Board Game Arena - User contributions [en]

Tips spades

2025-05-28T03:04:55Z

123marcel: n

Beware the bags, but it's almost always better to underbid than to overbid. (BAGS are extra tricks above your guessed bid at the start.)

If you have a lot of spades, bid higher.

If you can, try to remember how many rounds of each suit have played (all 4 players playing the same suit). If there have been 3, then ONE of that suit remains. Careful as 3 others can trump that!

Try to remember how many spades have been played and which of the high ones are gone compared to what you have left to play.

If your partner bids 1, that may be 0, but can't actually go NIL.

If the opps are about to win the game but have 8 - 9 bags, underbid and throw away tricks hoping to get them to 10. Might be easier than setting them AND it's -100!

'''DECIDING WHETHER TO TRY AND SET THE OPPONENTS, OR MAKE THEM NOT ACHIEVE THEIR TRICKS -''' (assuming no NILS bid) -

If a total of 13 is bid. You need all the tricks you can get. Throw away THE lowest cards if you aren't going for it. Sometimes a middle card will take a trick. Any extra 1 sets the opponents.

If 12 is bid. It's only ONE bag if you can't achieve the set. TWO bags and you've set the opponents. Worth it! If you have a few extra spades - might be worth a shot.

If 11 is bid. It is VERY tough to set the opps. You would have to take 3 bags minimum. That is in essence 30 pts you give up and if the other team has bid 3 or 4, probably not worth trying depending on the score of course.

If 10 or less is bid. Lots of rounds are going to be low playing as throw away tricks will be important to avoid BAGS. Be careful leading high cards. (Setting is VERY unlikely. Don't try it! HA!)

'''TIPS FOR GOING NIL -'''

If you have a short suit (1 or 2) that is good. Hopefully they will be played AND you can throw away a card on the 3rd run of that suit. If you have only one low card in one suit, that helps throw the face cards of your other suits when lead. Non spades of course.

If you have face cards but also 3 smaller cards in a suit, that is good because you can play the 3 small of the suit (AND probably almost 12 cards will be gone of that suit then). But if you have K or A and only 2 small in the suit - the 3rd round might be yours UNLESS luckily your partner only has/had 2 and now is free to trump.

If your partner bids 4 or more. Don't assume they can cover your nil. You STILL have to have a lot of LOW cards! A 4 bid could be 2 high Spades and 2 aces and ALL low cards other than that.

If you have 7, 8, 9, 10, J - then your partner would need Q, K, Ace to cover you. There is no break, the 7 is the same play as the Jack. Do the math on what of the suit is left if you have lots of one.

If the opponents bid will give them 500, you can risk a nil if you are well behind in the score. If you do the math, sometimes you will lose UNLESS you try a nil.

If you are covering your partner and lead the ace, pay attention to their next card. If it is the 4, then you know they do not have anything higher. They would play THE highest card in that suit after they see the ace. You can then lead a 3 or lower (and probably they will get rid of a face card in another suit, or the 2). However, this is potentially dangerous with the last 4 card as your partner MAY have gone nil with 4 spades. (I don't recommend that even if 2, 3, 4, 5), but be aware if you lead that low card because you KNOW they don't have anything higher in that suit... they may HAVE to play a spade at the end of the game...

If you are 3rd to bid, note the total bid so far. IF your bid comes to 10 or 11, the 4th bidder may be enticed to try for NIL. If 12 is bid by the 1st 3 players, almost always the 4th will bid NIL. Sometimes it's better to throw away a trick rather than entice a NIL.

===Can your partner beat a high card? The stats - - -===

If you have the queen of one suit, there is a 55.5% chance that your partner has a card to beat it (i.e. king or an ace). So even if your hand with a queen of spades is otherwise very weak, you should not go for a nil unless you are behind by many points, as the base success rate is only 55% [you can only expect 100*0.55+(-100)*0.45=10 points from the play, and will likely saddle your partner with bags].

If you have the jack of one suit, there is a 70.3% chance that your partner has a card to beat it.

If you have the ten of one suit, there is a 80.2% chance that your partner has a card to beat it.

===Who is undersuited, and by how much? The stats - - -===

If you have two cards of one suit, there is a 3.3% chance that someone has no cards of that suit (1.1% chance that your partner has no cards in the suit, and 2.2% chance that either of your opponents has no cards in the suit); 19.2% chance that someone has only one card of the suit (6.4%, 12.8%); and 47.7% chance that someone only has two cards of the suit (16.9%, 33.8%)

If you have three cards of one suit, there is a 5.1% chance that someone has no cards of that suit (1.7% chance that your partner has no cards in the suit, and 3.4% that either of your opponents has no cards in that suit); a 25.8% chance that someone has only one card of that suit (8.6%, 17.2%); and 58.5% chance that someone only has two cards of that suit (19.5%, 39%).

If you have four cards of one suit, there is a 7.8% chance that someone has no cards of that suit (2.6% chance that your partner has no cards in the suit, and 5.2% that either of your opponents has no cards in that suit); a 35% chance that someone only has one card of that suit (11.7%, 23.4%); and 70% chance that someone only has two cards of that suit (23.3%, 46.6%).

Tips flipseven

2025-05-25T21:37:37Z

123marcel: points

Slow and steady wins the FLIP!...

There are 12 of the 12 cards. 11 of the 11's, etc. one 1 and one 0. So if you get lower cards, you can risk going for more turns. 0 and 1 aren't possible to dupe. Also the deck has a number on it w/ remaining number of cards before a reshuffle. Remember the #'s that have been discarded / used, to know if you should take another card.

Don't get too greedy. 3 cards is pretty good especially if high #'s w/ LOTS of dupes! Around 30 points per round is decent. 40+ is VERY good...

IF the opponents have busted and you are the only one w/ points - take them even if not much. Any advantage = take it!

The FREEZE card - give that to the highest point competitor! FYI, if someone has 3 cards already showing, they probably will end/ freeze themselves. Probably no need to freeze them. Remember, if YOU are the only player left, then YOU get frozen.

The FLIP 3 card - If you have no cards, take it yourself. IF someone else has 2 or 3 cards already, there is a good chance they will bust / duplicate, so give it to them.

Often decisions are made on who is ahead of you in points. Penalize the leaders to stay in the race.

If someone is about to win at the end of a round (ie they have 200+) - - note where you will fall in order. It is better to take 2nd then to risk trying to get 7 cards and bust (IF you care about ELO's that is).

IF you get the 2x card - be careful overplaying. I would be fine w/ 2 cards and take the double points!

Tips flipseven

2025-05-25T21:35:10Z

123marcel: points

Slow and steady wins the FLIP!...

There are 12 of the 12 cards. 11 of the 11's, etc. one 1 and one 0. So if you get lower cards, you can risk going for more turns. 0 and 1 aren't possible to dupe. Also the deck has a number on it w/ remaining number of cards before a reshuffle. Remember the #'s that have been discarded / used, to know if you should take another card.

Don't get too greedy. 3 cards is pretty good especially if high #'s w/ LOTS of dupes! Around 30 points per round is decent. 40+ is VERY good...

IF the opponents have busted and you are the only one w/ points - take them even if not much. Any advantage = take it!

