This post talks about counting losers in a trump contract. If you want some practice on doing that please read this post first:
Counting Losers
This post picks up from the previous post so please read that one first:
How Can Getting an OVERTRICK be Bad?
Did you figure it out? How I can take 12 tricks?
Here are the hands again:
Contract:4♥ Opening lead:3♦
Dummy:
♠QJT3
♥Q942
♦AKT8
♣8
Declarer:
♠K52
♥AKJ5
♦QJ952
♣4
First let's count losers again. I will count the losers in Declarer's hand since Declarer has that nice ♦ suit.
How many losers does Declarer have in each of the suits?
You heard what happened last post. Everyone took 12 tricks but me. I somehow have to figure out how to get rid of one of my losers. Hmmmmm.
Can't see any way of getting rid of that ♠ loser. I should always have to give the Opponents that trick.
That leaves the ♣ loser. Do I have to lose that one?
I do have a long ♦ suit. I have longer ♦ in my hand. That means that I can play off all the ♦ and on my fifth ♦ I no longer have any ♦ in Dummy. I can throw away a losing card from Dummy.
If I throw away a ♠ that doesn't help me one bit. I still have to lose a ♠.
BUT if I throw away a ♣ then I won't have any ♣ in Dummy. That means that I can trump the losing ♣ from my hand in Dummy. That would avoid a ♣ loser. Then I just have to lose that ♠.
Play this out at home if you are having troubles understanding. Deal out the cards and play along with me.
Dummy:
♠QJT3
♥Q942
♦AKT8
♣8
Declarer:
♠K52
♥AKJ5
♦QJ952
♣4
The lead was the 3♦. I won the lead in Dummy and took out three rounds of trump. This is what the two hands look like now:
Dummy:
♠QJT3
♥Q
♦KT8
♣8
Declarer:
♠K52
♥5
♦QJ95
♣4
I play HIGH card from the SHORT SIDE in ♦ ending in my hand. So I start with the K♦, then play the T♦ and then the 8♦ winning the trick in my hand with the J♦. This is what the two hands look like now:
Dummy:
♠QJT3
♥Q
♦
♣8
Declarer:
♠K52
♥5
♦Q
♣4
I am now in my hand. I can play the Q♦ and play the ♣ from Dummy. This is what the two hands look like now:
Dummy:
♠QJT3
♥Q
♦
♣
Declarer:
♠K52
♥5
♦
♣4
I don't need to trump the ♣ right away. Right now I want to play the K♠. HIGH card from the SHORT SIDE. The Opponents win their A♠ and try to play the A♣ but I trump the A♣ in Dummy and all the ♠ in Dummy are good. Making 12 tricks!
Note that if the Opponents had started with a ♣ I would have lost the trick. But they didn't start with a ♣ and when they didn't take that trick right away I was able to throw away my losing ♣ and take 12 tricks.
Showing posts with label Declarer Play Excercises. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Declarer Play Excercises. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Thursday, December 22, 2016
Declarer Play Exercise #12 - 6 Hearts
This post talks about counting losers in a trump contract. If you want some practice on doing that please read this post first:
Counting Losers
The reason why bridge players count losers in a trump contract is to determine whether or not Declarer has enough losers that they will not be able to make their contract. If Declarer has too many losers to make their contract they have to figure out a way to get rid of some of their losers! If Declarer has losers but will still make their contract they try to figure out if they can avoid some of their losers without jeopardizing their contract. Bridge players are a bit greedy in that sense.
To avoid some losers you might have to try a finesse. If you are not sure what a finesse is try these posts:
The Finesse
More Finessing
Eight Ever, Nine Never
This post also talks about playing high cards from the short side. If you are not sure what this means check out this post: Declarer Play - High Cards from the Short Side If you want to see me walk through a few hands with you check out these posts: Counting Losers in Action -- 4 Spades Counting Losers in Action – 3 Spades
This post is designed to test your declarer play in a trump contract. Count your losers and determine how you will play the contract. For example you could say "I have 4 losers and I will try the ♣ finesse to try to get rid of my ♣ loser!" Or you could say "I have 3 losers and no way to get rid of any of them!" So let's practice. The final contract is 6♥. The lead is the K♦. Count the losers in the ♠ suit. Count the losers in the ♥ suit. Count the losers in the ♦ suit. Count the losers in the ♣ suit. Do you have too many losers? If yes, can you get rid of any so you can make your contract? If no, can you try to get rid of any? This was a real hand played by real novices in a real game. Only one person took ALL the tricks like they should. Let's see how you do at home without the pressure of a real game.
