In card games featuring a trump suit, a trump card is a card of the suit that is, for the duration of a hand, ranked higher than any card of any other suit. Employing this strategy involves either leading with a card from the trump suit or playing a trump card when unable to follow suit, with the aim of winning the trick. For example, in a game where spades are trumps, any spade, regardless of its numerical value, will defeat a heart, diamond, or club, provided those cards are led.
Strategic utilization of trumps is often crucial to success in many trick-taking card games. Understanding when to expend these powerful cards, whether to force out opponent’s trumps or to secure a vital trick, is fundamental. Historically, the use of a designated trump suit has added a layer of complexity and tactical depth to card play, allowing for unexpected reversals and strategic maneuvering even with a seemingly weaker hand.