The FREEZE card - give that to the highest point competitor! Or if someone has 3 cards already showing, they probably will end/ freeze themselves. Remember, if YOU are the only player left, then YOU get frozen.

The FLIP 3 card - If you have no cards, take it yourself. IF someone else has 2 or 3 cards already, there is a good chance they will bust / duplicate, so give it to them. Often decisions are made on who is ahead of you in points. Penalize the leaders to stay in the race.

If someone is about to win at the end of a round (ie they have 200+) - - note where you will fall in order. It is better to take 2nd then to risk trying to get 7 cards and bust (IF you care about ELO's that is).

IF you get the 2x card - be careful overplaying. I would be fine w/ 2 cards and take the double points!

Tips flipseven

2025-05-25T21:04:02Z

123marcel: g

Slow and steady wins the FLIP!...

There are 12 of the 12 cards. 11 of the 11's, etc. one 1 and one 0. So if you get lower cards, you can risk going for more turns. 0 and 1 aren't possible to dupe. Also the deck is dealt until the end based on the number on the deck pack. Remember the #'s that have been shown to know if you should take one.

Don't get too greedy. 3 cards is pretty good. Around 30 points per round is decent. 40+ is VERY good...

IF the opponents have busted and you are the only one w/ points - take them even if not much. Any advantage = take it!

The FREEZE card - give that to the highest point competitor! Or if someone has 3 cards already showing, they probably will end/ freeze themselves. Remember, if YOU are the only player left, then YOU get frozen.

The FLIP 3 card - If you have no cards, take it yourself. IF someone else has 2 or 3 cards already, there is a good chance they will bust / duplicate, so give it to them. Often decisions are made on who is ahead of you in points. Penalize the leaders to stay in the race.

If someone is about to win at the end of a round (ie they have 200+) - - note where you will fall in order. It is better to take 2nd then to risk trying to get 7 cards and bust (IF you care about ELO's that is).

IF you get the 2x card - be careful overplaying. I would be fine w/ 2 cards and take the double points!

Tips flipseven

2025-05-25T20:41:54Z

123marcel: points

Slow and steady wins the FLIP!...

There are 12 of the 12 cards. 11 of the 11's, etc. one 1 and one 0. So if you get lower cards, you can risk going for more turns. 0 and 1 aren't possible to dupe.

Don't get too greedy. 3 cards is pretty good. Around 30 points per round is decent. 40+ is VERY good...

IF the opponents have busted and you are the only one w/ points - take them even if not much. Any advantage = take it!

The FREEZE card - give that to the highest point competitor! Or if someone has 3 cards already showing, they probably will end/ freeze themselves. Remember, if YOU are the only player left, then YOU get frozen.

The FLIP 3 card - If you have no cards, take it yourself. IF someone else has 2 or 3 cards already, there is a good chance they will bust / duplicate, so give it to them. Often decisions are made on who is ahead of you in points. Penalize the leaders to stay in the race.

If someone is about to win at the end of a round (ie they have 200+) - - note where you will fall in order. It is better to take 2nd then to risk trying to get 7 cards and bust (IF you care about ELO's that is).

IF you get the 2x card - be careful overplaying. I would be fine w/ 2 cards and take the double points!

Tips flipseven

2025-05-25T03:27:04Z

123marcel: edit

Slow and steady wins the FLIP!...

Don't get greedy. 3 cards is pretty good.

IF the opponents have busted and you are the only one w/ points - take them! Any advantage = take it!

If you get FREEZE card - give that to the highest point competitor! Or if someone has 3 cards already, they probably will end/ freeze themselves. Remember, if YOU are the only player left, then YOU get frozen.

The FLIP 3 card - If you have no cards, take it yourself. IF someone else has 2 or 3 cards already, there is a good chance they will bust / duplicate, so give it to them. Often decisions are made on who is ahead of you in points. Penalize the leaders to stay in the pack.

If someone is about to win at the end of a round - note where you will fall in order. It is better to take 2nd then to risk trying to get 7 cards and bust (IF you care about ELO's that is).

IF you get the 2x card - be careful overplaying. I would be fine w/ 2 cards and take the double points! Around 30 points per round is pretty good...

Tips flipseven

2025-05-25T03:23:33Z

123marcel: New page!

Slow and steady... Don't get greedy. 3 cards is pretty good. IF the opponents have busted and you are the only one w/ points - take them! If you get FREEZE cards - give that to the highest point competitor! Remember, if YOU are the only player left, then YOU get frozen. The FLIP 3 card - If you have none, take it yourself. IF someone else has 2 or 3 cards already, there is a good chance they will bust / duplicate, so give it to them. Often decisions are made on who is ahead of you. Penalize the leaders to stay in the pack. If someone is about to win at the end of a round - note where you will fall in order. It is better to take 2nd then to risk trying to get 7 cards and bust (IF you care about ELO's that is). IF you get the 2x card - be careful overplaying. I would be fine w/ 2 cards and take the double points!

Tips flipseven

2025-05-25T03:17:37Z

123marcel: Flip 7

Tips spades

2025-05-12T23:43:47Z

123marcel: na

Beware the bags, but it's almost always better to underbid than to overbid. (BAGS are extra tricks above your guessed bid at the start.)

If you have a lot of spades, bid higher.

If you can, try to remember how many rounds of each suit have played (all 4 players playing the same suit). If there have been 3, then ONE of that suit remains. Careful as 3 others can trump that!

Try to remember how many spades have been played and which of the high ones are gone compared to what you have left to play.

If your partner bids 1, that may be 0, but can't actually go NIL.

'''DECIDING WHETHER TO TRY AND SET THE OPPONENTS, OR MAKE THEM NOT ACHIEVE THEIR TRICKS -''' (assuming no NILS bid) -

If a total of 13 is bid. You need all the tricks you can get. Throw away THE lowest cards if you aren't going for it. Sometimes a middle card will take a trick. Any extra 1 sets the opponents.

If 12 is bid. It's only ONE bag if you can't achieve the set. TWO bags and you've set the opponents. Worth it! If you have a few extra spades - might be worth a shot.

If 11 is bid. It is VERY tough to set the opps. You would have to take 3 bags minimum. That is in essence 30 pts you give up and if the other team has bid 3 or 4, probably not worth trying depending on the score of course.

If 10 or less is bid. Lots of rounds are going to be low playing as throw away tricks will be important to avoid BAGS. Be careful leading high cards. (Setting is VERY unlikely. Don't try it! HA!)

'''TIPS FOR GOING NIL -'''

If you have a short suit (1 or 2) that is good. Hopefully they will be played AND you can throw away a card on the 3rd run of that suit. If you have only one low card in one suit, that helps throw the face cards of your other suits when lead. Non spades of course.

If you have face cards but also 3 smaller cards in a suit, that is good because you can play the 3 small of the suit (AND probably almost 12 cards will be gone of that suit then). But if you have K or A and only 2 small in the suit - the 3rd round might be yours UNLESS luckily your partner only has/had 2 and now is free to trump.

If your partner bids 4 or more. Don't assume they can cover your nil. You STILL have to have a lot of LOW cards! A 4 bid could be 2 high Spades and 2 aces and ALL low cards other than that.