Try playing out the contract at home. Deal out the cards and play as normal. Write down all the steps you did in order. Contract: 6♥ Opening lead: K♦.
Dummy: ♠Q3 ♥AQ83 ♦5 ♣AKJT62 Declarer: ♠AT982 ♥KT72 ♦A9 ♣Q5 Before reading any further write down how you would play this hand.
Now I will walk you through it. I can count losers in either hand so for this hand I will count the losers in my hand. I could choose Dummy because of that FABULOUS ♣ suit but it is easier to explain how to take ALL the tricks by looking at Declarer's hand! Count the losers in Declarer's Hand:
So this is not looking so good. I have FIVE losers not including any potential trump losers. How do I get rid of them? What is your plan to get rid of the losers? As long as the trump suit breaks you should not have any losers. But what happens if the trump suit doesn't break? This was a real life hand and the trump suit didn't break very well in real life. One Opponent held four trump to the J9. But it was actually the Opponent that Declarer WANTS to hold four to the J9. So that was good. Which Opponent would that be? If one Opponent holds four trump to the J9 you will lose a trump trick. If the other Opponent holds four trump to the J9 you will NOT have to lose a trump trick. Which Opponent is which? As Declarer do you want your RIGHT HAND Opponent to hold four trump to the J9 or your LEFT HAND Opponent to hold four to the J9. I know, you don't want either of them to hold four trump. But that wasn't a choice. RHO or LHO. You choose. If it helps, take a deck of cards and ONLY give the Heart suit to everyone. You know what you have as Declarer. You know what Dummy has. Give one Opponent (either one) four Hearts to the J9. Can you pick up that suit for no losers? Now give the other Opponent four Hearts to the J9. Can you pick up that suit for no losers? You should be able to choose correctly if you do that. How will you play the hand now?
Counting Losers
The reason why bridge players count losers in a trump contract is to determine whether or not Declarer has enough losers that they will not be able to make their contract. If Declarer has too many losers to make their contract they have to figure out a way to get rid of some of their losers! If Declarer has losers but will still make their contract they try to figure out if they can avoid some of their losers without jeopardizing their contract. Bridge players are a bit greedy in that sense.
To avoid some losers you might have to try a finesse. If you are not sure what a finesse is try these posts:
The Finesse
More Finessing
Eight Ever, Nine Never
This post also talks about playing high cards from the short side. If you are not sure what this means check out this post: Declarer Play - High Cards from the Short Side If you want to see me walk through a few hands with you check out these posts: Counting Losers in Action -- 4 Spades Counting Losers in Action – 3 Spades
This post is designed to test your declarer play in a trump contract. Count your losers and determine how you will play the contract. For example you could say "I have 4 losers and I will try the ♣ finesse to try to get rid of my ♣ loser!" Or you could say "I have 3 losers and no way to get rid of any of them!" So let's practice. The final contract is 6♥. The lead is the K♦. Count the losers in the ♠ suit. Count the losers in the ♥ suit. Count the losers in the ♦ suit. Count the losers in the ♣ suit. Do you have too many losers? If yes, can you get rid of any so you can make your contract? If no, can you try to get rid of any? This was a real hand played by real novices in a real game. Only one person took ALL the tricks like they should. Let's see how you do at home without the pressure of a real game.
Try playing out the contract at home. Deal out the cards and play as normal. Write down all the steps you did in order. Contract: 6♥ Opening lead: K♦.
Dummy: ♠Q3 ♥AQ83 ♦5 ♣AKJT62 Declarer: ♠AT982 ♥KT72 ♦A9 ♣Q5 Before reading any further write down how you would play this hand.
Now I will walk you through it. I can count losers in either hand so for this hand I will count the losers in my hand. I could choose Dummy because of that FABULOUS ♣ suit but it is easier to explain how to take ALL the tricks by looking at Declarer's hand! Count the losers in Declarer's Hand:
So this is not looking so good. I have FIVE losers not including any potential trump losers. How do I get rid of them? What is your plan to get rid of the losers? As long as the trump suit breaks you should not have any losers. But what happens if the trump suit doesn't break? This was a real life hand and the trump suit didn't break very well in real life. One Opponent held four trump to the J9. But it was actually the Opponent that Declarer WANTS to hold four to the J9. So that was good. Which Opponent would that be? If one Opponent holds four trump to the J9 you will lose a trump trick. If the other Opponent holds four trump to the J9 you will NOT have to lose a trump trick. Which Opponent is which? As Declarer do you want your RIGHT HAND Opponent to hold four trump to the J9 or your LEFT HAND Opponent to hold four to the J9. I know, you don't want either of them to hold four trump. But that wasn't a choice. RHO or LHO. You choose. If it helps, take a deck of cards and ONLY give the Heart suit to everyone. You know what you have as Declarer. You know what Dummy has. Give one Opponent (either one) four Hearts to the J9. Can you pick up that suit for no losers? Now give the other Opponent four Hearts to the J9. Can you pick up that suit for no losers? You should be able to choose correctly if you do that. How will you play the hand now?
