Defensive Strategy
How to play as a defender and stop the picker from winning
The Golden Rule of Defense
Defenders lead FAIL. Picker leads TRUMP.
This fundamental principle drives almost every defensive decision.
Why Defenders Lead Fail Suits
1. Force the Picker to Trump
When you lead a fail suit, the picker often must use valuable trump to win. Every trump they spend on fail is one less for the tricks that matter.
2. Expose the Partner
Lead the called suit! When you lead the suit of the called ace, you force the partner to reveal themselves by playing that ace.
3. Let Your Aces Win
Your fail Aces (11 points!) can win tricks if the picker is out of that suit. Leading fail creates opportunities for your point cards.
4. Coordinate with Defenders
Your fellow defenders can schmear (throw points) when they see you're winning the trick. Leading fail makes this coordination easier.
How to Identify the Secret Partner
Before the called ace is played, watch for these tells:
If someone throws an Ace or Ten into a trick the picker is winning, they're probably the partner.
A defender would want to lead the called suit. If someone avoids it, suspect them.
Leading trump usually helps the picker. If a "defender" does this, they might be the partner.
Watch for someone playing just under the current winner on picker's tricks.
Lead the Called Suit!
This is the most important defensive play. When you lead the called suit:
- • The partner must play their Ace if they have cards in that suit
- • You know the picker has at least one card of that suit (their hold card)
- • The picker cannot win the trick (they don't have the Ace)
- • Your team is guaranteed to win if no one trumps
Pro Tip: If you have multiple cards in the called suit, lead your highest-point card (Ten or Ace). You might take 20+ points in one trick!
When to Trump as Defender
DO Trump When...
- • The trick has lots of points and picker might win it
- • You're last to play and can secure the win
- • You have only low trump left anyway
- • You're confident the picker will have to over-trump
DON'T Trump When...
- • Another defender is winning with a fail Ace
- • The trick has few points (let it go)
- • You'd have to use high trump on a low-value trick
- • A fellow defender might want to trump higher
Schmearing as Defender
When a fellow defender is winning a trick, throw your highest point cards (schmear)!
Good Schmears
- • Aces (11 pts each!)
- • Tens (10 pts)
- • Kings if you can't do better
Caution
- • Make sure a defender is winning!
- • Don't schmear to unknown players
- • Watch for late trump from picker
Common Defensive Mistakes
Leading Trump
Unless you have a specific plan, leading trump helps the picker by clearing out defenders' trump. Stick to fail!
Schmearing to the Wrong Team
Before throwing points, be sure a defender is winning. Watch who played what and track the partner!
Forgetting to Lead Called Suit
Your #1 priority is exposing the partner. If you can lead the called suit, usually do it!
Over-trumping Fellow Defenders
If another defender already trumped high enough to beat the picker, don't waste your trump!
Advanced Defensive Tips
- • Count trump: Track how many trump have been played. When picker is out, your fail Aces become golden.
- • Watch the picker's plays: If they're playing low trump on fail leads, they might be running low.
- • Communicate through play: Leading a suit you're strong in tells partners to lead it back to you.
- • Endgame planning: In late tricks, know exactly who has what left. Count cards!