tenace: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare / TechnicalTechnical / Card-game jargon
Quick answer
What does “tenace” mean?
A holding of two cards, one ranking higher and one ranking lower than an opponent's card in the same suit, which allows a player to potentially win two tricks by forcing the opponent to play first.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A holding of two cards, one ranking higher and one ranking lower than an opponent's card in the same suit, which allows a player to potentially win two tricks by forcing the opponent to play first.
In bridge and other trick-taking card games, a strategic holding of two cards in the same suit that are not consecutive in rank but are separated by one or more ranks, specifically intended to trap an opponent's higher card(s).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant regional difference in meaning or usage. The term is standardized within international bridge and whist communities.
Connotations
Technical and strategic. Implies a player is in a favourable defensive position.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside card game contexts in both regions. Used identically by bridge players in the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “tenace” in a Sentence
[player] has a tenace in [suit]the [card] and [card] form a tenace over the [opponent's card]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in papers on game theory or the history of card games.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Core term in bridge, whist, and similar trick-taking game strategy discussions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tenace”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “tenace”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tenace”
- Pronouncing it /təˈneɪs/ (incorrect stress).
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to tenace the king').
- Applying it to any two high cards, rather than the specific separated-rank structure.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a technical term specific to trick-taking card games like bridge and whist.
A major tenace is the ace and queen (A-Q). A minor tenace is the king and jack (K-J).
Technically yes (e.g., Q-10 over J), but the term is overwhelmingly used for the classic honour combinations (A-Q, K-J, sometimes A-10).
It is advantageous when the opponent holding the intermediate card(s) must play first, allowing you to capture their high card with your lower one.
A holding of two cards, one ranking higher and one ranking lower than an opponent's card in the same suit, which allows a player to potentially win two tricks by forcing the opponent to play first.
Tenace is usually technical / card-game jargon in register.
Tenace: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtɛneɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtɛneɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'TENnis ACE' – in tennis you want to force your opponent to run; in cards, a tenace forces your opponent to play their high card first.
Conceptual Metaphor
A TRAP or AMBUSH (the tenace lies in wait for the opponent's high card). A POSITIONAL ADVANTAGE in a battle.
Practice
Quiz
What constitutes a 'tenace' in bridge?