If you have 7, 8, 9, 10, J - then your partner would need Q, K, Ace to cover you. There is no break, the 7 is the same play as the Jack. Do the math on what of the suit is left if you have lots of one.

If the opponents bid will give them 500, you can risk a nil if you are well behind in the score. If you do the math, sometimes you will lose UNLESS you try a nil.

If you are covering your partner and lead the ace, pay attention to their next card. If it is the 4, then you know they do not have anything higher. They would play THE highest card in that suit after they see the ace. You can then lead a 3 or lower (and probably they will get rid of a face card in another suit, or the 2). However, this is potentially dangerous with the last 4 card as your partner MAY have gone nil with 4 spades. (I don't recommend that even if 2, 3, 4, 5), but be aware if you lead that low card because you KNOW they don't have anything higher in that suit... they may HAVE to play a spade at the end of the game...

If you are 3rd to bid, note the total bid so far. IF your bid comes to 10 or 11, the 4th bidder may be enticed to try for NIL. If 12 is bid by the 1st 3 players, almost always the 4th will bid NIL. Sometimes it's better to throw away a trick rather than entice a NIL.

===Can your partner beat a high card? The stats - - -===

If you have the queen of one suit, there is a 55.5% chance that your partner has a card to beat it (i.e. king or an ace). So even if your hand with a queen of spades is otherwise very weak, you should not go for a nil unless you are behind by many points, as the base success rate is only 55% [you can only expect 100*0.55+(-100)*0.45=10 points from the play, and will likely saddle your partner with bags].

If you have the jack of one suit, there is a 70.3% chance that your partner has a card to beat it.

If you have the ten of one suit, there is a 80.2% chance that your partner has a card to beat it.

===Who is undersuited, and by how much? The stats - - -===

If you have two cards of one suit, there is a 3.3% chance that someone has no cards of that suit (1.1% chance that your partner has no cards in the suit, and 2.2% chance that either of your opponents has no cards in the suit); 19.2% chance that someone has only one card of the suit (6.4%, 12.8%); and 47.7% chance that someone only has two cards of the suit (16.9%, 33.8%)

If you have three cards of one suit, there is a 5.1% chance that someone has no cards of that suit (1.7% chance that your partner has no cards in the suit, and 3.4% that either of your opponents has no cards in that suit); a 25.8% chance that someone has only one card of that suit (8.6%, 17.2%); and 58.5% chance that someone only has two cards of that suit (19.5%, 39%).

If you have four cards of one suit, there is a 7.8% chance that someone has no cards of that suit (2.6% chance that your partner has no cards in the suit, and 5.2% that either of your opponents has no cards in that suit); a 35% chance that someone only has one card of that suit (11.7%, 23.4%); and 70% chance that someone only has two cards of that suit (23.3%, 46.6%).

Tips spades

2025-05-06T21:20:18Z

123marcel: added tips

Beware the bags, but it's almost always better to underbid than to overbid. (BAGS are extra tricks above your guessed bid at the start.)

If you have a lot of spades, bid higher.

If you can, try to remember how many rounds of each suit have played (all 4 players playing the same suit). If there have been 3, then ONE of that suit remains. Careful as 3 others can trump that!

Try to remember how many spades have been played and which of the high ones are gone compared to what you have left to play.

'''DECIDING WHETHER TO TRY AND SET THE OPPONENTS, OR MAKE THEM NOT ACHIEVE THEIR TRICKS -''' (assuming no NILS bid) -

If a total of 13 is bid. You need all the tricks you can get. Throw away THE lowest cards if you aren't going for it. Sometimes a middle card will take a trick. Any extra 1 sets the opponents.

If 12 is bid. It's only ONE bag if you can't achieve the set. TWO bags and you've set the opponents. Worth it! If you have a few extra spades - might be worth a shot.

If 11 is bid. It is VERY tough to set the opps. You would have to take 3 bags minimum. That is in essence 30 pts you give up and if the other team has bid 3 or 4, probably not worth trying depending on the score of course.

If 10 or less is bid. Lots of rounds are going to be low playing as throw away tricks will be important to avoid BAGS. Be careful leading high cards. (Setting is VERY unlikely. Don't try it! HA!)

'''TIPS FOR GOING NIL -'''

If you have a short suit (1 or 2) that is good. Hopefully they will be played AND you can throw away a card on the 3rd run of that suit. If you have only one low card in one suit, that helps throw the face cards of your other suits when lead. Non spades of course.

If you have face cards but also 3 smaller cards in a suit, that is good because you can play the 3 small of the suit (AND probably almost 12 cards will be gone of that suit then). But if you have K or A and only 2 small in the suit - the 3rd round might be yours UNLESS luckily your partner only has/had 2 and now is free to trump.

If your partner bids 4 or more. Don't assume they can cover your nil. You STILL have to have a lot of LOW cards! A 4 bid could be 2 high Spades and 2 aces and ALL low cards other than that.

If you have 7, 8, 9, 10, J - then your partner would need Q, K, Ace to cover you. There is no break, the 7 is the same play as the Jack. Do the math on what of the suit is left if you have lots of one.

If the opponents bid will give them 500, you can risk a nil if you are well behind in the score. If you do the math, sometimes you will lose UNLESS you try a nil.

If you are covering your partner and lead the ace, pay attention to their next card. If it is the 4, then you know they do not have anything higher. They would play THE highest card in that suit after they see the ace. You can then lead a 3 or lower (and probably they will get rid of a face card in another suit, or the 2). However, this is potentially dangerous with the last 4 card as your partner MAY have gone nil with 4 spades. (I don't recommend that even if 2, 3, 4, 5), but be aware if you lead that low card because you KNOW they don't have anything higher in that suit... they may HAVE to play a spade at the end of the game...

If you are 3rd to bid, note the total bid so far. IF your bid comes to 10 or 11, the 4th bidder may be enticed to try for NIL. If 12 is bid by the 1st 3 players, almost always the 4th will bid NIL. Sometimes it's better to throw away a trick rather than entice a NIL.

===Can your partner beat a high card? The stats - - -===

If you have the queen of one suit, there is a 55.5% chance that your partner has a card to beat it (i.e. king or an ace). So even if your hand with a queen of spades is otherwise very weak, you should not go for a nil unless you are behind by many points, as the base success rate is only 55% [you can only expect 100*0.55+(-100)*0.45=10 points from the play, and will likely saddle your partner with bags].

If you have the jack of one suit, there is a 70.3% chance that your partner has a card to beat it.

If you have the ten of one suit, there is a 80.2% chance that your partner has a card to beat it.

===Who is undersuited, and by how much? The stats - - -===

If you have two cards of one suit, there is a 3.3% chance that someone has no cards of that suit (1.1% chance that your partner has no cards in the suit, and 2.2% chance that either of your opponents has no cards in the suit); 19.2% chance that someone has only one card of the suit (6.4%, 12.8%); and 47.7% chance that someone only has two cards of the suit (16.9%, 33.8%)

If you have three cards of one suit, there is a 5.1% chance that someone has no cards of that suit (1.7% chance that your partner has no cards in the suit, and 3.4% that either of your opponents has no cards in that suit); a 25.8% chance that someone has only one card of that suit (8.6%, 17.2%); and 58.5% chance that someone only has two cards of that suit (19.5%, 39%).

