The Home of Schmier
Learn, play, and keep the tradition alive — every regional variant, one welcoming table. From Minnesota to Wisconsin to Ontario and beyond.
The table where every version of the game is welcome
Schmier — also spelled Smear, Schmear, or Shmeer — has been passed down in families and small towns for generations. It's played in kitchens, church basements, bars, and at every family reunion across the Upper Midwest and Ontario. But until now, there's been no single place where every player can find their version, learn the game, and connect with others who love it.
PlaySchmier is that place. We don't claim to own a folk game — we celebrate it. Whether you grew up with the Minnesota rules, play the Wisconsin four-point version, or keep a unique "house rules" twist from your own family, this is home.
Everything you need at one table
Learn Every Version
We've documented the rules for every major regional variant of Schmier — and we treat each one with respect. Side-by-side comparisons, clear step-by-step guides, and beginner-friendly explanations make it easy to learn your family's game or discover another.
Play Your Way
Schmier is different at every table, and that's a feature, not a bug. Our rule system treats rules as modular — player count, partnerships, point values, jokers, scoring targets — so you can play exactly the version you grew up with, or try a new one.
Build the Community
Connect with players from your region and across the diaspora. Find a game, join a club, share how your family plays, and — when demand is there — compete in friendly ranked seasons and tournaments.
How it works
Just starting out? Head to How to Play for a simple, friendly introduction to the game and the basic "Standard" version.
Grown up with it? Jump to Variants and find your regional rules — or set up a custom house-rules game.
Want to meet players? Join the Community and find a table in your area.
The Joy of Schmier
There's a reason Schmier has survived a century of changing times. It's fast. It's clever. It rewards partnership and bluffing and a good memory. And most of all — it brings people together. We're here to make sure it does for the next generation too.
"A folk game belongs to the people who play it. Our job is to be the table where they all meet."
Ready to Play?
Join the free PlaySchmier community on Discord, find players in your region, and help us document the game you love.