Bidding Nil

A player who bids Nil (zero) is claiming that he won’t win any tricks during the hand. If he’s successful, he / his partnership earns a 100-point bonus. However, if he wins one or more tricks, he / his partnership receives a 100-point penalty.
If a player bids Nil and his partner bids a number, then his partner must still try to win that number of tricks.
EXAMPLE: Alex bids 4. Charlie, her partner, bids Nil. Charlie will play the hand trying not to win any tricks. However, Alex needs to win at least four tricks.
NOTE: It’s legal for partners to both bid Nil. If both are successful, the partnership earns a 200-point bonus. However, if both partners fail, the partnership receives a 200-point penalty. If one partner succeeds and the other fails, the bonus and penalty wipe each other out; the net effect is 0 points.