What is Trump?
Trump
A designated suit that beats all other suits in trick-taking games. Even the lowest trump beats
the highest card of any other suit.
How Trump Works
- The lowest trump (2) beats the highest non-trump (Ace)
- Higher trumps beat lower trumps
- You can only "trump" (play a trump) when you can't follow suit
Example (Spades is Trump)
Cards played: A♥, K♥, Q♥, 2♠. The 2♠ wins! Any trump beats any non-trump.
Trump in Popular Games
| Game | Trump Suit | How Determined |
|---|---|---|
| Spades | Spades (♠) | Always fixed |
| Bridge | Varies | Winning bidder chooses |
| Euchre | Varies | Determined by upcard/bidding |
| Hearts | None | No trump in Hearts |
The Verb "To Trump"
Trumping (or "ruffing") means playing a trump card when you cannot follow suit. Example:
- Hearts are led
- You have no hearts
- You play a spade (trump) to win the trick
Trump Strategy
- Save high trumps: Use low trumps first when possible
- Create voids: Empty a suit so you can trump later
- Count trumps: Track how many have been played
- Draw trumps: Lead trump to exhaust opponents' trumps
Etymology
The word "trump" comes from the Italian word "trionfi" (triumph), originating from Tarot card games in the 15th century. The everyday phrase "playing your trump card" comes directly from card games.