Call
Definition
When the picker names a fail suit Ace to designate their partner. The partner is the player holding that Ace.
Call in play
After burying, the picker names a fail suit whose Ace they do not themselves hold, and whoever holds that Ace becomes a silent partner. The rule that trips up beginners is that you must also hold at least one card of the suit you call, so the partnership can be proven later, which is why pickers angle to call a suit they are short in. The partner's identity then stays hidden until that Ace finally hits the table.
Example
“"I call Spades" means whoever has the Ace of Spades is the partner.”
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Related Terms
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.
Ace
The highest-ranking card in each fail suit, worth 11 points. In Sheepshead, fail Aces (Clubs, Spades, Hearts) are often called as partners.
Picker
The player who took the blind. They're the "captain" of their team and score double points (win or lose).
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.