304 Strategy: Bidding and Play Tips
304 rewards the same skills as 28, with a little more arithmetic. These habits help.
Valuing four cards
- A Jack with one or two more of its suit is the backbone of a bid: it's 30 points and the top card.
- J + 9 of the same suit is a strong trump holding.
- Side Aces and 10s are worth points, but can be cut.
Choosing the trump card
Hide a low card of your longest suit, not your Jack: the Jack is more useful in your hand, where you can lead it once trump is out.
Protect your big cards
A 9 (20 points) played early, before the Jack of that suit is gone, often falls to it. Wait until the Jack has been played.
Feed your partner
When your partner is sure to win a round, drop your Ace or 10 of that suit: 21 points in one go.
The second round
Raise to 250+ only with a very strong eight-card hand: several Jacks and long trumps. Failing a 250 bid costs heavily.
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FAQ
What makes a good bid in 304?
A Jack with support in its suit, ideally with the 9, plus a side Ace or two.