Can you take back your bid?
Updated
No: once your bid is spoken and heard, it is firm and final. You can't correct it.
A bid commits you
During the auction, the moment you call a value and a suit (say "90 hearts"), you're committed. The classic rule is that a clear bid heard by everyone can no longer be changed: no "actually, make it 100."
The slip-of-the-tongue case
If you misspeak (a genuine slip corrected at once, before others have reacted), some tables tolerate the fix. But it's a courtesy, not a right: in a tournament, the bid as spoken stands. Best to think before you speak.
Raising isn't changing
You can always raise your bid on your next turn if the auction comes back to you (for example going from 90 to 110), that's normal play. What's forbidden is taking back or lowering a bid already made. To bid is to commit. Likewise, once you've passed, you can't speak up again to take the bid: passing is final for the current round.
Example bidding sequence
South bids “80 hearts”, West passes, North passes, East bids “90 spades”. South would now rather play in clubs, where they hold more than they first thought.
- Not allowed: saying “actually, my 80 was in clubs.” The 80 hearts bid stands.
- Allowed: on their turn, bidding “100 clubs.” That's a new bid, higher than 90, in another suit. Their partner will draw conclusions from it.
- Also allowed: bidding “100 hearts” to confirm the first suit, or passing.
So switching suits while raising is possible, but it costs you: you have to commit higher. Hence the value of properly evaluating your hand before bidding.
Common bidding mistakes
- The incomplete bid: saying “90” with no suit. Depending on the table, you're asked to specify or the bid is ruled invalid. Get into the habit of always stating value and suit.
- The insufficient bid: bidding 90 when the auction already stands at 100. It isn't valid; tables usually rule it must be replaced by a proper bid or a pass.
- Speaking out of turn: even with good intentions, it passes information to your partner. Many tables at least issue a warning.
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FAQ
Can you change your bid in coinche?
No. A bid clearly spoken and heard is firm and final. You can neither lower it nor correct it afterwards.
What if you misspeak when bidding?
Some tables tolerate an immediate correction of a genuine slip, but it's a courtesy, not a right. In a tournament, the spoken bid stands.
Can you switch trump suit during the auction?
Yes, but only by making a new, higher bid in the other suit on your turn. You can't change the suit of a bid already made.
What happens if you bid lower than the current bid?
The bid is insufficient and doesn't count. Most tables ask you to replace it with a valid bid or a pass. Best to agree on the rule before playing.