Jack of Diamonds (J♦)
Definition
The lowest Jack in trump order and the partner-designating card in the JD partner variant. In standard Called Ace, J♦ is just the weakest Jack; in JD games, it carries the same secret-partner role that the called Ace plays in standard rules.
Jack of Diamonds (J♦) in play
In standard play the Jack of Diamonds is simply the lowest of the four Jacks in trump order. In the Jack of Diamonds partner variant it takes on a starring role: whoever holds it is automatically the picker's partner, with no Ace called. That removes the called-Ace guessing game, but it also pins the partnership to a single low trump that can be pulled early.
Learn more
Related Terms
JD (Jack of Diamonds Partner)
A partner-call variant where the holder of the Jack of Diamonds (J♦) is automatically the picker's partner, instead of the picker naming an Ace. Popular in some Wisconsin tables because it removes the void-suit guessing game.
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.
Trump
The powerful suit that beats all fail cards. In Sheepshead: all Queens, all Jacks, and all Diamonds are trump (14 cards total).