{"id":2789,"date":"2012-01-25T14:41:16","date_gmt":"2012-01-25T22:41:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.bridgehands.com\/bridgeblog\/?p=2789"},"modified":"2012-06-25T12:17:52","modified_gmt":"2012-06-25T20:17:52","slug":"polling-you-76-suit-quality-losing-trick-count-cover-cards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bridgehands.com\/bridgeblog\/?p=2789","title":{"rendered":"Polling You # 76, Suit Quality, Losing Trick Count, Cover Cards"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><script type=\"text\/javascript\" language=\"JavaScript\" src=\"http:\/\/survey.constantcontact.com\/poll\/a07e5j7sfrpgxux15b5\/start.js?v=1&amp;w=300\">\/\/ <![CDATA[\n\n\n\/\/ ]]><\/script><\/p>\n<p><noscript>JavaScript needs to be enabled for polling to work.<br \/>\n<a href='http:\/\/www.constantcontact.com\/survey\/index.jsp?cc=ViraWidPOL'>Online Surveys<\/a> by Constant Contact.<br \/>\n<\/noscript>.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/survey.constantcontact.com\/poll\/a07e5j7sfrpgxux15b5\/start.html\" target=\"_blank\">Click here if you have problems viewing the Poll<\/a>.<br \/>\n&#8212;&#8212;-<br \/>\nThe following link is accessible to all visitors (Members see below):<em><strong><br \/>\n<strong><\/strong><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/bridgehands-videos.s3.amazonaws.com\/Polling_You_76_Part_1_everyone\/Polling_You_76_Part_1_everyone.html\">Click here to view Part 1 of the video commentary in standard resolution<br \/>\n<em><strong><strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/em><\/a><em><strong><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/bridgehands-videos.s3.amazonaws.com\/Polling_You_76_Part_1_everyone_800x450\/Polling_You_76_Part_1_everyone_800x450.html\">Click here to view Part 1 of the video commentary in low resolution<\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/em><br \/>\n<\/strong><\/strong><\/em><br \/>\n<em><strong><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.bridgehands.com\/freecontent\/Polling_You_75_Part_2_freecontent\/Polling_You_75_Part_2_freecontent.html\"><strong><br \/>\n<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/em><br \/>\n>The following link is accessible by those subscribing to <em><strong>BridgeHands<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0 Free Membership:<br \/>\n<em><strong><strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/em><strong><strong><em><strong><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.bridgehands.com\/freecontent\/Polling_You_76_Part_2_freecontent\/Polling_You_76_Part_2_freecontent.html\"><strong>Click here to view Part 2 of our video commentary in standard resolution<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/em><\/strong><\/strong><br \/>\nThe following links are accessible by those subscribing to <em><strong>BridgeHands<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0 Premium Membership:<\/p>\n<p><strong><em><a href=\"http:\/\/www.bridgehands.com\/premiumcontent\/Polling_You_76_Part_3_premiumcontent\/Polling_You_76_Part_3_premiumcontent.html\">Click here to view Part 3 of our video commentary in standard resolution<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><em><a href=\"http:\/\/www.bridgehands.com\/premiumcontent\/Polling_You_76_Part_3b_premiumcontent\/Polling_You_76_Part_3b_premiumcontent.html\">Click here to view Part 3b of our video commentary in standard resolution<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The following links are accessible by those subscribing to <em><strong>BridgeHands<\/strong><\/em> ULTRA Membership:<\/p>\n<p><em><strong><strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/em><strong><em><strong><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.bridgehands.com\/ultracontent\/Polling_You_76_Part_2_freecontent_1280x720\/Polling_You_76_Part_2_freecontent_1280x720.html\"><strong>Click here to view Part 2 of our video commentary in HIGH resolution<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><em><a href=\"http:\/\/www.bridgehands.com\/ultracontent\/Polling_You_76_Part_3_premiumcontent_1280x720\/Polling_You_76_Part_3_premiumcontent_1280x720.html\">Click here to view Part 3 of our video commentary in HIGH resolution<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><em><a href=\"http:\/\/www.bridgehands.com\/ultracontent\/Polling_You_76_Part_3b_premiumcontent_1280x720\/Polling_You_76_Part_3b_premiumcontent_1280x720.html\">Click here to view Part 3b of our video commentary in HIGH resolution<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><br \/>\nNow that we\u2019ve mastered the basics of Help Suit Game Tries using the benefits of Losing Trick Count and Cover Card theory, let\u2019s hone our skills adding some more methods to our hand evaluation and bidding arsenal.\u00a0 In segment 3b of Polling You #76, we will discover an additional use of LTC where we have a self-sustaining suit.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0As you\u2019ll recall, the Help Suit Game Try is an excellent method for opener to explore game after the partnership find a trump fit (1S \u2013 2S\u2026\u00a0 or 1H \u2013 2H\u2026).\u00a0 \u00a0So when responder shows a major suit fit with a minimum hand, opener can make a Help Suit Game Try with extras \u2013 a 6 Losing Trick Count hand.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Basics of Losing Trick Count:<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>Prerequisite: partnership must find a 8+ card suit<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>Considering the top three cards in a suit, Aces, Kings and non-isolated Queens are not losers<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>Aces and voids are not losers, nor are solid top holdings like Ace-King, Ace-King-Queen\u2026<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>Ace-doubleton, King-doubleton, Ace-King third or a singleton counts for 1 loser<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>Ace-third, King-third, and doubletons count 2 losers (perhaps Queen-third in an unsupported side suit)<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>6.