Talking to your partner: the signals

In coinche, talking is forbidden during play: you communicate with your partner only through the cards you play. Here are the basics.

The call: asking for a suit

When you can't win the trick, the card you discard speaks. Playing a high card (above the seven) in a suit usually signals strength there and "calls" your partner to lead it back. A small card says the opposite: stay away.

The meaningful discard

When you're out of the led suit and not ruffing, choose your discard on purpose. Discarding a suit generally shows you have nothing to keep there, so your strength lies elsewhere. Your partner reads where your points are.

Stay careful

• Signals are table conventions: agree on them beforehand.
• Opponents read your cards too: a signal informs everyone.
• The contract comes before the signal: don't waste a trick just to "talk."

See also

FAQ

How do you call a suit to your partner?

By playing a high card (above the seven) in the suit, you signal strength there and invite your partner to lead it back. A small card signals the opposite.

Does the signal also inform the opponents?

Yes. Everyone sees the cards, so a signal informs all four players. Use it when the gain for your side outweighs the risk.