Hold Card
Definition
The called Ace when you're the partner. You must keep this card (can't bury it) since it designates you as partner.
Hold Card in play
If the picker calls your Ace, that Ace becomes your hold card - you are the secret partner, and you cannot bury it or casually toss it; it must be played to the called suit (often only when that suit is led). New partners frequently give themselves away by hesitating over the hold card or by schmearing too eagerly before the natural reveal.
Example
“If Hearts is called and you have A♥, that's your hold card.”
Learn more
Related Terms
Call
When the picker names a fail suit Ace to designate their partner. The partner is the player holding that Ace.
Ace
The highest-ranking card in each fail suit, worth 11 points. In Sheepshead, fail Aces (Clubs, Spades, Hearts) are often called as partners.
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.