When to redouble?
To surcoinche is to answer an opponent's coinche by taking the contract to ×4. The stake quadruples, and so does the penalty.
The mechanic
When the opponents coinche you (×2), you may surcoinche to push the stake to ×4. You're claiming your contract will make despite their challenge. If you hold, the gain is huge; if you fail, the loss is just as big.
When it's justified
- You're very confident in your contract: master trumps, well-placed aces, suit control.
- The opponents' coinche looks presumptuous given what you hold.
- Your partner has shown support and you know where the tricks are.
Caution still applies
Surcoinching isn't about pride. An opponent often coinches for a real reason: ignoring that signal to hit back out of ego is a classic mistake. A surcoinche can be brilliant or disastrous. Judge coldly, weigh the score, and accept that a plain "we'll make it" without redoubling is sometimes the best choice.
See also
FAQ
How much does surcoinching multiply the points?
Surcoinching takes the contract points to ×4 (quadruple), in answer to the opponents' coinche which was at ×2.
Is surcoinching common?
No, it stays rare. It demands strong confidence in your contract, because the quadrupled stake makes the smallest mistake very costly.