If you have four cards of one suit, there is a 7.8% chance that someone has no cards of that suit (2.6% chance that your partner has no cards in the suit, and 5.2% that either of your opponents has no cards in that suit); a 35% chance that someone only has one card of that suit (11.7%, 23.4%); and 70% chance that someone only has two cards of that suit (23.3%, 46.6%).

Tips spades

2025-03-17T02:57:11Z

123marcel: strategy tips

Beware the bags, but it's almost always better to underbid than to overbid. (BAGS are extra tricks above your guessed bid at the start.)

If you have a lot of spades, bid higher.

If you can, try to remember how many rounds of each suit have played (all 4 players playing the same suit). If there have been 3, then ONE of that suit remains. Careful as 3 others can trump that!

Try to remember how many spades have been played and which of the high ones are gone compared to what you have left to play.

'''DECIDING WHETHER TO TRY AND SET THE OPPONENTS, OR MAKE THEM NOT ACHIEVE THEIR TRICKS -''' (assuming no NILS bid) -

If a total of 13 is bid. You need all the tricks you can get. Throw away THE lowest cards if you aren't going for it. Sometimes a middle card will take a trick. Any extra 1 sets the opponents.

If 12 is bid. It's only ONE bag if you can't achieve the set. TWO bags and you've set the opponents. Worth it! If you have a few extra spades - might be worth a shot.

If 11 is bid. It is VERY tough to set the opps. You would have to take 3 bags minimum. That is in essence 30 pts you give up and if the other team has bid 3 or 4, probably not worth trying depending on the score of course.

If 10 or less is bid. Lots of rounds are going to be low playing as throw away tricks will be important to avoid BAGS. Be careful leading high cards. (Setting is VERY unlikely. Don't try it! HA!)

'''TIPS FOR GOING NIL -'''

If you have a short suit (1 or 2) that is good. Hopefully they will be played AND you can throw away a card on the 3rd run of that suit. If you have only one low card in one suit, that helps throw the face cards of your other suits when lead. Non spades of course.

If you have face cards but also 3 smaller cards in a suit, that is good because you can play the 3 small of the suit (AND probably almost 12 cards will be gone of that suit then). But if you have K or A and only 2 small in the suit - the 3rd round might be yours UNLESS luckily your partner only has/had 2 and now is free to trump.

If your partner bids 4 or more. Don't assume they can cover your nil. You STILL have to have a lot of LOW cards! A 4 bid could be 2 high Spades and 2 aces and ALL low cards other than that.

If you have 7, 8, 9, 10, J - then your partner would need Q, K, Ace to cover you. There is no break, the 7 is the same play as the Jack. Do the math on what of the suit is left if you have lots of one.

If the opponents bid will give them 500, you can risk a nil if you are well behind in the score. If you do the math, sometimes you will lose UNLESS you try a nil.

If you are covering your partner and lead the ace, pay attention to their next card. If it is the 4, then you know they do not have anything higher. They would play THE highest card in that suit after they see the ace. You can then lead a 3 or lower (and probably they will get rid of a face card in another suit, or the 2). However, this is potentially dangerous with the last 4 card as your partner MAY have gone nil with 4 spades. (I don't recommend that even if 2, 3, 4, 5), but be aware if you lead that low card because you KNOW they don't have anything higher in that suit... they may HAVE to play a spade at the end of the game...

===Can your partner beat a high card? The stats - - -===

If you have the queen of one suit, there is a 55.5% chance that your partner has a card to beat it (i.e. king or an ace). So even if your hand with a queen of spades is otherwise very weak, you should not go for a nil unless you are behind by many points, as the base success rate is only 55% [you can only expect 100*0.55+(-100)*0.45=10 points from the play, and will likely saddle your partner with bags].

If you have the jack of one suit, there is a 70.3% chance that your partner has a card to beat it.

If you have the ten of one suit, there is a 80.2% chance that your partner has a card to beat it.

===Who is undersuited, and by how much? The stats - - -===

If you have two cards of one suit, there is a 3.3% chance that someone has no cards of that suit (1.1% chance that your partner has no cards in the suit, and 2.2% chance that either of your opponents has no cards in the suit); 19.2% chance that someone has only one card of the suit (6.4%, 12.8%); and 47.7% chance that someone only has two cards of the suit (16.9%, 33.8%)

If you have three cards of one suit, there is a 5.1% chance that someone has no cards of that suit (1.7% chance that your partner has no cards in the suit, and 3.4% that either of your opponents has no cards in that suit); a 25.8% chance that someone has only one card of that suit (8.6%, 17.2%); and 58.5% chance that someone only has two cards of that suit (19.5%, 39%).

If you have four cards of one suit, there is a 7.8% chance that someone has no cards of that suit (2.6% chance that your partner has no cards in the suit, and 5.2% that either of your opponents has no cards in that suit); a 35% chance that someone only has one card of that suit (11.7%, 23.4%); and 70% chance that someone only has two cards of that suit (23.3%, 46.6%).

Tips spades

2025-03-17T02:52:05Z

123marcel: strategy tips

Beware the bags, but it's almost always better to underbid than to overbid. (BAGS are extra tricks above your guessed bid at the start.)

If you have a lot of spades, bid higher.

If you can, try to remember how many rounds of each suit have played (all 4 players playing the same suit). If there have been 3, then ONE of that suit remains. Careful as 3 others can trump that!

Try to remember how many spades have been played and which of the high ones are gone compared to what you have left to play.

'''DECIDING WHETHER TO TRY AND SET THE OPPONENTS, OR MAKE THEM NOT ACHIEVE THEIR TRICKS -''' (assuming no NILS bid) -

If a total of 13 is bid. You need all the tricks you can get. Throw away THE lowest cards if you aren't going for it. Sometimes a middle card will take a trick. Any extra 1 sets the opponents.

If 12 is bid. It's only ONE bag if you can't achieve the set. TWO bags and you've set the opponents. Worth it! If you have a few extra spades - might be worth a shot.

If 11 is bid. It is VERY tough to set the opps. You would have to take 3 bags minimum. That is in essence 30 pts you give up and if the other team has bid 3 or 4, probably not worth trying depending on the score of course.

If 10 or less is bid. Lots of rounds are going to be low playing as throw away tricks will be important to avoid BAGS. Be careful leading high cards. (Setting is VERY unlikely. Don't try it! HA!)

'''TIPS FOR GOING NIL -'''

If you have a short suit (1 or 2) that is good. Hopefully they will be played AND you can throw away a card on the 3rd run of that suit. If you have only one low card in one suit, that helps throw the face cards of your other suits when lead. Non spades of course.

If you have face cards but also 3 smaller cards in a suit, that is good because you can play the 3 small of the suit (AND probably almost 12 cards will be gone of that suit then). But if you have K or A and only 2 small in the suit - the 3rd round might be yours UNLESS luckily your partner only has/had 2 and now is free to trump.

