Ready Tricks and Potential Tricks

In the beginning there are ready tricks and potential tricks. Ready tricks are the ones that you can immediately take, such as aces, or kings accompanied by aces, or queens accompanied by aces and kings. You don't have to wait. They are ready now.

Potential tricks are the ones you can get to only after you make a play that transforms lower cards into winning cards. If you do nothing, someone's lower cards will assume winning rank by force as the play progresses. If you play your cards skillfully, more of your lower cards than those of the other side will eventually win tricks.

With a few advanced exceptions, the correct of order of play is potential tricks first, ready tricks last. Most new players make the mistake of playing off their ready tricks, for fear that they will get away. Don't let fear guide your play. Caution yes, fear no.

The Four Ways to Develop Extra Tricks

There are four ways to convert potential tricks to ready tricks:

1. By forcing out higher cards - if you have a solid honor combination such as KQ or QJ10, you can simply play one of the high cards. When the other side takes their control cards, your cards will then become winnners.
2. By playing your long suit until the other side runs out - your remainders will now stand up.
3. With favorable placement of your cards - if your high cards sit behind those of your opponent, they can win extra tricks.
4. By trumping.