Editing Sheepshead (card game) (section)

===Opponents===
*  In the ''called aces'' variant, the opponents should usually lead another card of the called suit, as it is required by rule that the picker and partner must have and play a card of that fail suit for sure. Since there are five players and (usually) six cards in each fail suit, it is likely that one of the opponents will ''not ''have a card of that suit and thus be able to trump the trick and take the called ace for at least 11 points. If the opponents wait, an opponent might be able to [[Sheepshead (game)#Throwing Off|throw off]] his single card in the called suit and thereafter be able to trump the first trick of the called suit. However, waiting is dangerous because there are only six tricks in the five-player game, and the picker usually tries to lead trump and thus bleed the opponents of their trump—in part for the very purpose of avoiding this tactic by the opponents.
*  If the picker has one card of a given suit, they are more likely to have another card of that same suit than to have one of another fail suit. Leading that suit back at them (if possible) is a common strategy that will allow for a greater chance for the opponents to be able to trump or [[Sheepshead (game)#Schmear|schmear]] the trick.
*  Watch for tell-tale play. If a player schmears an ace or ten in front of the picker, there's a good chance that they are the partner.
*  Never lead trump unless absolutely necessary; doing so will likely hurt the opponent's team more than the picker/partner.