If your partner bids 4 or more. Don't assume they can cover your nil. You STILL have to have a lot of LOW cards! A 4 bid could be 2 high Spades and 2 aces and ALL low cards other than that.

If the opponents bid will give them 500, you can risk a nil if you are well behind in the score. If you do the math, sometimes you will lose UNLESS you try a nil.

If you are covering your partner and lead the ace, pay attention to their next card. If it is the 4, then you know they do not have anything higher. They would play THE highest card in that suit after they see the ace. You can then lead a 3 or lower (and probably they will get rid of a face card in another suit, or the 2). However, this is potentially dangerous with the last 4 card as your partner MAY have gone nil with 4 spades. (I don't recommend that even if 2, 3, 4, 5), but be aware if you lead that low card because you KNOW they don't have anything higher in that suit... they may HAVE to play a spade at the end of the game...

===Can your partner beat a high card? The stats - - -===

If you have the queen of one suit, there is a 55.5% chance that your partner has a card to beat it (i.e. king or an ace). So even if your hand with a queen of spades is otherwise very weak, you should not go for a nil unless you are behind by many points, as the base success rate is only 55% [you can only expect 100*0.55+(-100)*0.45=10 points from the play, and will likely saddle your partner with bags].

If you have the jack of one suit, there is a 70.3% chance that your partner has a card to beat it.

If you have the ten of one suit, there is a 80.2% chance that your partner has a card to beat it.

===Who is undersuited, and by how much? The stats - - -===

If you have two cards of one suit, there is a 3.3% chance that someone has no cards of that suit (1.1% chance that your partner has no cards in the suit, and 2.2% chance that either of your opponents has no cards in the suit); 19.2% chance that someone has only one card of the suit (6.4%, 12.8%); and 47.7% chance that someone only has two cards of the suit (16.9%, 33.8%)

If you have three cards of one suit, there is a 5.1% chance that someone has no cards of that suit (1.7% chance that your partner has no cards in the suit, and 3.4% that either of your opponents has no cards in that suit); a 25.8% chance that someone has only one card of that suit (8.6%, 17.2%); and 58.5% chance that someone only has two cards of that suit (19.5%, 39%).

If you have four cards of one suit, there is a 7.8% chance that someone has no cards of that suit (2.6% chance that your partner has no cards in the suit, and 5.2% that either of your opponents has no cards in that suit); a 35% chance that someone only has one card of that suit (11.7%, 23.4%); and 70% chance that someone only has two cards of that suit (23.3%, 46.6%).

Tips spades

2025-03-17T02:51:17Z

123marcel: strategy tips

Beware the bags, but it's almost always better to underbid than to overbid. (BAGS are extra tricks above your guessed bid at the start.)

If you have a lot of spades, bid higher.

If you can, try to remember how many rounds of each suit have played (all 4 players playing the same suit). If there have been 3, then ONE of that suit remains. Careful as 3 other can trump that!

Try to remember how many spades have been played and which of the high ones are gone compared to what you have left to play.

'''DECIDING WHETHER TO TRY AND SET THE OPPONENTS, OR MAKE THEM NOT ACHIEVE THEIR TRICKS -''' (assuming no NILS bid) -

If a total of 13 is bid. You need all the tricks you can get. Throw away THE lowest cards if you aren't going for it. Sometimes a middle card will take a trick. Any extra 1 sets the opponents.

If 12 is bid. It's only ONE bag if you can't achieve the set. TWO bags and you've set the opponents. Worth it! If you have a few extra spades - might be worth a shot.

If 11 is bid. It is VERY tough to set the opps. You would have to take 3 bags minimum. That is in essence 30 pts you give up and if the other team has bid 3 or 4, probably not worth trying depending on the score of course.

If 10 or less is bid. Lots of rounds are going to be low playing as throw away tricks will be important to avoid BAGS. Be careful leading high cards. (Setting is VERY unlikely. Don't try it! HA!)

'''TIPS FOR GOING NIL -'''

If you have a short suit (1 or 2) that is good. Hopefully they will be played AND you can throw away a card on the 3rd run of that suit. If you have only one low card in one suit, that helps throw the face cards of your other suits when lead. Non spades of course.

If you have face cards but also 3 smaller cards in a suit, that is good because you can play the 3 small of the suit (AND probably almost 12 cards will be gone of that suit then). But if you have K or A and only 2 small in the suit - the 3rd round might be yours UNLESS luckily your partner only has/had 2 and now is free to trump.

If your partner bids 4 or more. Don't assume they can cover your nil. You STILL have to have a lot of LOW cards! A 4 bid could be 2 high Spades and 2 aces and ALL low cards other than that.

If the opponents bid will give them 500, you can risk a nil if you are well behind in the score. If you do the math, sometimes you will lose UNLESS you try a nil.

If you are covering your partner and lead the ace, pay attention to their next card. If it is the 4, then you know they do not have anything higher. They would play THE highest card in that suit after they see the ace. You can then lead a 3 or lower (and probably they will get rid of a face card in another suit, or the 2). However, this is potentially dangerous with the last 4 card as your partner MAY have gone nil with 4 spades. (I don't recommend that even if 2, 3, 4, 5), but be aware if you lead that low card because you KNOW they don't have anything higher in that suit... they may HAVE to play a spade at the end of the game...

===Can your partner beat a high card? The stats - - -===

If you have the queen of one suit, there is a 55.5% chance that your partner has a card to beat it (i.e. king or an ace). So even if your hand with a queen of spades is otherwise very weak, you should not go for a nil unless you are behind by many points, as the base success rate is only 55% [you can only expect 100*0.55+(-100)*0.45=10 points from the play, and will likely saddle your partner with bags].

If you have the jack of one suit, there is a 70.3% chance that your partner has a card to beat it.

If you have the ten of one suit, there is a 80.2% chance that your partner has a card to beat it.

===Who is undersuited, and by how much? The stats - - -===

If you have two cards of one suit, there is a 3.3% chance that someone has no cards of that suit (1.1% chance that your partner has no cards in the suit, and 2.2% chance that either of your opponents has no cards in the suit); 19.2% chance that someone has only one card of the suit (6.4%, 12.8%); and 47.7% chance that someone only has two cards of the suit (16.9%, 33.8%)

If you have three cards of one suit, there is a 5.1% chance that someone has no cards of that suit (1.7% chance that your partner has no cards in the suit, and 3.4% that either of your opponents has no cards in that suit); a 25.8% chance that someone has only one card of that suit (8.6%, 17.2%); and 58.5% chance that someone only has two cards of that suit (19.5%, 39%).

If you have four cards of one suit, there is a 7.8% chance that someone has no cards of that suit (2.6% chance that your partner has no cards in the suit, and 5.2% that either of your opponents has no cards in that suit); a 35% chance that someone only has one card of that suit (11.7%, 23.4%); and 70% chance that someone only has two cards of that suit (23.3%, 46.6%).

Tips spades

2025-03-17T02:50:17Z

123marcel: strategy tips

Beware the bags, but it's almost always better to underbid than to overbid.

If you have a lot of spades, bid higher.

If you can, try to remember how many rounds of each suit have played (all 4 players playing the same suit). If there have been 3, then ONE of that suit remains. Careful as 3 other can trump that!