Friday, December 16, 2016
Declarer Play Exercise #11 - 4 Spades
This post talks about counting losers in a trump contract. If you want some practice on doing that please read this post first:
Counting Losers
The reason why bridge players count losers in a trump contract is to determine whether or not Declarer has enough losers that they will not be able to make their contract. If Declarer has too many losers to make their contract they have to figure out a way to get rid of some of their losers! If Declarer has losers but will still make their contract they try to figure out if they can avoid some of their losers without jeopardizing their contract. Bridge players are a bit greedy in that sense.
To avoid some losers you might have to try a finesse. If you are not sure what a finesse is try these posts:
The Finesse
More Finessing
Eight Ever, Nine Never
This post also talks about playing high cards from the short side. If you are not sure what this means check out this post: Declarer Play - High Cards from the Short Side If you want to see me walk through a few hands with you check out these posts: Counting Losers in Action -- 4 Spades Counting Losers in Action – 3 Spades
This post is designed to test your declarer play in a trump contract. Count your losers and determine how you will play the contract. For example you could say "I have 4 losers and I will try the ♣ finesse to try to get rid of my ♣ loser!" Or you could say "I have 3 losers and no way to get rid of any of them!" So let's practice. The final contract is 4♠. The lead is the K♦. Count the losers in the ♠ suit. Count the losers in the ♥ suit. Count the losers in the ♦ suit. Count the losers in the ♣ suit. Do you have too many losers? If yes, can you get rid of any so you can make your contract? If no, can you try to get rid of any? Try playing out the contract at home. Deal out the cards and play as normal. Write down all the steps you did in order because the order you play the hand is VERY important in this contract. Contract:4♠ Opening lead: K♦.
Dummy: ♠JT8752 ♥K2 ♦76 ♣K32 Declarer: ♠AK3 ♥AQ65 ♦A53 ♣864 I can count losers in either hand so for this hand I will count the losers in DUMMY. I have more trump in my Dummy so that is the hand that tends to have fewer losers. Count the losers in Dummy's Hand:
What is your plan to get rid of the losers? How will you play the contract? In the solution I presented the steps in a certain order. Does the order I did things in really matter all that much? Why or why not?
Counting Losers
The reason why bridge players count losers in a trump contract is to determine whether or not Declarer has enough losers that they will not be able to make their contract. If Declarer has too many losers to make their contract they have to figure out a way to get rid of some of their losers! If Declarer has losers but will still make their contract they try to figure out if they can avoid some of their losers without jeopardizing their contract. Bridge players are a bit greedy in that sense.
To avoid some losers you might have to try a finesse. If you are not sure what a finesse is try these posts:
The Finesse
More Finessing
Eight Ever, Nine Never
This post also talks about playing high cards from the short side. If you are not sure what this means check out this post: Declarer Play - High Cards from the Short Side If you want to see me walk through a few hands with you check out these posts: Counting Losers in Action -- 4 Spades Counting Losers in Action – 3 Spades
This post is designed to test your declarer play in a trump contract. Count your losers and determine how you will play the contract. For example you could say "I have 4 losers and I will try the ♣ finesse to try to get rid of my ♣ loser!" Or you could say "I have 3 losers and no way to get rid of any of them!" So let's practice. The final contract is 4♠. The lead is the K♦. Count the losers in the ♠ suit. Count the losers in the ♥ suit. Count the losers in the ♦ suit. Count the losers in the ♣ suit. Do you have too many losers? If yes, can you get rid of any so you can make your contract? If no, can you try to get rid of any? Try playing out the contract at home. Deal out the cards and play as normal. Write down all the steps you did in order because the order you play the hand is VERY important in this contract. Contract:4♠ Opening lead: K♦.
Dummy: ♠JT8752 ♥K2 ♦76 ♣K32 Declarer: ♠AK3 ♥AQ65 ♦A53 ♣864 I can count losers in either hand so for this hand I will count the losers in DUMMY. I have more trump in my Dummy so that is the hand that tends to have fewer losers. Count the losers in Dummy's Hand:
What is your plan to get rid of the losers? How will you play the contract? In the solution I presented the steps in a certain order. Does the order I did things in really matter all that much? Why or why not?
