When to bid All Trump?

In All Trump, all four suits are trump at once. The jacks become kings: each is worth 14 points.

A scale ruled by jacks

In All Trump, the jack is worth 14, the nine 9, the ace 6, the 10 worth 5, the king 3, the queen 1. Holding several jacks means controlling the contract from the top. Four jacks in hand is a dream for this contract.

What kind of hand?

• Several jacks, the heart of All Trump.
• Nines to back up the jacks.
• A shape that leaves you master in several suits.

Strengths and limits

Since every suit is trump, anyone can ruff anywhere: tricks are won by rank, not by ruffing. A hand without jacks or nines is weak here, even if it looks pretty in a normal contract. All Trump isn't automatically the best call just because you hold two jacks: always compare it with a suit contract or No Trump before deciding.

See also

FAQ

How much is the jack worth in All Trump?

The jack is worth 14 points in All Trump, in each of the four suits. It's the master card of this contract.

Are two jacks enough to bid All Trump?

They can be if backed by nines and a good shape, but it's not automatic. Compare with the other possible contracts first.