The Modern Württemberg Pattern

The Modern Württemberg Pattern is the standardized regional pack of Württemberg, South Germany, used primarily for the traditional games Gaigel and Binokel. These games are played with two sets of 24 cards each, consisting of the ranks Ace, King, Ober, Unter, 10, and 7. The design originates from the Württemberg pattern introduced by Conrad Wüst in Frankfurt in 1865. This pattern was formally unified in 1926 and subsequently became the traditional standard of the region. In the early 2000s, Carta Mundi modernized the design, clarifying the line work, strengthening the colors, and improving the overall printing quality. The result is the “Modern Württemberg Pattern,” which today dominates the market.

One of the key features of this modernization was the addition of corner indices: numerals together with suit signs (Acorns, Bells, Leaves, and Hearts). This greatly enhanced playability, especially for left-handed players. Another distinctive detail is that the word Ober is printed on the Ober cards to distinguish them more clearly from the Kings. The Kings wear crowns and beards, the Obers are shown as mounted horsemen (a motif reminiscent of the Cavallo/Caballo of italien/Spanish cards), while the Unters appear as simple wanderers. The Aces often carry references to the viticulture and wine traditions.

Above: the Modern Württemberg Pattern printed by F.X. Schmid of Meckenbeuren, early 2000s.

Although this modern version was initiated by Carta Mundi, it has since been printed by a wide range of manufacturers, including Ferd. Piatnik & Söhne of Vienna, ASS Altenburger, Berliner Spielkarten GmbH, Heraclio Fournier of Vitoria, or with this specific deck: F.X. Schmid of Meckenbeuren. Interestingly, even when other F.X.Schmid’s logos appear on the packaging and listed as the manufacturer, the Aces often the Carta Mundi trademark.

• IPCS pattern sheet 98 : Württemberg pattern►
• Klaus-Peter Emig : Württemberger Doppelbild playing cards►