Pronunciation: [lˈɒŋsuːt] (IPA) 
The word "longsuit" can be spelled in two ways, "longsuit" with two "o"s or "long-suit" with a hyphen. The correct way to spell this word is with a hyphen. In phonetic transcription, "long-suit" is pronounced as "lɒŋsuːt". This word refers to a card game in which players aim to win tricks by having the highest card in a particular suit. So, next time you play cards, remember the correct spelling of "long-suit".
Longsuit is a term that is predominantly used in the game of bridge to describe a hand containing a relatively large number of cards in a single suit. It refers to a hand that possesses at least five or six cards of the same suit, making it the longest suit in the hand. Typically, the longsuit is a desirable feature in the game as it allows players to establish a strong presence in a particular suit, thereby increasing their chances of winning tricks in that suit.
Having a longsuit provides several advantages in bridge. Firstly, it allows the player to play multiple cards of the same suit consecutively, which can help in building a winning sequence. Secondly, it enables the player to control the suit and dictate the pace of the game. By holding most of the high-ranking cards in a longsuit, players can prevent opponents from winning tricks and gain control over the hand.
Longsuits are also significant in bidding strategies in bridge. In the bidding phase, a player may include their longsuit as a factor while determining the level of the contract to be made. The presence of a longsuit enhances the prospect of fulfilling a contract and scoring bonuses, thereby influencing the bidding decisions of players. Additionally, longsuits can also be valuable in determining partnerships and forming a plan to maximize the potential of the hand.
In summary, longsuit refers to a hand in bridge that contains a notable number of cards (usually five or more) of the same suit. This feature offers strategic advantages in establishing control over a particular suit, winning tricks, and influencing bidding decisions.
The word "longsuit" has its roots in the card game of Bridge, which emerged in the late 19th century. The term is a combination of the words "long" and "suit". In Bridge, a "suit" refers to one of the four categories of cards: clubs, diamonds, hearts, and spades. A "longsuit" specifically denotes a hand with a relatively large number of cards in one suit. The concept of a "longsuit" in Bridge was later figuratively extended to describe an area of expertise or strong aspect in various contexts beyond card games.
