JD (Jack of Diamonds Partner)
Definition
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.
JD (Jack of Diamonds Partner) in play
In the Jack of Diamonds variant the picker never calls an Ace - whoever holds the Jack of Diamonds is automatically the partner. It removes the called-Ace mechanics (no need to be short in a suit, no void guessing) and speeds the game up, but it also concentrates the partnership on one low trump that can be pulled early. If the picker holds the Jack of Diamonds themselves, they effectively go alone.
Example
“In a JD game, the picker doesn't announce a partner — whoever has J♦ silently teams up.”
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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.
Call
When the picker names a fail suit Ace to designate their partner. The partner is the player holding that Ace.
Pick
To take the blind cards. The picker leads their team against the defenders and must choose what to bury and which Ace to call.
Jack of Diamonds (J♦)
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.