Monday, December 5, 2016
Declarer Play Exercise #10 - 4 Spades
This post talks about counting losers in a trump contract. If you want some practice on doing that please read this post first:
Counting Losers
The reason why bridge players count losers in a trump contract is to determine whether or not Declarer has enough losers that they will not be able to make their contract. If Declarer has too many losers to make their contract they have to figure out a way to get rid of some of their losers! If Declarer has losers but will still make their contract they try to figure out if they can avoid some of their losers without jeopardizing their contract. Bridge players are a bit greedy in that sense.
To avoid some losers you might have to try a finesse. If you are not sure what a finesse is try these posts:
The Finesse
More Finessing
Eight Ever, Nine Never
This post also talks about suits being blocked. If you are not sure what this means check out this post: Declarer Play -- Blocked!
If you want to see me walk through a few hands with you check out these posts: Counting Losers in Action -- 4 Spades Counting Losers in Action – 3 Spades
This post is designed to test your declarer play in a trump contract. Count your losers and determine how you will play the contract. For example you could say "I have 4 losers and I will try the ♣ finesse to try to get rid of my ♣ loser!" Or you could say "I have 3 losers and no way to get rid of any of them!" So let's practice. The final contract is 4♠. The lead is the K♥. Count the losers in the ♠ suit. Count the losers in the ♥ suit. Count the losers in the ♦ suit. Count the losers in the ♣ suit. Do you have too many losers? If yes, can you get rid of any so you can make your contract? If no, can you try to get rid of any? Contract:4♠ Opening lead: K♥.
Dummy: ♠9753 ♥ ♦874 ♣KQJT92 Declarer: ♠AKQJ62 ♥J94 ♦Q93 ♣A Count the losers in Declarer's Hand:
What is your plan to get rid of the losers? How will you play the contract?
Counting Losers
The reason why bridge players count losers in a trump contract is to determine whether or not Declarer has enough losers that they will not be able to make their contract. If Declarer has too many losers to make their contract they have to figure out a way to get rid of some of their losers! If Declarer has losers but will still make their contract they try to figure out if they can avoid some of their losers without jeopardizing their contract. Bridge players are a bit greedy in that sense.
To avoid some losers you might have to try a finesse. If you are not sure what a finesse is try these posts:
The Finesse
More Finessing
Eight Ever, Nine Never
This post also talks about suits being blocked. If you are not sure what this means check out this post: Declarer Play -- Blocked!
If you want to see me walk through a few hands with you check out these posts: Counting Losers in Action -- 4 Spades Counting Losers in Action – 3 Spades
This post is designed to test your declarer play in a trump contract. Count your losers and determine how you will play the contract. For example you could say "I have 4 losers and I will try the ♣ finesse to try to get rid of my ♣ loser!" Or you could say "I have 3 losers and no way to get rid of any of them!" So let's practice. The final contract is 4♠. The lead is the K♥. Count the losers in the ♠ suit. Count the losers in the ♥ suit. Count the losers in the ♦ suit. Count the losers in the ♣ suit. Do you have too many losers? If yes, can you get rid of any so you can make your contract? If no, can you try to get rid of any? Contract:4♠ Opening lead: K♥.
Dummy: ♠9753 ♥ ♦874 ♣KQJT92 Declarer: ♠AKQJ62 ♥J94 ♦Q93 ♣A Count the losers in Declarer's Hand:
What is your plan to get rid of the losers? How will you play the contract?
Friday, December 2, 2016
Declarer Play Exercise #9 - 6 Hearts
This post talks about counting losers in a trump contract. If you want some practice on doing that please read this post first:
Counting Losers
The reason why bridge players count losers in a trump contract is to determine whether or not Declarer has enough losers that they will not be able to make their contract. If Declarer has too many losers to make their contract they have to figure out a way to get rid of some of their losers! If Declarer has losers but will still make their contract they try to figure out if they can avoid some of their losers without jeopardizing their contract. Bridge players are a bit greedy in that sense.
To avoid some losers you might have to try a finesse. If you are not sure what a finesse is try these posts:
The Finesse
More Finessing
Eight Ever, Nine Never
This post also talks about suits being blocked. If you are not sure what this means check out this post: Declarer Play -- Blocked!