Try to remember how many spades have been played and which of the high ones are gone compared to what you have left to play.

'''DECIDING WHETHER TO TRY AND SET THE OPPONENTS, OR MAKE THEM NOT ACHIEVE THEIR TRICKS -''' (assuming no NILS bid) -

If a total of 13 is bid. You need all the tricks you can get. Throw away THE lowest cards if you aren't going for it. Sometimes a middle card will take a trick. Any extra 1 sets the opponents.

If 12 is bid. It's only ONE bag if you can't achieve the set. TWO bags and you've set the opponents. Worth it! If you have a few extra spades - might be worth a shot.

If 11 is bid. It is VERY tough to set the opps. You would have to take 3 bags minimum. That is in essence 30 pts you give up and if the other team has bid 3 or 4, probably not worth trying depending on the score of course.

If 10 or less is bid. Lots of rounds are going to be low playing as throw away tricks will be important to avoid BAGS. Be careful leading high cards. (Setting is VERY unlikely. Don't try it! HA!)

'''TIPS FOR GOING NIL -'''

If you have a short suit (1 or 2) that is good. Hopefully they will be played AND you can throw away a card on the 3rd run of that suit. If you have only one low card in one suit, that helps throw the face cards of your other suits when lead. Non spades of course.

If you have face cards but also 3 smaller cards in a suit, that is good because you can play the 3 small of the suit (AND probably almost 12 cards will be gone of that suit then). But if you have K or A and only 2 small in the suit - the 3rd round might be yours UNLESS luckily your partner only has/had 2 and now is free to trump.

If your partner bids 4 or more. Don't assume they can cover your nil. You STILL have to have a lot of LOW cards! A 4 bid could be 2 high Spades and 2 aces and ALL low cards other than that.

If the opponents bid will give them 500, you can risk a nil if you are well behind in the score. If you do the math, sometimes you will lose UNLESS you try a nil.

If you are covering your partner and lead the ace, pay attention to their next card. If it is the 4, then you know they do not have anything higher. They would play THE highest card in that suit after they see the ace. You can then lead a 3 or lower (and probably they will get rid of a face card in another suit, or the 2). However, this is potentially dangerous with the last 4 card as your partner MAY have gone nil with 4 spades. (I don't recommend that even if 2, 3, 4, 5), but be aware if you lead that low card because you KNOW they don't have anything higher in that suit... they may HAVE to play a spade at the end of the game...

===Can your partner beat a high card? The stats - - -===

If you have the queen of one suit, there is a 55.5% chance that your partner has a card to beat it (i.e. king or an ace). So even if your hand with a queen of spades is otherwise very weak, you should not go for a nil unless you are behind by many points, as the base success rate is only 55% [you can only expect 100*0.55+(-100)*0.45=10 points from the play, and will likely saddle your partner with bags].

If you have the jack of one suit, there is a 70.3% chance that your partner has a card to beat it.

If you have the ten of one suit, there is a 80.2% chance that your partner has a card to beat it.

===Who is undersuited, and by how much? The stats - - -===

If you have two cards of one suit, there is a 3.3% chance that someone has no cards of that suit (1.1% chance that your partner has no cards in the suit, and 2.2% chance that either of your opponents has no cards in the suit); 19.2% chance that someone has only one card of the suit (6.4%, 12.8%); and 47.7% chance that someone only has two cards of the suit (16.9%, 33.8%)

If you have three cards of one suit, there is a 5.1% chance that someone has no cards of that suit (1.7% chance that your partner has no cards in the suit, and 3.4% that either of your opponents has no cards in that suit); a 25.8% chance that someone has only one card of that suit (8.6%, 17.2%); and 58.5% chance that someone only has two cards of that suit (19.5%, 39%).

If you have four cards of one suit, there is a 7.8% chance that someone has no cards of that suit (2.6% chance that your partner has no cards in the suit, and 5.2% that either of your opponents has no cards in that suit); a 35% chance that someone only has one card of that suit (11.7%, 23.4%); and 70% chance that someone only has two cards of that suit (23.3%, 46.6%).

Tips spades

2025-03-17T02:44:53Z

123marcel: strategy tips

Beware the bags, but it's almost always better to underbid than to overbid.

If you have a lot of spades, bid higher.

If you can, try to remember how many rounds of each suit have played (all 4 players playing the same suit). If there have been 3, then ONE of that suit remains. Careful as 3 other can trump that!

'''DECIDING WHETHER TO TRY AND SET THE OPPONENTS, OR MAKE THEM NOT ACHIEVE THEIR TRICKS -''' (assuming no NILS bid) -

If a total of 13 is bid. You need all the tricks you can get. Throw away THE lowest cards if you aren't going for it. Sometimes a middle card will take a trick. Any extra 1 sets the opponents.

If 12 is bid. It's only ONE bag if you can't achieve the set. TWO bags and you've set the opponents. Worth it! If you have a few extra spades - might be worth a shot.

If 11 is bid. It is VERY tough to set the opps. You would have to take 3 bags minimum. That is in essence 30 pts you give up and if the other team has bid 3 or 4, probably not worth trying depending on the score of course.

If 10 or less is bid. Lots of rounds are going to be low playing as throw away tricks will be important to avoid BAGS. Be careful leading high cards. (Setting is VERY unlikely. Don't try it! HA!)

'''TIPS FOR GOING NIL -'''

If you have a short suit (1 or 2) that is good. Hopefully they will be played AND you can throw away a card on the 3rd run of that suit.

If you have face cards but also 3 smaller cards in a suit, that is good because you can play the 3 small of the suit (AND probably almost 12 cards will be gone of that suit then). But if you have K or A and only 2 small in the suit - the 3rd round might be yours UNLESS luckily your partner only has/had 2 and now is free to trump.

If your partner bids 4 or more. Don't assume they can cover your nil. You STILL have to have a lot of cards below 7. A 4 bid could be 2 high Spades and 2 aces and ALL low cards other than that.

If the opponents bid will give them 500, you can risk a nil if you are well behind in the score. If you do the math, sometimes you will lose UNLESS you try a nil.

If you have only one middle to low card in one suit, that helps throw the face cards of your other suits when lead. Non spades of course.

If you are covering your partner and lead the ace, pay attention to their next card. If it is the 4, then you know they do not have anything higher. They would play THE highest card in that suit after they see the ace. You can then lead a 3 or lower (and probably they will get rid of a face card in another suit, or the 2). However, this is potentially dangerous with the last 4 card as your partner MAY have gone nil with 4 spades. (I don't recommend that even if 2, 3, 4, 5), but be aware if you lead that low card because you KNOW they don't have anything higher in that suit... they may HAVE to play a spade at the end of the game...

===Can your partner beat a high card? The stats - - -===

If you have the queen of one suit, there is a 55.5% chance that your partner has a card to beat it (i.e. king or an ace). So even if your hand with a queen of spades is otherwise very weak, you should not go for a nil unless you are behind by many points, as the base success rate is only 55% [you can only expect 100*0.55+(-100)*0.45=10 points from the play, and will likely saddle your partner with bags].

If you have the jack of one suit, there is a 70.3% chance that your partner has a card to beat it.

