It takes its name from the three-packet talon of four cards, the Strohmänner ("strawmen"), each player has at the start of the game.

While the original game has been described as jejune, it was eventually superseded by an attractive successor which is both challenging and very exciting.

"[6] Fortunately by no later than 1890,[2] this "rather jejune game was ousted by a much better and quite different one"; a genuine two-player game in which the 'straw men' comprise three packets of four cards that form the initially unseen part of a player's hand.

Players must follow suit (Farbzwang), but there is no pressure to win the trick (no Stichzwang).

After shuffling and cutting, the dealer deals three packets of five cards each, beginning with forehand.

The dealer then deals three packets of four cards to each player as talons, beginning with forehand again.

The last card of each strawman packet, regardless of its value, is added to the player's hand without being revealed.

The now face-up top cards of the strawmen form an extension of the player's hand and may either be discarded, played or used to take tricks at their owner's discretion.

[9] Bamberger (2011) follows Beck except that there is no point for winning after both pass, since his rule is that they throw the cards in and deal again.

[11] Furr follows them, but omits the Quapil and adds the bonuses for major wins and for the Rostopschin.

[1] Note that it is normal for bonuses for playing the 'birds' to their respective tricks go to the opponent if they fail to win.