Clabber (video tutorial)
- FAQs
- Other similar games to Clabber (our guides)
Continue reading and learn how to play Clabber following my step-by-step instructions.
What is Clabber?
Like any other trick-taking card game, Clabber centers around the tricks each player tries to win by playing more powerful cards from their hand than their opponents.
However, in Clabber, it’s not only about the number of tricks won but also about the value of the cards they contain. Moreover, there are also unique card melds worth even more points.
Number of Players: 4 players
Ages: 10+
Difficulty: Moderate
Length of Play: 15 – 35 minutes
Category: Trick-taking card game
Similar to: Euchre, Belote, Klaberjass
Main Objective: Win 500 points by taking tricks and melding cards to beat the opposing team.
Why We Love It: Clabber is played on the classic principles of trick-taking games, but it comes with many unique rules and details making it very original.
What You’ll Need to Play Clabber
The game of Clabber can be played anytime and anywhere, as it only requires a single 52-card deck.
You are not going to play with the entire deck, though. Sort out ace, king, queen, jack, ten, and nine of each suit to get a 24-card Clabber deck.
Besides the cards, I recommend having a piece of paper and a pen or pencil. You are going to need them to keep your scores.
