Ruff or discard: the right reflex

When you're out of the led suit, two options: ruff with a trump or discard another suit. The choice depends on the points at stake and the rules.

What the rules require

In coinche, if you lack the suit you must ruff (often with the duty to overruff if an opponent has already trumped). A common exception: if your partner already wins the trick, the convention lets you discard instead of ruffing. Check your table's rules.

When ruffing pays

• The trick holds many points (ace, ten, last trick) and an opponent is winning it.
• You have small trumps best used this way.
• Ruffing puts you back on lead to run your suit.

When discarding is better

If your partner is winning and you're allowed, keep your trumps for later and discard a useless card. Ruffing for nothing wastes a precious trump. And remember your discard can signal your strong suit to your partner.

See also

FAQ

Are you forced to ruff in coinche?

Yes, if you lack the led suit you must ruff, often overruffing. But if your partner already wins the trick, the convention lets you discard.

Is it better to ruff or discard?

Ruff if the trick is worth many points and an opponent is winning it. Discard to keep your trumps when your partner already holds the trick.