If you want to see me walk through a few hands with you check out these posts: Counting Losers in Action -- 4 Spades Counting Losers in Action – 3 Spades
This post is designed to test your declarer play in a trump contract. Count your losers and determine how you will play the contract. For example you could say "I have 4 losers and I will try the ♣ finesse to try to get rid of my ♣ loser!" Or you could say "I have 3 losers and no way to get rid of any of them!" So let's practice. The final contract is 6♥. The lead is the 3♥. Count the losers in the ♠ suit. Count the losers in the ♥ suit. Count the losers in the ♦ suit. Count the losers in the ♣ suit. Do you have too many losers? If yes, can you get rid of any so you can make your contract? If no, can you try to get rid of any so you make overtricks? Contract:6♥ Opening lead: 3♥.
Dummy: ♠Q3 ♥AK876 ♦2 ♣KQJ75 Declarer: ♠K6 ♥QJ954 ♦AKJ93 ♣A Count the losers in Declarer's Hand:
What is your plan to get rid of the losers? How will you play the contract?
Counting Losers
The reason why bridge players count losers in a trump contract is to determine whether or not Declarer has enough losers that they will not be able to make their contract. If Declarer has too many losers to make their contract they have to figure out a way to get rid of some of their losers! If Declarer has losers but will still make their contract they try to figure out if they can avoid some of their losers without jeopardizing their contract. Bridge players are a bit greedy in that sense.
To avoid some losers you might have to try a finesse. If you are not sure what a finesse is try these posts:
The Finesse
More Finessing
Eight Ever, Nine Never
This post also talks about suits being blocked. If you are not sure what this means check out this post: Declarer Play -- Blocked!
If you want to see me walk through a few hands with you check out these posts: Counting Losers in Action -- 4 Spades Counting Losers in Action – 3 Spades
This post is designed to test your declarer play in a trump contract. Count your losers and determine how you will play the contract. For example you could say "I have 4 losers and I will try the ♣ finesse to try to get rid of my ♣ loser!" Or you could say "I have 3 losers and no way to get rid of any of them!" So let's practice. The final contract is 6♥. The lead is the 3♥. Count the losers in the ♠ suit. Count the losers in the ♥ suit. Count the losers in the ♦ suit. Count the losers in the ♣ suit. Do you have too many losers? If yes, can you get rid of any so you can make your contract? If no, can you try to get rid of any so you make overtricks? Contract:6♥ Opening lead: 3♥.
Dummy: ♠Q3 ♥AK876 ♦2 ♣KQJ75 Declarer: ♠K6 ♥QJ954 ♦AKJ93 ♣A Count the losers in Declarer's Hand:
What is your plan to get rid of the losers? How will you play the contract?
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Declarer Play Problem #8 - 4 Hearts
This post talks about counting losers in a trump contract. If you want some practice on doing that please read this post first:
Counting Losers
The reason why bridge players count losers in a trump contract is to determine whether or not Declarer has enough losers that they will not be able to make their contract. If Declarer has too many losers to make their contract they have to figure out a way to get rid of some of their losers! If Declarer has losers but will still make their contract they try to figure out if they can avoid some of their losers without jeopardizing their contract. Bridge players are a bit greedy in that sense.
To avoid some losers you might have to try a finesse. If you are not sure what a finesse is try these posts:
The Finesse
More Finessing
Eight Ever, Nine Never
This post also talks about playing high cards from the short side. If you are not sure what this means check out this post: Declarer Play - High Cards from the Short Side If you want to see me walk through a few hands with you check out these posts: Counting Losers in Action -- 4 Spades Counting Losers in Action – 3 Spades
This post is designed to test your declarer play in a trump contract. Count your losers and determine how you will play the contract. For example you could say "I have 4 losers and I will try the ♣ finesse to try to get rid of my ♣ loser!" Or you could say "I have 3 losers and no way to get rid of any of them!" So let's practice. The final contract is 4♥. The lead is the K♣. Count the losers in the ♠ suit. Count the losers in the ♥ suit. Count the losers in the ♦ suit. Count the losers in the ♣ suit. Do you have too many losers? If yes, can you get rid of any so you can make your contract? If no, can you try to get rid of any so you make overtricks? Contract:4♥ Opening lead: K♣.
Dummy: ♠Q3 ♥AQJ762 ♦J ♣9852 Declarer: ♠AK6 ♥KT983 ♦KT76 ♣3 Count the losers in Declarer's Hand:
What is your plan to get rid of the losers? How will you play the contract?
Counting Losers
The reason why bridge players count losers in a trump contract is to determine whether or not Declarer has enough losers that they will not be able to make their contract. If Declarer has too many losers to make their contract they have to figure out a way to get rid of some of their losers! If Declarer has losers but will still make their contract they try to figure out if they can avoid some of their losers without jeopardizing their contract. Bridge players are a bit greedy in that sense.
