short suit
1 of 1noun/ˈʃɔrt ˈsut/
Forms:short suits
1
a suit in which a player holds a small number of cards, typically fewer than three, which can be a disadvantage in playing and winning tricks in that suit
A short suit in card games like bridge refers to a suit that a player holds with very few cards, usually two or fewer. Having a short suit can be both a disadvantage and an advantage. It may limit the player's ability to win tricks in that suit, but it can also be useful for forcing opponents to play higher cards in other suits or for creating a "void" where the player has no cards in a particular suit, allowing them to trump, or play a stronger suit, more effectively. A short suit is often important when making decisions during bidding and play.
- She played her short suit early in the hand to force the opponents to waste their high cards.
- In bridge, a short suit is usually a sign that you may need to rely on your partner to cover that suit.
- He had a short suit in diamonds, so he focused on strengthening his hearts and spades.
- A short suit often means fewer opportunities to win tricks in that suit.