When to bid No Trump?
In No Trump there is no ruffing: strength comes from aces and high cards. The ace even rises to 19 points in this contract.
The scale changes everything
In No Trump, the ace is worth 19, the 10 worth 10, the king 4, the queen 3, the jack 2. Aces become the rulers: holding three or four well-spread aces is often ideal here. With no ruffing possible, whoever has the highest cards sweeps the tricks.
What kind of hand?
- Several aces, ideally spread across suits.
- Balanced suits rather than big imbalances.
- Secondary high cards (kings, tens) that take over after the aces.
Traps to know
A hand long in one suit without its ace risks being "held off": the opponents keep control and deny you tricks. No Trump rewards balance and aces, not raw length. It's not a bid to avoid, but one to save for hands that truly fit its scale.
See also
FAQ
How much is the ace worth in No Trump?
The ace is worth 19 points in No Trump, versus 11 in a suit contract. That's what makes aces so important here.
Do you need many aces to bid No Trump?
It's ideal but not strictly required. A balanced hand with two solid aces and good secondary cards can be enough depending on the situation.