When to bid No Trump?
Updated
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.
The No Trump scale at a glance
| Card | No Trump | Side suit (normal contract) |
|---|---|---|
| Ace | 19 | 11 |
| Ten | 10 | 10 |
| King | 4 | 4 |
| Queen | 3 | 3 |
| Jack | 2 | 2 |
| 9, 8, 7 | 0 | 0 |
Each suit is therefore worth 38 points, 152 for the whole deck, plus the 10 for the last trick: you get back to 162 points per deal, just like a suit contract. The card order stays A, 10, K, Q, J, 9, 8, 7. More on No Trump points.
Sample hand, step by step
You hold A-10-K of hearts, A-Q of spades, A-10 of clubs and the king of diamonds. Count first: hearts 19 + 10 + 4 = 33, spades 19 + 3 = 22, clubs 19 + 10 = 29, diamonds 4. Total: 88 points in hand.
- Your sure tricks: three aces, so three tricks on the first round. The tens of hearts and clubs become masters once the aces are gone.
- Your weakness: the lone king of diamonds. An opponent holding the ace and 10 of diamonds can run the suit, and you can't ruff.
- What can help: a partner who holds the ace of diamonds, or who has already shown strength in that suit.
This hand is a good No Trump candidate at a moderate level. Played in hearts, the same hand would be worth less: your ace of hearts would only score 11. But if your partner has bid a suit you support, staying in a trump contract can be defended too.
Want to practise? Play coinche online for free: tunable AIs and a coach are waiting for you on Coincheur.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.
How many points are there in total in No Trump?
Still 162: each suit is worth 38 points (19 + 10 + 4 + 3 + 2), so 152 for the four suits, plus 10 for the last trick.
Is No Trump always allowed?
It depends on your table. Many games are played without No Trump or All Trump, and on Coincheur these contracts are an option you switch on in the settings. Agree on it before you start.