Endgame Strategy
The last tricks often decide victory - make them count
Why the Endgame Matters
By tricks 5 and 6, you should know a lot: who has what trump, where the points are, and approximately who's winning. The endgame is about using that information to secure victory.
A 10-point swing in the last trick can flip the entire hand. Pay attention!
Point Counting in the Endgame
By trick 4-5, you should have a rough count of points. Use these benchmarks:
Remember: 120 total points. Picker needs 61. Defenders need 60.
Trump Tracking
Know What's Left
14 trump total. By trick 5, you should know:
- • How many trump are still out there?
- • Who's showing out (void in trump)?
- • What's the highest remaining trump?
When Opponents Are Out of Trump
Once opponents have no trump, your fail Aces become unbeatable! Lead them confidently in the endgame for guaranteed point tricks.
Common Endgame Scenarios
You're Ahead - Play Safe
If your team has 65+ points with 2 tricks left:
- • Don't risk unnecessary points
- • Win tricks cheaply if possible
- • Let opponents take tricks if they have low points
- • Avoid Schneider if you can (don't give up 30+)
It's Close - Fight for Every Point
If the score is around 55-60:
- • Every point matters - schmear aggressively to teammates
- • Try to win tricks with high-point cards in them
- • Count exactly - know what you need
- • Consider who leads trick 6 (positional advantage)
You're Behind - Go for Broke
If your team needs 15+ points with 2 tricks left:
- • Take risks - you're losing anyway if you play safe
- • Lead your highest remaining trump
- • Hope to catch Aces and Tens
- • At minimum, try to avoid Schneider (get to 31)
Last Trick Tactics
Leading Trick 6
If you lead the last trick, you control the suit. Lead your strongest card - usually your last trump if you have one, or an Ace if opponents are out of trump.
Following Trick 6
If you're following, decide: do you need to win this trick? If your team is already at 61+, let it go with low cards. If you need points, fight for it.
Schmearing on Trick 6
The last trick is often high-value because everyone dumps points. If a teammate is winning, throw your remaining Aces and Tens!
Endgame Math Shortcuts
Average trick value: ~20 points (120 ÷ 6)
Ace + Ten trick: 21+ points
All four Aces in one trick: 44 points!
Low trick (all 7s, 8s, 9s): 0 points
Endgame Pro Tips
- • Know the score: Count points throughout the hand, not just at the end
- • Track trump: 14 total - if 12 are gone, only 2 remain
- • Remember voids: Who showed out of what suit? Use that info
- • Plan two tricks ahead: In trick 5, plan both 5 and 6
- • Position matters: Being last to play on trick 6 is powerful