What you lose when the contract fails

When a contract fails, the team that took it scores 0, and the opponents collect 162 + the bid value.

What "going down" means

A contract fails when the team that took it doesn't reach its bid (for example, it bid 110 but only made 95). The contract is then lost, no matter how many tricks were won.

The failure scale

The most common calculation: the bidding team scores 0, and the defence scores 162 + the bid amount. Example: a failed 100 contract gives the defence 162 + 100 = 262 points. A belote (20) stays with the side holding it and is added depending on conventions.

With coinche or surcoinche

If the failed contract was coinched, the points (162 + bid) are doubled for the defence. Surcoinched, they're multiplied by 4. That's what makes a successful coinche so rewarding, and an overambitious bid so dangerous.

The bid capot case

A bid capot that fails (the opponents take at least one trick) sends the 250 points to the defence, plus any multipliers if the deal was coinched.

See also

FAQ

How many points do you score when a contract fails?

The team that took it scores 0. The defence scores 162 plus the bid value. For example, a failed 100 contract gives the defence 262 points.

What happens if a coinched contract fails?

The defence's points (162 plus the bid) are doubled. With a surcoinche, they are multiplied by four.