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>Provided the hand has entries, the maximum losers in a suit is limited to three; longer suits, including side suits longer than three cards are considered promotable tricks regardless of the honor holdings of the first three cards<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Losers = 0:\u00a0 A, AK, AKQ[x\u2026], Void \u2013<br \/>\nLosers = 1:\u00a0 Ax, AKx[x\u2026], KQ, Kx, KQx[x\u2026], x<br \/>\nLosers = 2: Axx[x\u2026], Kxx[x\u2026], Qx, xx, and Qxx[x\u2026] (actually 2.5)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Later we will make refinements to our LTC hand evaluation guide.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Losing Trick Count \u2013 High Card Point \u201cDecoder\u201d (estimates)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>10 LTC = 3-5 HCP = Sub-Minimum = 1 Cover Card<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0 9 LTC = 6-9 HCP = Responder Minimum = 2 Cover Cards<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0 8 LTC = 10-12 HCP = Responder Medium\/Invitational = 3 Cover Cards<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0 7 LTC = 13-15 HCP = Opener Minimum = 4 Cover Cards<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0 6 LTC = 16-18 HCP = Opener Maximum = 5 Cover Cards<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>So if opener has a 6 LTC hand and rebids again at the 3 level, responder should accept the game try with 3 Cover Cards.\u00a0 And you\u2019ll recall Cover Cards are typically\u00a0 Aces and Kings.\u00a0 With good trump support, count additional \u201ccovers\u201d for: Singletons = 1, Void = 2.\u00a0 We can also count \u201ccovers\u201d for working side suit Queens and Jacks.\u00a0 A fourth trump, especially without a trump honor, counts as a full cover card.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>After responder\u2019s 2H\/S signoff bid, with 6 LTC opener rebids a help suit with 2+ losers, bidding \u201cup the line\u201d by suit rank.\u00a0 With spread losers in the minors and perhaps Hearts, opener may rebid 2 Notrump with a flattish 5-3-3-2 shape.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>With 2.5-3 cover cards, responder should accept openers help suit game try, particularly with useful honors or shortness in openers help suit.\u00a0\u00a0 But even when responder has little help in openers asking suit, with 2+ covers responder can try a \u201ccounter suit\u201d game try (also up the line but not above agreed upon suit).\u00a0\u00a0 If opener finds responders counter suit helpful, now opener can rebid game.\u00a0 In instances where responder holds a flat 4-3-3-3 shaped hand, with 2.5 \u2013 3 cover cards, responder may choose to rebid 3 Notrump despite the 5-3 major suit fit.\u00a0 With a flattish 5-3-3-2 hand and balanced honors, opener may accept the 3 Notrump gambit knowing responder has no ruffing power.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<h4>Polling You #76, Hand 1<\/h4>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"left\" valign=\"top\" nowrap=\"nowrap\"><strong><em>Board 3<\/em><\/strong><br \/>\nSouth Deals<br \/>\nE-W Vul<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\" nowrap=\"nowrap\">\u2660 10 9 6<br \/>\n<span style=\"color: red;\">\u2665<\/span> K 9 6<br \/>\n<span style=\"color: red;\">\u2666<\/span> A 7<br \/>\n\u2663 8 7 6 5 4<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"left\" nowrap=\"nowrap\">\u2660 J 8<br \/>\n<span style=\"color: red;\">\u2665<\/span> Q J 8 5<br \/>\n<span style=\"color: red;\">\u2666<\/span> 9 8 6 5<br \/>\n\u2663 A K Q<\/td>\n<td>\n<table border=\"1\" frame=\"box\" rules=\"none\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"3\" align=\"center\">N<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"left\">W<\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td align=\"right\">E<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"3\" align=\"center\">S<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<td align=\"left\" nowrap=\"nowrap\">\u2660 Q 7 5<br \/>\n<span style=\"color: red;\">\u2665<\/span> 10 7<br \/>\n<span style=\"color: red;\">\u2666<\/span> Q J 10 4<br \/>\n\u2663 J 10 9 3<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\" nowrap=\"nowrap\">\u2660 A K 4 3 2<br \/>\n<span style=\"color: red;\">\u2665<\/span> A 4 3 2<br \/>\n<span style=\"color: red;\">\u2666<\/span> K 3 2<br \/>\n\u2663 2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table>\n<colgroup>\n<col span=\"4\" \/> <\/colgroup>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><em>West<\/em><\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><em>North<\/em><\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><em>East<\/em><\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><em>South<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">1 \u2660<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">Dbl<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">2 \u2660<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">Pass<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">3 <span style=\"color: red;\">\u2666<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">Pass<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">4 \u2660<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">All pass<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table>\n<colgroup>\n<col