How Nil scores
Taking zero tricks earns 100 points. Taking one or more tricks loses 100. Your partner still makes a normal bid, and the partnership must manage both goals at once.
What a strong Nil hand looks like
Look for low cards, several cards in long suits and few dangerous middle cards. A short suit can be risky because you may be forced to trump. Low spades are helpful only when opponents still hold higher spades.
How the partner protects Nil
The covering partner should keep high cards that can overtake the Nil player’s dangerous cards. Lead suits where the Nil player appears safe, and avoid exhausting a suit too early. Sometimes sacrificing the team contract is correct if it saves the 100-point Nil bonus.
When your Nil partner plays an unexpectedly high card early, treat it as danger—not an invitation to spend every cover immediately.
How opponents attack Nil
Lead low cards in suits where the Nil bidder may be trapped, and keep control cards for later. Watch discarded suits: once the Nil player is void, repeated leads can force increasingly dangerous spades.
When not to bid Nil
A lone ace, a high spade cluster or several short suits should make you cautious. Score context matters too: if your team already leads comfortably, a normal low bid may be worth more than unnecessary variance.