Counting trumps: the key skill
Updated
Knowing how many trumps are left is probably the most profitable skill in coinche. And it's simpler than it sounds.
The starting point: 8 trumps
A trump suit holds 8 cards in all (J, 9, A, 10, K, Q, 8, 7). You see some in your hand. On each trump round, add up those on the table: when the total hits 8, none remain.
A simple method
Many players count by rounds rather than card by card: a trump round where everyone follows is 4 trumps gone. Two full rounds make 8, so nothing left. If someone ruffs or discards, adjust your count.
What it's for
- Knowing whether you can cash your side ace without getting ruffed.
- Knowing whether to pull a last trump round or stop.
- Spotting the master trump left for the last trick.
Example: counting trick by trick
You took 100 in hearts with J♥ 9♥ 10♥. So 5 trumps are outside: A, K, Q, 8 and 7. Here's how the count evolves:
| Trick | What happens | Trumps outside |
|---|---|---|
| Start | 8 - 3 in your hand | 5 |
| 1 | You lead the jack, the other three follow | 5 - 3 = 2 |
| 3 | An opponent ruffs a spade with the 7♥ | 2 - 1 = 1 |
| 4 | You lead the 9, the ace falls, the other two discard | 1 - 1 = 0 |
Result: no trumps are left outside, and your 10♥ is now the only trump in play. It's the master, and you can keep it for the last trick.
The most common counting mistakes
- Forgetting ruffs: a trump played to ruff another suit counts too.
- Forgetting your own trumps: always start from 8 minus your hand.
- Counting without knowing which: knowing one trump is left isn't enough, track at least the jack, nine and ace.
- Losing track: if you drift off, recount from the start using the visible tricks, without guessing.
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FAQ
How many trumps are there in a deal?
Eight: the jack, nine, ace, ten, king, queen, eight and seven of the trump suit.
How do you know if trumps remain?
Count those already played. When the trumps played add up to eight, none are left. Counting by full rounds (4 trumps per round) helps a lot.
Should you remember which trumps fell, or just how many?
Ideally both. At the very least, remember the number and the top trumps (jack, nine, ace): that's what tells you whether your next trump will be the master or not.
Should you count trumps on defence too?
Yes, just as much as declarer. Knowing they have no trumps left tells you your side aces are no longer at risk of a ruff, and knowing how many they still hold helps you decide whether it's worth forcing them to ruff to shorten their trumps.