span=\"5\" \/> <\/colgroup>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><em>Trick<\/em><\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><em>West<\/em><\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><em>North<\/em><\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><em>East<\/em><\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><em>South<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">1. W<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">\u2663 A<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">\u2663 4<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">\u2663 J<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">\u2663 2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">2. W<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">\u2663 K<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">\u2663 5<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">\u2663 3<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">\u2660 2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">3. S<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">\u2660 8<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">\u2660 6<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">\u2660 5<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">\u2660 A<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">4. S<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">\u2660 J<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">\u2660 9<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">\u2660 7<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">\u2660 K<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">5. S<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"color: red;\">\u2666<\/span> 5<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"color: red;\">\u2666<\/span> A<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"color: red;\">\u2666<\/span> 4<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"color: red;\">\u2666<\/span> 2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">6. N<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"color: red;\">\u2666<\/span> 6<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"color: red;\">\u2666<\/span> 7<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"color: red;\">\u2666<\/span> 10<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"color: red;\">\u2666<\/span> K<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">7. S<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"color: red;\">\u2666<\/span> 8<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">\u2660 10<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"color: red;\">\u2666<\/span> J<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"color: red;\">\u2666<\/span> 3<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">8. N<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">\u2663 Q<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">\u2663 6<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">\u2663 9<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">\u2660 3<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">9. S<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"color: red;\">\u2665<\/span> 5<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"color: red;\">\u2665<\/span> K<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"color: red;\">\u2665<\/span> 7<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"color: red;\">\u2665<\/span> 2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">10. N<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"color: red;\">\u2665<\/span> 8<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">\u2663 7<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">\u2663 10<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">\u2660 4<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">11. S<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"color: red;\">\u2665<\/span> J<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"color: red;\">\u2665<\/span> 6<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"color: red;\">\u2665<\/span> 10<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"color: red;\">\u2665<\/span> A<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">12. S<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"color: red;\">\u2665<\/span> Q<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"color: red;\">\u2665<\/span> 9<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"color: red;\">\u2666<\/span> Q<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"color: red;\">\u2665<\/span> 3<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">13. W<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"color: red;\">\u2666<\/span> 9<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">\u2663 8<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">\u2660 Q<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"color: red;\">\u2665<\/span> 4<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>South opens 1 Spade with 14 High Card Points plus 1 for the fifth Spade with excellent primary honors.\u00a0 North makes a signoff 2 Spade call with 7 HCP plus 1 for the Diamond doubleton.\u00a0 With a 6 LTC hand (losers: Spades 1, Hearts 2, Diamonds 2, Clubs 1), South makes a Help Suit Game Try rebidding 3 Diamonds \u201cup the line\u201d in the lowest ranking suit.\u00a0 Perfect thinks North with 2.5 cover cards and more help in the Diamond suit, accepting the game try and rebidding 4 Spades.<\/p>\n<p>West begins with the Club Ace, partner East showing encouragement playing the Jack.\u00a0 On the second Club, South ruffs in with a small Spade.\u00a0 Declarer plays the trump Ace and King with both opponents following, leaving them with the outstanding Spade Queen.\u00a0 Making good use of the dummy\u2019s last trump, South knows not to play the last trump.