OnlineEstimate

Here you can find all information on how to play OnlineEstimate.

Playing OnlineEstimate is as easy as normal Estimate and is of course big fun.

Introduction

OnlineEstimate has exactly the same rules as our normal Estimate we used to play at Kozmo Cafe.
OnlineEstimate is being played from two different places at the same time with to pairs of players on either side (2 + 2). However, all four players will remain opponents to each other.
At the moment, the number of 4 players (2 + 2) is the only option available.
Each side must be equipped with either
a laptop with a webcam or
a normal computer with a screen and a webcam or
a tablet with a selfie camera.
The two laptops in the two different places need to be connected to each other using applications like ZOOM or Skype.
In each place has to be a normal set of 52 cards. These 52 cards have to be divided in a special way. The division is being explained below.
There should be two identical score sheets in both places. This is to avoid any errors or misunderstandings.

Set-up of computer hardware

As shown in the picture below there are two laptops working in two different places. They are running e.g. ZOOM or Skype, applications that enable audio and video communication.

Division of cards

1st step: put your set of 52 cards on a table in exact the same way as shown here:

One full set of 52 cards

2nd: take every second card away from the full set of cards, starting with the King of Clubs. The result should look like this:

The "Ace" set. 26 cards including the ace of clubs

Well done!

Now you have two sets of 26 cards each. One set includes the Ace of Clubs, the other one includes the King of Clubs.

Don't ever mix them!!

Keep the two sets separated from each other, so you don't have to do the whole procedure again.

You have now an "Ace set" and a "King set", just like this:

Now this is very important:

for a game of OnlineEstimate the two players in one place are using the "Ace set" of their cards. The two players in the other place are using the "King set" of their cards. Therefore, a complete set of 52 cards will be used for the game.

Starting the game

Every player is taking one card from the facing-down set of cards. The player who took the highest card is the dealer.

Dealing

The dealer is dealing the cards in his or her place for the two players present.

In the other place one of the players does the same.

After the dealer finished his side he or she has to take one more card, the trump card. This card has to be shown towards the camera and to be announced by the dealer.

Estimating

Shouting happens clockwise. The first person sitting clockwise next to the dealer starts shouting his or her estimate. The numbers will be written down on normal score sheets. Recommended is to have score sheets on boths sides.

Playing

The first player sitting clockwise next to the dealer is playing his/her card. The card is not placed on the table but must be held in the camera. The next player does the same, etc., until all four players hold their cards in the camera at the same time. On both computer screens there are four cards to be seen now (two cards on the main picture and two cards in the small inset picture).

Sometimes, especially in bad light conditions, reflections can appear on a card and it is not exactly clear which card is displayed. Then adjust the angle of the card a little and let the other players know which card you are playing. Experience has shown that you get used to it quickly.

Playing the next game

The person who has dealt before does not deal this time. Dealing is done by the second player. The dealing is carried out alternately by both players.