To avoid some losers you might have to try a finesse. If you are not sure what a finesse is try these posts:
The Finesse
More Finessing
Eight Ever, Nine Never
This post also talks about playing high cards from the short side. If you are not sure what this means check out this post: Declarer Play - High Cards from the Short Side If you want to see me walk through a few hands with you check out these posts: Counting Losers in Action -- 4 Spades Counting Losers in Action – 3 Spades
This post is designed to test your declarer play in a trump contract. Count your losers and determine how you will play the contract. For example you could say "I have 4 losers and I will try the ♣ finesse to try to get rid of my ♣ loser!" Or you could say "I have 3 losers and no way to get rid of any of them!" So let's practice. The final contract is 4♥. The lead is the K♣. Count the losers in the ♠ suit. Count the losers in the ♥ suit. Count the losers in the ♦ suit. Count the losers in the ♣ suit. Do you have too many losers? If yes, can you get rid of any so you can make your contract? If no, can you try to get rid of any so you make overtricks? Contract:4♥ Opening lead: K♣.
Dummy: ♠Q3 ♥AQJ762 ♦J ♣9852 Declarer: ♠AK6 ♥KT983 ♦KT76 ♣3 Count the losers in Declarer's Hand:
What is your plan to get rid of the losers? How will you play the contract?
Monday, November 28, 2016
Declarer Play Problem #7 - 4 Spades
This post talks about counting losers in a trump contract. If you want some practice on doing that please read this post first:
Counting Losers
The reason why bridge players count losers in a trump contract is to determine whether or not Declarer has enough losers that they will not be able to make their contract. If Declarer has too many losers to make their contract they have to figure out a way to get rid of some of their losers! If Declarer has losers but will still make their contract they try to figure out if they can avoid some of their losers without jeopardizing their contract. Bridge players are a bit greedy in that sense.
To avoid some losers you might have to try a finesse. If you are not sure what a finesse is try these posts:
The Finesse
More Finessing
Eight Ever, Nine Never
This post also talks about playing high cards from the short side. If you are not sure what this means check out this post: Declarer Play - High Cards from the Short Side If you want to see me walk through a few hands with you check out these posts: Counting Losers in Action -- 4 Spades Counting Losers in Action – 3 Spades
This post is designed to test your declarer play in a trump contract. Count your losers and determine how you will play the contract. For example you could say "I have 4 losers and I will try the ♣ finesse to try to get rid of my ♣ loser!" Or you could say "I have 3 losers and no way to get rid of any of them!" So let's practice. The final contract is 4♠. The lead is the K♥. Count the losers in the ♠ suit. Count the losers in the ♥ suit. Count the losers in the ♦ suit. Count the losers in the ♣ suit. Do you have too many losers? If yes, can you get rid of any so you can make your contract? If no, can you try to get rid of any so you make overtricks? Contract:4♠ Opening lead: K♥.
Dummy: ♠A843 ♥T9862 ♦K2 ♣Q2 Declarer: ♠KQJ76 ♥Q7 ♦A76 ♣AK8 Count the losers in Declarer's Hand:
What is your plan to get rid of the losers? How will you play the contract?
Counting Losers
The reason why bridge players count losers in a trump contract is to determine whether or not Declarer has enough losers that they will not be able to make their contract. If Declarer has too many losers to make their contract they have to figure out a way to get rid of some of their losers! If Declarer has losers but will still make their contract they try to figure out if they can avoid some of their losers without jeopardizing their contract. Bridge players are a bit greedy in that sense.
To avoid some losers you might have to try a finesse. If you are not sure what a finesse is try these posts:
The Finesse
More Finessing
Eight Ever, Nine Never
This post also talks about playing high cards from the short side. If you are not sure what this means check out this post: Declarer Play - High Cards from the Short Side If you want to see me walk through a few hands with you check out these posts: Counting Losers in Action -- 4 Spades Counting Losers in Action – 3 Spades
This post is designed to test your declarer play in a trump contract. Count your losers and determine how you will play the contract. For example you could say "I have 4 losers and I will try the ♣ finesse to try to get rid of my ♣ loser!" Or you could say "I have 3 losers and no way to get rid of any of them!" So let's practice. The final contract is 4♠. The lead is the K♥. Count the losers in the ♠ suit. Count the losers in the ♥ suit. Count the losers in the ♦ suit. Count the losers in the ♣ suit. Do you have too many losers? If yes, can you get rid of any so you can make your contract? If no, can you try to get rid of any so you make overtricks? Contract:4♠ Opening lead: K♥.