If you have the ten of one suit, there is a 80.2% chance that your partner has a card to beat it.

===Who is undersuited, and by how much? The stats - - -===

If you have two cards of one suit, there is a 3.3% chance that someone has no cards of that suit (1.1% chance that your partner has no cards in the suit, and 2.2% chance that either of your opponents has no cards in the suit); 19.2% chance that someone has only one card of the suit (6.4%, 12.8%); and 47.7% chance that someone only has two cards of the suit (16.9%, 33.8%)

If you have three cards of one suit, there is a 5.1% chance that someone has no cards of that suit (1.7% chance that your partner has no cards in the suit, and 3.4% that either of your opponents has no cards in that suit); a 25.8% chance that someone has only one card of that suit (8.6%, 17.2%); and 58.5% chance that someone only has two cards of that suit (19.5%, 39%).

If you have four cards of one suit, there is a 7.8% chance that someone has no cards of that suit (2.6% chance that your partner has no cards in the suit, and 5.2% that either of your opponents has no cards in that suit); a 35% chance that someone only has one card of that suit (11.7%, 23.4%); and 70% chance that someone only has two cards of that suit (23.3%, 46.6%).

Tips forsale

2024-10-23T22:45:41Z

123marcel: removed a sentence that wasn't logical or confusing. Added a strategy tip.

There are 2 halves to this game. 1st you spend money on property cards. Then 2nd half, you trade property values back for money. The trick in the 1st half, is knowing when to sacrifice a lot of your chips. Look at the property cards and decide if they're really worth spending a lot chips. Because remember that if you pass you get half your chips back, therefore getting a much better price than the person who wins. ONLY the winning bid pays their full price. Everyone else gets 1/2 back. Also make note that often it is rounded DOWN. So if you bid and odd amount like 5, you will only get 2 back if you are not the highest bidder.

Also assess WHEN you have to bid in turn order. If you bid last, typically the costs will be higher. If there is a 30 and you can get the 15 for free by passing vs bidding 5 or more, then that is often a better move. Save your money for later rounds. It is EASY to run out of money!

Often the coins are visible. If you see that you have equal to the highest amount of another player, you can bid that and they cannot outbid you.

Remember what people have and what they've played already. Try to remember the highest property cards ... 20-30, in relation to what you have in your hand. Knowing you have the highest or 2nd highest card left, helps. If you have the lowest properties numbers, then if the cheapest dollar card visible is decent (above $5), then that might be a time to play the lower cards. Even if you are last, you will get something decent.

Consider your turn order. Since the winning bid goes first, one strategy is to bid high early to secure the first bid in the following hand. A high 1st bid may discourage others, but can result in you overpaying when nobody follows your initial bid.

When selling properties back in the 2nd half of the game, try to assess all the visible cards. If the dollar cards are: $15, 14, 13, 12, 11... well there is little difference between the highest and lowest. You wouldn't have to give up a big property for relatively similar money. If the dollar cards are: $15, 14, 3, 2, 0.... well you want to try to be one of the top 2 highest.

Tips justone

2024-09-20T01:17:56Z

123marcel: tip added

Strategies:

Consider where the other players are from (different continents).
Skipping if you are unsure uses up 1 card, however guessing incorrectly uses 2.

There are 4 types of good clues:

# Synonyms
# Reference
# Creative, unusual usage or reference
# Phrases that ''end'' with the target word (but not necessarily ones that ''begin'' with it)

Some clues are there to disambiguate use them wisely.

Less common clues are:

# Related words (not the best clues)
# Meta-word telling what type of word the mystery word is.

When trying to guess one can identify the category and try to guess like that.

If playing with 4 or less, you will get 2 words. You have the option of playing the game as "JUST TWO". So if the word is MEATBALL, your 2 words could be SPAGHETTI - AND. (However if someone else gets equally creative, that can DUPLICATE a word.) Also if using 2 individual words, make sure they don't sound like a 2 word combo. Let's say the word was TIDE... You could put WHITE WASH. but that might be confusing vs. WASH - WHITE...

Tips justone

2024-09-20T01:16:40Z

123marcel: Tip added

Strategies:

Consider where the other players are from (different continents).
Skipping if you are unsure uses up 1 card, however guessing incorrectly uses 2.

There are 4 types of good clues:

# Synonyms
# Reference
# Creative, unusual usage or reference
# Phrases that ''end'' with the target word (but not necessarily ones that ''begin'' with it)

Some clues are there to disambiguate use them wisely.

Less common clues are:

# Related words (not the best clues)
# Meta-word telling what type of word the mystery word is.

When trying to guess one can identify the category and try to guess like that.

If playing with 4 or less, you will get 2 words. You have the option of playing the game as "JUST TWO". so if the word is MEATBALL, your 2 words could be SPAGHETTI / AND. However if someone else gets equally creative, that can DUPLICATE a word. Also if using 2 individual words, make sure they don't sound like a 2 word combo. Let's say the word was TIDE... You could put WHITE WASH. but that might be confusing vs. WASH - WHITE...

Gamehelpeuchre

2024-05-12T23:52:16Z

123marcel:

This is a standard trick-taking game played with a 24-card deck(9-A). There are two stages to each round, and you play to a set number of points based on how many tricks you take in the round. 4 players - 2 teams.

=== '''Calling Trump''' ===
After each player is dealt five cards, the top card of the remaining cards in the middle is flipped up. The player to the left of the dealer is then given first choice to decide whether he wants the dealer to pick up that card. If the dealer picks it up, the suit of that card becomes trump. If he decides to pass, play continues to the left, with the same decision being made by each player. If all players (including the dealer) pass, the card in the middle is turned over, and the player to the dealer's left may choose any other suit to become trump without any cards being picked up by the dealer. If he does not have good enough cards to call, he may pass, and play continues to the left until someone calls trump. In standard games, if everyone else passes a second time, the dealer must call trump (called sticking the dealer). There is an option that players can call no trump instead of a particular suit once the middle card is turned over.

=== '''Gameplay''' ===
The second stage of the round is the actual gameplay. The most difficult part of Euchre is understanding how the jacks work. For whichever suit is called trump, instead of the normal order of priority (Ace high, K,Q,J,10,9), the Jack of trump is the highest card (Right bauer), and the jack of the same color but a different suit is played as trump, and becomes the second highest card (Left bauer). Thus, if hearts is called trump, the order of priority for trump would be J of H, J of D, A of H, K of H, Q of H, 10 of H, 9 of H.

The player to the left of the dealer leads the first trick. Play then continues to the left. Players must follow suit, but if they have no cards of the suit, they may play any card. The highest card in the suit led wins the trick, but if a trump card is played, the highest trump wins the trick instead.

=== '''Scoring''' ===
If the team that calls trump wins three tricks, they earn one point. If they win all five tricks, they earn two points. If they do not win three tricks, they have been euchred, and the other team earns two points.

In the trump-calling phase there is an option for a player to call trump and go alone. When this happens, his partner does not play the round, but if he wins all five tricks, he gets four points. Otherwise, scoring is normal. (one point for three tricks, two points to the other team for getting euchred).

