More often, however, one incurs the wrath of one's teammates by straying from this principle. In particular, try to count the number of trump that have been played. The game tends to revolve around the fourteen trump cards. If you know there are many, one, or none left to be played, you can choose your play accordingly. Watch who plays trump, and when, for clues about who is the Spieler's partner.
Position is power.
When you are at the dealer's left, with the first chance to pick, you do not have the luxury of knowing how many other players might pass or pick. On the other hand, you also have the chance to set the pace of the game with your initial lead. The other players have all indicated some degree of weakness by passing. As Spieler or partner, you want to be at the lead or on the end. At the lead you can dictate the choices of the defense.