What is the traditional card game of Switzerland called?

Jass has been played in Switzerland for centuries, in all parts of the country and by all generations. That is why it is seen as the national game.

Common mistakes

C: Poker

Poker is an international game of chance from America, not a Swiss tradition.

D: Bridge

Bridge comes from England and is not widespread in Switzerland.

Jass, yodelling, Fasnacht, Chilbi

Many Swiss traditions come from life in the countryside. Yodelling is one of them. When you yodel, you sing without words. The voice jumps quickly back and forth between a low chest voice and a high head voice. You do not need an instrument for it, only your own voice. Since 2025 Swiss yodelling has been part of UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage.

Culture, economy and Switzerland in the world · Traditions and sport

Sources

• stadt-zuerich.ch
• aboutswitzerland.eda.admin.ch
• bak.admin.ch

Official question of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.