Gameplay
Ace
Definition
The highest-ranking card in each fail suit, worth 11 points. In Sheepshead, fail Aces (Clubs, Spades, Hearts) are often called as partners.
Example
“If you call Clubs, whoever has the Ace of Clubs is your partner.”
Related Terms
Call
When the picker names a fail suit Ace to designate their partner. The partner is the player holding that Ace.
Partner
The player holding the called Ace who teams up with the picker. The partner's identity is secret until the called Ace is played.
Hold Card
The called Ace when you're the partner. You must keep this card (can't bury it) since it designates you as partner.
Points
The scoring value of cards: Aces=11, Tens=10, Kings=4, Queens=3, Jacks=2, 9/8/7=0. Total in deck: 120.