Tips spades

2024-02-05T23:52:13Z

123marcel: DECIDING WHETHER TO TRY AND SET THE OPPONENTS

Beware the bags, but it's almost always better to underbid than to overbid.

If you have a lot of spades, bid higher.

'''DECIDING WHETHER TO TRY AND SET THE OPPONENTS, OR MAKE THEM NOT ACHIEVE THEIR TRICKS -''' (assuming no NILS bid) -

If a total of 13 is bid. You need all the tricks you can get. Throw away THE lowest cards if you aren't going for it. Sometimes a middle card will take a trick. Any extra 1 sets the opponents.

If 12 is bid. It's only ONE bag if you can't achieve the set. TWO bags and you've set the opponents. Worth it! If you have a few extra spades - might be worth a shot.

If 11 is bid. It is VERY tough to set the opps. You would have to take 3 bags minimum. That is in essence 30 pts you give up and if the other team has bid 3 or 4, probably not worth trying.

If 10 or less is bid. Lots of rounds are going to be low playing as throw away tricks will be important. Be careful leading high cards. (Setting is VERY unlikely. Don't try it! HA!)

'''TIPS FOR GOING NIL -'''

If you have a short suit (1 or 2) that is good. Hopefully they will be played AND you can throw away a card on the 3rd run of that suit.

If you have face cards but also 3 smaller cards in a suit, that is good because you can play the 3 small of the suit (AND probably almost 12 cards will be gone of that suit then). But if you have K or A and only 2 small in the suit - the 3rd round might be yours UNLESS luckily your partner only has/had 2 and now is free to trump.

===Can your partner beat a high card?===

If you have the queen of one suit, there is a 55.5% chance that your partner has a card to beat it (i.e. king or an ace). So even if your hand with a queen of spades is otherwise very weak, you should not go for a nil unless you are behind by many points, as the base success rate is only 55% [you can only expect 100*0.55+(-100)*0.45=10 points from the play, and will likely saddle your partner with bags].

If you have the jack of one suit, there is a 70.3% chance that your partner has a card to beat it.

If you have the ten of one suit, there is a 80.2% chance that your partner has a card to beat it.

===Who is undersuited, and by how much?===

If you have two cards of one suit, there is a 3.3% chance that someone has no cards of that suit (1.1% chance that your partner has no cards in the suit, and 2.2% chance that either of your opponents has no cards in the suit); 19.2% chance that someone has only one card of the suit (6.4%, 12.8%); and 47.7% chance that someone only has two cards of the suit (16.9%, 33.8%)

If you have three cards of one suit, there is a 5.1% chance that someone has no cards of that suit (1.7% chance that your partner has no cards in the suit, and 3.4% that either of your opponents has no cards in that suit); a 25.8% chance that someone has only one card of that suit (8.6%, 17.2%); and 58.5% chance that someone only has two cards of that suit (19.5%, 39%).

If you have four cards of one suit, there is a 7.8% chance that someone has no cards of that suit (2.6% chance that your partner has no cards in the suit, and 5.2% that either of your opponents has no cards in that suit); a 35% chance that someone only has one card of that suit (11.7%, 23.4%); and 70% chance that someone only has two cards of that suit (23.3%, 46.6%).

Tips spades

2023-12-07T02:39:09Z

123marcel: tips on going nil

Beware the bags, but it's almost always better to underbid than to overbid.

If you have a lot of spades, bid higher.

'''TIPS FOR GOING NIL -'''

If you have a short suit (1 or 2) that is good. Hopefully they will be played AND you can throw away a card on the 3rd run of that suit.

If you have face cards but also 3 smaller cards in a suit, that is good because you can play the 3 small of the suit (AND probably almost 12 cards will be gone of that suit then). But if you have K or A and only 2 small in the suit - the 3rd round might be yours UNLESS luckily your partner only has/had 2 and now is free to trump.

===Can your partner beat a high card?===

If you have the queen of one suit, there is a 55.5% chance that your partner has a card to beat it (i.e. king or an ace). So even if your hand with a queen of spades is otherwise very weak, you should not go for a nil unless you are behind by many points, as the base success rate is only 55% [you can only expect 100*0.55+(-100)*0.45=10 points from the play, and will likely saddle your partner with bags].

If you have the jack of one suit, there is a 70.3% chance that your partner has a card to beat it.

If you have the ten of one suit, there is a 80.2% chance that your partner has a card to beat it.

===Who is undersuited, and by how much?===

If you have two cards of one suit, there is a 3.3% chance that someone has no cards of that suit (1.1% chance that your partner has no cards in the suit, and 2.2% chance that either of your opponents has no cards in the suit); 19.2% chance that someone has only one card of the suit (6.4%, 12.8%); and 47.7% chance that someone only has two cards of the suit (16.9%, 33.8%)

If you have three cards of one suit, there is a 5.1% chance that someone has no cards of that suit (1.7% chance that your partner has no cards in the suit, and 3.4% that either of your opponents has no cards in that suit); a 25.8% chance that someone has only one card of that suit (8.6%, 17.2%); and 58.5% chance that someone only has two cards of that suit (19.5%, 39%).

If you have four cards of one suit, there is a 7.8% chance that someone has no cards of that suit (2.6% chance that your partner has no cards in the suit, and 5.2% that either of your opponents has no cards in that suit); a 35% chance that someone only has one card of that suit (11.7%, 23.4%); and 70% chance that someone only has two cards of that suit (23.3%, 46.6%).

Tips forsale

2023-10-04T23:07:03Z

123marcel:

There are 2 halves to this game. 1st you spend money on property cards. Then 2nd half, you trade property values back for money. The trick in the 1st half, is knowing when to sacrifice a lot of your chips. Look at the property cards and decide if they're really worth spending a lot chips. Because remember that if you pass you get half your chips back, therefore getting a much better price than the person who wins. ONLY the winning bid pays their full price. Everyone else gets 1/2 back. Also make note that often it is rounded DOWN. So if you bid and odd amount like 5, you will only get 2 back if you are not the highest bidder.

Do realize there are many strategies in this game. One of the strategies is when you bid then wait for it to build up, let people pass, then end the bid. Thus you hand over only HALF of the coins you spent and got a good property.

Also assess WHEN you have to bid in turn order. If you bid last, typically the costs will be higher. If there is a 30 and you can get the 15 for free by passing vs bidding 5 or more, then that is often a better move. Save your money for later rounds. It is EASY to run out of money!

Remember what people have and what they've played already. Try to remember the highest property cards ... 20-30, in relation to what you have in your hand. Knowing you have the highest or 2nd highest card left, helps. If you have the lowest properties numbers, then if the cheapest dollar card visible is decent (above $5), then that might be a time to play the lower cards. Even if you are last, you will get something decent.

Consider your turn order. Since the winning bid goes first, one strategy is to bid high early to secure the first bid in the following hand. A high 1st bid may discourage others, but can result in you overpaying when nobody follows your initial bid.

When selling properties back in the 2nd half of the game, try to assess all the visible cards. If the dollar cards are: $15, 14, 13, 12, 11... well there is little difference between the highest and lowest. You wouldn't have to give up a big property for relatively similar money. If the dollar cards are: $15, 14, 3, 2, 0.... well you want to try to be one of the top 2 highest.