It is especially popular in the Lüneburg Heath area of north Germany,[1] but is also played in other parts of Germany, albeit sometimes under other, regional names.

The game is usually played when a third player is unavailable, but also to introduce beginners to the Germany's most popular card game, as it is easier to play than conventional Skat.

Oma Skat is played like normal Skat, except that the third player is a hidden stack of cards (the "Oma" or "grandmother")[1] from which, for each trick, the top card is turned and played to the trick; clearly, therefore, Oma does not have to follow suit.

[1] This creates situations that would not occur in normal Skat.

For example it is very difficult in Oma Skat to win a "null" game (to win no tricks) because Oma does not have to follow suit.