A player nearing the target score is forced to try to win the auction in order not to collect any more minus points.

As Lehnhoff suggests, such a game is not without its appeal and it can be exciting to see someone in the danger zone snatch victory from the jaws of defeat or a relief to survive and see one's "Skat brother go for a swim".

When a Bierlachs session ends is a matter for agreement but, typically, when one or more players decide they need to go, they will announce the last three deals.

These are usually played as Bock rounds, in which the game value doubles, giving the player who is losing a chance to catch up.

It is common to add the date of the month to the target, for example:[8] Although the normal penalty is a round of beer for the 3 or 4 players, sometimes it is agreed that the loser buys lunch or supper.