If she is the player on the dealer's left, she is not compelled to lead her card to the first trick she may either do so, or knock, allowing the next player to lead. In the course of the play, a player 'on a dog's life' may, when it is her turn to play, either play her card or knock on the table to indicate that she wishes to keep it for a later trick.
On the following hand, she is dealt just one card, and may decide on which trick to play it. There is one exception to the rule about being knocked out: the first player during the game who takes no tricks on a hand is not knocked out immediately but is awarded the 'dog's life'.
If there is a tie for who took most tricks, the players involved in the tie cut cards for the right to choose trumps.Ī player who takes no tricks at all in a hand is knocked out, is dealt no more cards, and takes no further part in the game. The winner of most tricks on a hand chooses the trump suit on the next hand.
