ESTIMATING THE VALUE OF A HAND
In considering your probable tricks those in the trump suit are of course most certain.
On the right side of the maker three trumps with a single honour, ace, king, or queen, may be estimated as being worth but one trick.
Do not count on ruffing with a single trump.
Should you hold three trumps with two honours, headed by the ace king, the king queen, or even the king jack, you are reasonably sure of two tricks in the trump suit—as can also be said of four trumps with two high honours. Indeed in the last combination, with the third best card an eight or better, there are probably three trump tricks.
With four trumps including three, or five trumps including two honours, provided the suit is headed by the ace or king, you can reasonably expect to secure three tricks in the trump suit.
Aces and kings in the side suits are usually good for a trick each; but allow for the length of the suit, the shorter it is the less probability that your honours will be trumped. It is not safe to count on making your queens; they may be classed as doubtful tricks.
Spades may be doubled with four tricks. To double hearts, diamonds, or clubs you should be sure of five tricks.