Just because you CAN take a trick, doesn't mean that you should. I see too many players using their high cards to win low value cards from the top of the talon. Do not use your Aces and Kings to win Two's and Three's, especially if the talon card isn't a trump. You should be trying to build the overall strength of your hand ready for the end game i.e, when the talon has been used up.

This doesn't mean you don't take any tricks at all, but try to use your middle strength cards (9's, 10's and Jack's) if possible, and hold your Ace's in reserve to beat your opponents high cards, or to win high value cards from the top of the talon.