Dummy: ♠A843 ♥T9862 ♦K2 ♣Q2 Declarer: ♠KQJ76 ♥Q7 ♦A76 ♣AK8 Count the losers in Declarer's Hand:
What is your plan to get rid of the losers? How will you play the contract?
Friday, November 25, 2016
Declarer Play Problem #6 - 4 Spades
This post talks about counting losers in a trump contract. If you want some practice on doing that please read this post first:
Counting Losers
The reason why bridge players count losers in a trump contract is to determine whether or not Declarer has enough losers that they will not be able to make their contract. If Declarer has too many losers to make their contract they have to figure out a way to get rid of some of their losers! If Declarer has losers but will still make their contract they try to figure out if they can avoid some of their losers without jeopardizing their contract. Bridge players are a bit greedy in that sense.
To avoid some losers you might have to try a finesse. If you are not sure what a finesse is try these posts:
The Finesse
More Finessing
Eight Ever, Nine Never
If you want to see me walk through a few hands with you check out these posts: Counting Losers in Action -- 4 Spades Counting Losers in Action – 3 Spades
This post is designed to test your declarer play in a trump contract. Count your losers and determine how you will play the contract. For example you could say "I have 4 losers and I will try the ♣ finesse to try to get rid of my ♣ loser!" Or you could say "I have 3 losers and no way to get rid of any of them!" So let's practice. The final contract is 4♠. The lead is the Q♦. Count the losers in the ♠ suit. Count the losers in the ♥ suit. Count the losers in the ♦ suit. Count the losers in the ♣ suit. Do you have too many losers? If yes, can you get rid of any so you can make your contract? If no, can you try to get rid of any so you make overtricks? Contract:4♠ Opening lead: Q♦.
Dummy: ♠KQ82 ♥83 ♦762 ♣AK82 Declarer: ♠JT965 ♥AQ6 ♦AK3 ♣93 Count the losers in Declarer's Hand:
What is your plan to get rid of the losers? How will you play the contract?
Counting Losers
The reason why bridge players count losers in a trump contract is to determine whether or not Declarer has enough losers that they will not be able to make their contract. If Declarer has too many losers to make their contract they have to figure out a way to get rid of some of their losers! If Declarer has losers but will still make their contract they try to figure out if they can avoid some of their losers without jeopardizing their contract. Bridge players are a bit greedy in that sense.
To avoid some losers you might have to try a finesse. If you are not sure what a finesse is try these posts:
The Finesse
More Finessing
Eight Ever, Nine Never
If you want to see me walk through a few hands with you check out these posts: Counting Losers in Action -- 4 Spades Counting Losers in Action – 3 Spades
This post is designed to test your declarer play in a trump contract. Count your losers and determine how you will play the contract. For example you could say "I have 4 losers and I will try the ♣ finesse to try to get rid of my ♣ loser!" Or you could say "I have 3 losers and no way to get rid of any of them!" So let's practice. The final contract is 4♠. The lead is the Q♦. Count the losers in the ♠ suit. Count the losers in the ♥ suit. Count the losers in the ♦ suit. Count the losers in the ♣ suit. Do you have too many losers? If yes, can you get rid of any so you can make your contract? If no, can you try to get rid of any so you make overtricks? Contract:4♠ Opening lead: Q♦.
Dummy: ♠KQ82 ♥83 ♦762 ♣AK82 Declarer: ♠JT965 ♥AQ6 ♦AK3 ♣93 Count the losers in Declarer's Hand:
What is your plan to get rid of the losers? How will you play the contract?
Saturday, November 19, 2016
Declarer Play Problem #5 - 3NT
This post talks about counting winners in NT. If you want some practice on doing that please read this post first:
Counting Winners
The reason why we count winners in NT is to determine whether or not we have enough tricks to make our contract. If we do not have enough tricks to make our contract we have to figure out a way to get more tricks! If we do have enough tricks to make our contract we try to figure out if we can make more.
