May 7, 2013
“I know declarer must count the defenders’ hands,” a club player said to me. “I try, but I forget what’s been played. What’s the solution?”
“If I don’t want to forget something,” Cy the Cynic offered helpfully, “I stick it in my underwear drawer.”
Declarer doesn’t need a count in every deal, but when he has a crucial guess, a count may solve the problem.
Dealer South N/S Vul
|
 A 8 6
 K Q 7
 A K 6 2
 K 6 5 |
|
| J 4
8 5
Q 10 9 3
J 7 4 3 2 |
|
10 9 7 3 2
J 9 6 2
8 4
9 8 |
|
K Q 5
A 10 4 3
J 7 5
A Q 10 |
| West |
North |
East |
South |
|
|
|
1NT |
| Pass |
5NT |
Pass |
6NT |
| Pass |
Pass |
Pass |
|
Opening Lead
3
North’s bid of 5NT invited a grand slam. At 6NT South counted 11 sure tricks. After winning the first trick, he led a diamond to the ace and back to his jack. West took the queen and led another club, and South won and cashed the king of diamonds.
When East pitched a spade, South took three spades (West threw a club) and his last club (East threw another spade). South then knew West had held two spades, four diamonds and five clubs, hence two hearts. So South cashed the K-Q of hearts and led to his ten to make the slam.
Counting requires practice and focus, but it’s easy in principle. Anyone can do it.
You hold:
A 8 6
K Q 7
A K 6 2
K 6 5. You open one diamond, your partner bids one spade, you jump to 2NT and he tries three clubs. What do you say?
A:Partner’s second bid is forcing. He has doubts about notrump (or may have slam aspirations) and is especially interested in having you show support for his first suit. Don’t disappoint; bid three spades. He can bid 3NT next if he wishes, but a bid of 3NT by you would be undisciplined.
