Counting Is Simple #11-39

IMPROVE YOUR PLAY

with Larry Matheny

The mathematical aspect of bridge frightens some players but it is often necessary for them to count to no higher than thirteen. This hand illustrates how easy counting can be.

Scoring: Matchpoints (Pairs)

#11-39
Dlr	E
Vul	None

	9432
	AK2
	A
	J10964

	K65
	QJ8764
	753
	7

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	7
	105
	KQJ10962
	Q53

	AQJ108
	93
	84
	AK82

West	North	East	South
		3	3
Pass	4	Pass	5
Pass	6	Pass	Pass
Pass

BIDDING: North’s 4 bid showed a good spade raise. South cue bid clubs and North jumped to the slam. North realized his partner must have good spades to be interested in slam when missing so many red suit honors.

PLAY: West led the three of diamonds and declarer stopped to analyze the hand. It was likely the spade finesse would lose so he needed to bring in the club suit. After winning the ace of diamonds, declarer led a low spade to the queen and king. West returned a heart won by the ace. Declarer drew trumps followed by the king of hearts and a third heart ruffed with the ten. A count showed that East started with 1 spade, 2 hearts, 7 diamonds, and therefore 3 clubs. Declarer cashed the ace of clubs followed by a diamond ruff in dummy. He now passed the jack of clubs and wrapped up the contract.