But the value of the ace suit diminishes according to the decreased
value of the next card. A single ace is of little use in blocking the
adversaries’ suit, and it may often block the long suit in dummy.
“NO-TRUMP” WITH TWO ACES
A “no-trump” declaration that is unguarded in two suits, is always
dangerous; while you can rely on your partner to protect one suit,
it is a bit sanguine to expect him to hold guards in two. However, a
hand containing a long established suit, headed by ace, king, queen,
and another ace, wins at “no-trump” many more times than it loses,
and the make must, therefore, be classed as sound. If you hold two
suits headed by ace king, and particularly if these suits are red,
a “no-trump” declaration is preferable to passing; but with less
strength, the make should not be attempted except at an adverse score.
“NO-TRUMP” WITH ONE ACE
With one ace and general protection in all the suits, “no-trump”
should be declared. Of course, the adversaries may secure the honour
score, and it is probable that such a hand will contain no long suit;
but any good suit in your partner’s hand will ensure the safety of
the make.
With one ace and but two other protected suits, “no-trumps” should
not be declared unless the guarded suits include at least two
honours. “No-trump” declarations with one ace and a single honour in
each of two other suits are often made to the score, but a venture of
this kind is dangerous and is more apt to lose than to win.
A six or seven card suit headed by ace, king, and queen, with a
guarded king in another suit, will usually succeed as a “no-trumper.”
“NO-TRUMP” WITHOUT AN ACE
A “no-trump” make without an ace is almost never sound. There are,
no doubt, extreme cases where, with a king and queen in each suit,
this make may be justifiable; but the honour score obtained by the
adversaries will usually far exceed the trick points secured by the
dealer.