# Sheepshead, the App — Trick-Taking Card Game

> Digital trick-taking card game with AI opponents and customizable settings. (iPhone/iPad app by Ryan Lardinois.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sheepshead-the-app/id1339318972 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Ryan Lardinois](https://appshunter.io/developer/1339318971)
- Category: Games, Entertainment, Card
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.50/5 from 2,351 App Store ratings · 98 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 15.0 · 26 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2018-02-01
- Data updated: 2026-09-02
- Monetization: ad-supported
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sheepshead-the-app/id1339318972/reviews.md

## What is Sheepshead, the App?

Play your favorite trick-taking card game where ever you go with Sheepshead the App, available for free on both iPhone and iPad.

Come play with and against computer A.I. players (disguised as friendly animals) that have been meticulously tuned and tested to ensure top notch competitive performance.  No longer will you be scratching your head wondering if your partner is truly a farm animal based on his last play. 

Choose from a variety of game modes and settings, including three, four, or five handed; regular or tournament; jack or ace partner; and leasters or doublers.

## Key features

- Play on iPhone and iPad
- Compete against tuned AI players
- Multiple game modes
- Adjustable game settings
- Various player counts (3, 4, 5 handed)

## What do users think of Sheepshead, the App?

Overall sentiment: negative

**Pros**

- 🚀 Authentic gameplay
- 🎮 Entertaining app
- 👍 Clean user interface

**Cons**

- 🐛 Poor AI decision-making
- 🤔 Unfair card distribution
- 😤 Frustrating gameplay
- 🤯 Unrealistic play

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Inconsistent picker indicator
- Crashes when interacting with discard pile

**Most requested features**

- Indicate partner after reveal
- Ability to review previous hands
- Option to play with fewer players
- Implement blitz and crack rules

## Recent user reviews (10 of 98)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sheepshead-the-app/id1339318972/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Disappointed

*2026-08-08, version 1.2.0*

Used to have one dumb player it seemed. Now they all play as if getting a trick is bad.

### 1/5 — No concept

*2026-05-18, version 1.2.0*

Like playing with sub-80 iq players who constantly throw off instead of trumping called suit and throw counters to opponent whenever possible. This game would be a perfect tutorial on how not to play Sheepshead. Embarrassing.

### 1/5 — So so

*2026-04-23, version 1.2.0*

Needs improvement but best app to play.

### 1/5 — Sheepshead

*2026-03-08, version 1.2.0*

Poor programming as plays of leading trump when you are not the partner.

### 5/5 — Challenging

*2026-02-08, version 1.2.0*

Week done app.  The game provides challenging opponents disguised as farm animals.  There are occasional head-scratching moves followed by brilliant moves that make you wonder if the algorithm knows what is in their opponents or partners hands.  I have no one nearby who’ve heard of Sheepshead, much less know how to play it.  Therefore, originating from Wisconsin, it makes an entertaining distraction for me.  Not sure what the difference between FreePlay and Tournament is, other than the obvious. The level of play seems the same and there doesn’t seem to be any online opponents.  All-in-all, a well done game that provides a challenge!  Five stars.

### 1/5 — Awful ai

*2026-01-29, version 1.2.0*

Leads are not normal.  Non picker non- partner did not lead the called suit.   No one does that except a loser, like this app.

### 1/5 — The worst game

*2026-01-21, version 1.2.0*

This isn’t the worst card game. I think it might just be the worst game period. Deliberately dealing you awful cards hand after hand. How fun.

### 2/5 — Bad strategy

*2025-12-25, version 1.2.0*

Whoever provided the strategy has an odd way to play the game.  You don’t lead trump when you’re not the picker unless you’re trump tight.

### 5/5 — Sheepshead

*2025-12-19, version 1.2.0*

Love,playing sheepshead author needs to update

### 1/5 — I don’t think it’s fair

*2025-11-17, version 1.2.0*

I do not feel like the AI players are making decisions based on only what they have seen - their own cards and what’s been played.  Also, I don’t even think the shuffling is fair.  I wish it was.

## Frequently asked questions about Sheepshead, the App

### What is Sheepshead, the App?

Sheepshead, the App is a digital version of the popular trick-taking card game, designed for iPhone and iPad. It allows you to play against sophisticated AI opponents, offering a competitive and engaging experience.

### What game modes and settings are available?

The app offers a variety of game modes and settings to customize your experience. You can choose between three, four, or five handed games, regular or tournament play, and options for jack or ace partners, as well as leasters or doublers.

### Is Sheepshead, the App free to play?

Yes, Sheepshead, the App is available for free on both iPhone and iPad. The app is supported by advertisements.

### Who are the opponents in the game?

You will play against computer AI players, humorously disguised as friendly animals. These AI opponents have been meticulously tuned and tested to provide a high level of competitive performance.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.2.0 — 2024-02-17

Smarter animals! The computer players now use fancy neural networks in order to better guess who the partner is and make better decisions accordingly.

### 1.1.7 — 2022-05-07

Bug fixes; reduce computer pick frequency

### 1.1.6 — 2022-04-25

Updates for latest iOS and Swift version

### 1.1.5 — 2022-04-17

-Increase AI thresholds for picking
-Bug fix for saving/loading previous games

### 1.1.2 — 2020-12-21

Updated for newer iOS versions.

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-02.*