\u00a0 So declarer plays a low Diamond to dummy\u2019s Ace, then back to South\u2019s King and ruffs the third Diamond in the dummy.\u00a0 However the play is not over by a long shot and declarer must carefully plan the remaining play.\u00a0 South has 6 tricks and definitely needs 4 more tricks.\u00a0 With 2 winners in Hearts, South needs not 1 but both Spade winners.\u00a0 So when in dummy, declarer should ruff a Club in dummy\u2019s hand.\u00a0 Next comes a low Heart back to dummy\u2019s winning King and another Club to ruff \u2013 hopeful that East held the last trump and West will not overruff the trick!\u00a0 When South\u2019s ruff holds, declarer can take comfort making the close game.<\/p>\n<p>So despite the partnership only holding 21 HCP, with South\u2019s 6 losers and North\u2019s 3 cover cards game is in hand 66 percent of the time.\u00a0 These hands clearly demonstrate the value of primary honors \u2013 Aces and Kings as well as responder\u2019s side suit ruffing power in a suit aided by a top cover card.<\/p>\n<h4>Polling You #76, Hand 2<\/h4>\n<table cellpadding=\"4\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"left\" valign=\"top\" nowrap=\"nowrap\"><strong><em>Board 3<\/em><\/strong><br \/>\nSouth Deals<br \/>\nE-W Vul<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\" nowrap=\"nowrap\">\u2660 10 9 6<br \/>\n<span style=\"color: red;\">\u2665<\/span> K 9 6<br \/>\n<span style=\"color: red;\">\u2666<\/span> A 7<br \/>\n\u2663 8 7 6 5 4<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"left\" nowrap=\"nowrap\">\u2660 K 8<br \/>\n<span style=\"color: red;\">\u2665<\/span> J 8 5 3 2<br \/>\n<span style=\"color: red;\">\u2666<\/span> 9 8 6 5<br \/>\n\u2663 A Q<\/td>\n<td>\n<table width=\"64\" border=\"0\" frame=\"void\" rules=\"none\" bgcolor=\"#008000\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"3\" align=\"center\"><span style=\"color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;\">N<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"left\"><span style=\"color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;\">W<\/span><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td align=\"right\"><span style=\"color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;\">E<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"3\" align=\"center\"><span style=\"color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;\">S<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<td align=\"left\" nowrap=\"nowrap\">\u2660 Q 7<br \/>\n<span style=\"color: red;\">\u2665<\/span> Q 10 7 4<br \/>\n<span style=\"color: red;\">\u2666<\/span> Q J 10 4<br \/>\n\u2663 J 10 9<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\" nowrap=\"nowrap\">\u2660 A J 5 4 3 2<br \/>\n<span style=\"color: red;\">\u2665<\/span> A<br \/>\n<span style=\"color: red;\">\u2666<\/span> K 3 2<br \/>\n\u2663 K 3 2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table>\n<colgroup>\n<col span=\"4\" width=\"64\" \/> <\/colgroup>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><em>West<\/em><\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><em>North<\/em><\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><em>East<\/em><\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><em>South<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">1 \u2660<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">Pass<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">2 \u2660<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">Pass<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">3 \u2663<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">Pass<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">3 <span style=\"color: red;\">\u2666<\/span><\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">Pass<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">4 \u2660<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">All pass<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table>\n<colgroup>\n<col span=\"5\" width=\"64\" \/> <\/colgroup>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><em>Trick<\/em><\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><em>West<\/em><\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><em>North<\/em><\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><em>East<\/em><\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><em>South<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">1. W<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"color: red;\">\u2666<\/span> 9<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><span style=\"color: red; text-decoration: underline;\">\u2666<\/span> A<\/span><\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"color: red;\">\u2666<\/span> 4<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"color: red;\">\u2666<\/span> 2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">2. N<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"color: red;\">\u2665<\/span> 2<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"color: red;\">\u2665<\/span> 6<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"color: red;\">\u2665<\/span> 7<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><span style=\"color: red; text-decoration: underline;\">\u2665<\/span> A<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">3. S<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">\u2660 8<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">\u2660 6<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">\u2660 7<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">\u2660 A<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">4. S<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"color: red;\">\u2666<\/span> 5<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"color: red;\">\u2666<\/span> 