# Sheepshead vs Sheepshead Gold

The clearest difference is ads: Sheepshead Gold at none against Sheepshead's shown. Sheepshead Gold also leads on monetization model (free vs ad-supported). Sheepshead's advantage is rating (3.3 vs 3.0) and ratings volume (82 vs 8). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Sheepshead holds the better App Store score, 3.3 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Sheepshead has 82 ratings behind it against 8, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 36% of Sheepshead's written reviews are positive against 30% of Sheepshead Gold's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Sheepshead | Sheepshead Gold |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.3 (82 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sheepshead/id878817235/reviews)** | [3.0 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sheepshead-gold/id926113105/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **82** | 8 |
| Positive reviews | **35.7% of reviews** | 30.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Ad-supported | **Free** |
| Size | 14 MB | 17 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Derek Hoffmeister](https://appshunter.io/developer/496135095) | [Brian Tinberg](https://appshunter.io/developer/361782313) |

## What reviewers say

### Sheepshead

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sheepshead/id878817235)

Experience a classic trick-taking card game with this single-player version. Play against computer opponents with various game modes, including tournaments and partner variants. Track your progress with detailed statistics and compete on leaderboards.

**Highlights:** Single-player trick-taking card game, Multiple player modes (3, 4, 5 handed), Tournament play, Partner variants (Called Ace, Jack of Diamonds), Leaster and Knocking options, Detailed play statistics, GameCenter integration (leaderboards, achievements), Large print card option

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Good for learning the game
- 👍 Customizable game options
- 👍 Clear graphics and card display
- 👍 Easy to read cards
- 👍 Best Sheepshead app found by some

**What reviewers complain about**

- 👎 Lopsided/stacked card distribution
- 👎 Unrealistic AI/computer plays
- 👎 Game freezes/locks up
- 👎 Frequent crashes
- 👎 Questionable computer decisions

**Reported bugs**

- App freezes when picking a hand
- Game locks up
- App freezes when starting a new game
- App constantly crashes during tournaments
- Takes user to an ad page and won't let back in

**Requested features**

- Deal cards randomly like a real game
- Improve AI logic for more realistic play
- Fix issues with calling loners
- Adjust scoring for picker not taking a trick
- Allow card rearrangement in hand


### Sheepshead Gold

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sheepshead-gold/id926113105)

Experience a challenging five-player card game on your mobile device. Play against skilled computer opponents with adjustable difficulty and enjoy offline play. Rules are included for new players.

**Highlights:** Five-player card game, Skilled computer opponents, Adjustable skill level, Offline play supported, Includes game rules, Portrait and landscape orientation

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Sheepshead free?

Sheepshead is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Sheepshead Gold free?

Sheepshead Gold is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Sheepshead or Sheepshead Gold?

Sheepshead is rated higher. Sheepshead averages 3.3 out of 5 from 82 ratings, while Sheepshead Gold averages 3.0 from 8 ratings.

### Do Sheepshead or Sheepshead Gold have ads?

Sheepshead shows ads; Sheepshead Gold does not.

### Which is updated more often, Sheepshead or Sheepshead Gold?

Sheepshead ships an update every 3 months, and Sheepshead Gold every 3 months. Most recently, Sheepshead was updated on October 21, 2026 and Sheepshead Gold on October 8, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*