Partner
Definition
The player holding the called Ace who teams up with the picker. The partner's identity is secret until the called Ace is played.
Partner in play
The partner is whoever holds the called Ace, and their identity stays secret until that Ace is played - a tension that defines Called Ace Sheepshead. Until the reveal, both sides are guessing: the partner quietly supports the picker by schmearing points onto the picker's winning tricks while trying not to tip their hand too soon.
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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.
Picker
The player who took the blind. They're the "captain" of their team and score double points (win or lose).
Reveal
When the partner plays the called Ace, revealing their identity to all players.