7<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"color: red;\">\u2666<\/span> 10<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><span style=\"color: red; text-decoration: underline;\">\u2666<\/span> K<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">5. S<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"color: red;\">\u2666<\/span> 6<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">\u2660 9<\/span><\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"color: red;\">\u2666<\/span> J<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"color: red;\">\u2666<\/span> 3<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">6. N<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"color: red;\">\u2665<\/span> 3<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><span style=\"color: red; text-decoration: underline;\">\u2665<\/span> K<\/span><\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"color: red;\">\u2665<\/span> 4<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">\u2663 2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">7. N<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">\u2663 A<\/span><\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">\u2663 4<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">\u2663 9<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">\u2663 K<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">8. W<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">\u2663 Q<\/span><\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">\u2663 5<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">\u2663 10<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">\u2663 3<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">9. W<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"color: red;\">\u2665<\/span> 5<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"color: red;\">\u2665<\/span> 9<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"color: red;\">\u2665<\/span> Q<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">\u2660 2<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">10. S<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">\u2660 K<\/span><\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">\u2660 10<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">\u2660 Q<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">\u2660 3<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">11. W<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"color: red;\">\u2666<\/span> 8<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">\u2663 6<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"color: red;\">\u2666<\/span> Q<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">\u2660 4<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">12. S<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"color: red;\">\u2665<\/span> 8<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">\u2663 7<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"color: red;\">\u2665<\/span> 10<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">\u2660 J<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">13. S<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"color: red;\">\u2665<\/span> J<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">\u2663 8<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\">\u2663 J<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">\u2660 5<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>South opens 1 Spade with 15 High Card Points plus perhaps 1 more for the broken 6 card suit and enjoying the side suit primary honors.\u00a0\u00a0 North begins a 2 Spade signoff bid with 7 HCP\u00a0 plus 1 for the nice Diamond doubleton suit.\u00a0 Now counting 6 losers, South rebids 3 Clubs seeking help in the lowest ranking suit (up the line asking bid).\u00a0 With 2.5 cover cards and help in the Diamond suit, North makes a \u201ccounter suit\u201d game try bidding 3 Diamonds \u2013 simply rebidding 3 Spades would be a second signoff bid showing no sign of life at all.\u00a0 Hearing North\u2019s 3 Diamond rebid, South is more than happy to accept the counter suit try since South could actually use help in either minor suit.\u00a0 So South rebids 4 Spades and game is on.<\/p>\n<p>On play, West makes a \u201ctop of nothing\u201d passive lead of the Diamond 9 to dummy\u2019s Ace.\u00a0 Declarer switches to South\u2019s Heart Ace, unblocking the suit to allow a pitch on dummy North\u2019s Heart King.\u00a0 South wins the Spade Ace, both opponents following leaving 2 remaining trump.\u00a0 Next South cashes the Diamond King and ruffs a Spade in dummy.\u00a0 On dummy\u2019s Heart King, South pitches a small Club.\u00a0 With no more dummy entries, it\u2019s \u201cnow or never\u201d on the Club finesse so a low\u00a0 Club in dummy is lead from North to South\u2019s King.\u00a0 Not surprisingly, West held the Ace and wins the trick (helps explain West\u2019s initial safe \u201ctop of nothing\u201d lead).\u00a0\u00a0 West cashes the Queen, exiting with a Heart which South ruffs.\u00a0 Hoping for a lucky 2-2 trump split, declarer plays a Spade and fortunately both opponents play their remaining Spades (40 percent chance).<\/p>\n<p>Despite only holding a combined 22 HCP on declarer\u2019s side, finding responder\u2019s extras including the help in Diamonds makes game a safe bet \u2013 89 percent of the time with these North\/South hands.<\/p>\nPlease login or register to view this content.<br \/>\nPlease login or register to view this content.<br \/>\nPlease login or register to view this content.<\/h4>\n<h4>Happy Bridge Trails and Tales,<\/h4>\n<h2><em>BridgeHands<\/em><\/h2>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>JavaScript needs to be enabled for polling to work. 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