major tenace
Very LowTechnical/Specialized
Definition
Meaning
A holding in bridge or whist consisting of the ace and queen, or the king and jack, of a suit, which prevents opponents from running their high cards without losing tricks.
In a broader sense, it can refer to any strong strategic holding in trick-taking games that guarantees control of a suit. Occasionally used metaphorically for a strong positional advantage in other competitive contexts.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is exclusively used in card games, specifically in bridge and whist. It denotes a specific positional and card-holding advantage. The 'major' refers to the higher-ranking of two possible tenaces (the other being the 'minor tenace' of king and ten).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. The term is used identically in bridge communities globally. Spelling remains consistent.
Connotations
Neutral technical term within the card game domain.
Frequency
Equally rare in both varieties, confined to technical discussions of bridge strategy.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Player] held a major tenace in [suit].The contract depended on the major tenace being well-positioned.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Sitting over a major tenace”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in papers or texts about game theory or bridge.
Everyday
Virtually never used outside card game contexts.
Technical
The primary domain of use; specific to bridge/whist strategy guides, commentary, and analysis.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He hoped to tenace the king, but the major tenace was with declarer.
American English
- She tenaced the opponents' ace beautifully with her major tenace.
adjective
British English
- The major-tenace position was crucial to the defence.
American English
- They discussed major-tenace strategies in the post-game analysis.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- A good player knows how to take advantage of a major tenace.
- Holding a major tenace can help you win extra tricks.
- The success of the squeeze play hinged on declarer's possession of a major tenace in diamonds.
- West's opening lead was disastrous, effectively presenting declarer with a free finesse to establish the major tenace.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'MAJOR advantage': the ACE (or King) is the MAJOR piece, and it's in a tense (tenace) position against the opponent's cards.
Conceptual Metaphor
A FORTIFIED POSITION in a battle (the suit), where your two key pieces are placed to ambush the opponent's advancing troops (their high cards).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate 'tenace' as 'тенас' or similar. It is a borrowed term. In Russian bridge terminology, it is typically described as 'старший тенакс' (старшая вилка) or directly as 'мажор тенейс'.
- Avoid associating 'major' with the common meaning of 'главный' in a general sense; here it specifies the higher-ranking combination.
Common Mistakes
- Pronouncing 'tenace' as /təˈneɪs/ (like 'tennis') instead of /ˈtɛn.eɪs/.
- Confusing 'major tenace' (A-Q, K-J) with 'minor tenace' (K-10, Q-9).
- Using the term outside of trick-taking card games.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes a 'major tenace'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a positional advantage that must be used correctly. If the opponent with the missing high card sits 'behind' your tenace, you may lose tricks if you lead the suit first.
A major tenace consists of the two highest remaining cards with one gap (Ace-Queen or King-Jack). A minor tenace involves lower, consecutive high cards with a gap (e.g., King-Ten, Queen-Nine).
Its origin is in whist, and it is most commonly used in contract bridge. It could theoretically apply to any trick-taking game with similar mechanics, but it is not standard terminology in games like poker or hearts.
It is pronounced /ˈtɛn.eɪs/ (TEN-ace), with stress on the first syllable. It comes from the French word of the same spelling.