Chapter
2
Count
Your Way to the Top
© 2004 - Marty Bergen
Page 21
Count
Your Way to the Top
ABCs of Counting
" Counting
to a bridge player is similar to an actor learning his lines –
it does not guarantee success, but he cannot succeed without
it." George S. Kaufman
Question:
What
must you count? Here is a possible list. Please don’t be
overwhelmed by it. Don’t worry if you are unable to do
everything listed – I’m only trying to make some suggestions.
If, after reading this chapter, you are able to do a
better job of counting, I’m delighted, and hope you are as well.
Answer:
Based on the bidding and early play, declarer should try to
figure out (and keep track of) as many of the following as
possible.
Your winners and/or losers;
The defenders’ HCP;
Trumps;
What happens in your key side suit;
The opening lead.
You always know
what declarer and dummy have. So, once you know what one
defender has in a suit, you can figure out what his partner has.
Similarly, when you know a defender’s length in three suits, by
subtracting from 13, his length in the 4th suit is easy.
Marty Sez:
He
who knows three, knows all four.
© 2004 - Marty Bergen
Chapter 3
:Finesses: Not Always Obvious ...................... 31
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