Check out these posts to see how Declarer can take extra tricks with a finesse:
The Finesse
More Finessing
Eight Ever, Nine Never
If you want to see me walk through a few hands with you check out these posts: Counting Winners in Action - 6NT Counting Winners in Action - 3NT This post is designed to test your declarer play in NT. Count your winners and determine how you will play the contract. For example you could say "I have 9 tricks and I am taking my tricks and running!" Or you could say "I have 8 tricks and I will try the ♣ finesse for my 9th trick!" So let's practice. The final contract is 3NT. Declarer opened the bidding 1NT and Dummy bid 3NT. The lead is the J♥. Count the winners in the ♠ suit. Count the winners in the ♥ suit. Count the winners in the ♦ suit. Count the winners in the ♣ suit. Do you have enough tricks to make your contract? If yes, can you try to take any more? Will you try to take any more? If no, what will you do in order to make your contract? Contract:3NT Opening lead:J♥ Dummy: ♠42 ♥K2 ♦AQ874 ♣AJ95 Declarer: ♠AKJ9 ♥AQ8 ♦K93 ♣843
Counting Winners
The reason why we count winners in NT is to determine whether or not we have enough tricks to make our contract. If we do not have enough tricks to make our contract we have to figure out a way to get more tricks! If we do have enough tricks to make our contract we try to figure out if we can make more.
Check out these posts to see how Declarer can take extra tricks with a finesse:
The Finesse
More Finessing
Eight Ever, Nine Never
If you want to see me walk through a few hands with you check out these posts: Counting Winners in Action - 6NT Counting Winners in Action - 3NT This post is designed to test your declarer play in NT. Count your winners and determine how you will play the contract. For example you could say "I have 9 tricks and I am taking my tricks and running!" Or you could say "I have 8 tricks and I will try the ♣ finesse for my 9th trick!" So let's practice. The final contract is 3NT. Declarer opened the bidding 1NT and Dummy bid 3NT. The lead is the J♥. Count the winners in the ♠ suit. Count the winners in the ♥ suit. Count the winners in the ♦ suit. Count the winners in the ♣ suit. Do you have enough tricks to make your contract? If yes, can you try to take any more? Will you try to take any more? If no, what will you do in order to make your contract? Contract:3NT Opening lead:J♥ Dummy: ♠42 ♥K2 ♦AQ874 ♣AJ95 Declarer: ♠AKJ9 ♥AQ8 ♦K93 ♣843
Friday, November 18, 2016
Declarer Play Problem #4 - 3NT
This post talks about counting winners in NT. If you want some practice on doing that please read this post first:
Counting Winners
The reason why we count winners in NT is to determine whether or not we have enough tricks to make our contract. If we do not have enough tricks to make our contract we have to figure out a way to get more tricks! If we do have enough tricks to make our contract we try to figure out if we can make more.
If you want to see me walk through a few hands with you check out these posts: Counting Winners in Action - 6NT Counting Winners in Action - 3NT This post is designed to test your declarer play in NT. Count your winners and determine how you will play the contract. For example you could say "I have 9 tricks and I am taking my tricks and running!" Or you could say "I have 8 tricks and I will try the ♣ finesse for my 9th trick!" So let's practice. The final contract is 3NT. Declarer opened the bidding 1NT and Dummy bid 3NT. The lead is the 2♥. Count the winners in the ♠ suit. Count the winners in the ♥ suit. Count the winners in the ♦ suit. Count the winners in the ♣ suit. Do you have enough tricks to make your contract? If yes, can you try to take any more? Will you try to take any more? If no, what will you do in order to make your contract? Contract:3NT Opening lead:2♥ Dummy: ♠A43 ♥543 ♦KQ6 ♣A632 Declarer: ♠KQ5 ♥K762 ♦AJ87 ♣K4
Counting Winners
The reason why we count winners in NT is to determine whether or not we have enough tricks to make our contract. If we do not have enough tricks to make our contract we have to figure out a way to get more tricks! If we do have enough tricks to make our contract we try to figure out if we can make more.
If you want to see me walk through a few hands with you check out these posts: Counting Winners in Action - 6NT Counting Winners in Action - 3NT This post is designed to test your declarer play in NT. Count your winners and determine how you will play the contract. For example you could say "I have 9 tricks and I am taking my tricks and running!" Or you could say "I have 8 tricks and I will try the ♣ finesse for my 9th trick!" So let's practice. The final contract is 3NT. Declarer opened the bidding 1NT and Dummy bid 3NT. The lead is the 2♥. Count the winners in the ♠ suit. Count the winners in the ♥ suit. Count the winners in the ♦ suit. Count the winners in the ♣ suit. Do you have enough tricks to make your contract? If yes, can you try to take any more? Will you try to take any more? If no, what will you do in order to make your contract? Contract:3NT Opening lead:2♥ Dummy: ♠A43 ♥543 ♦KQ6 ♣A632 Declarer: ♠KQ5 ♥K762 ♦AJ87 ♣K4
Thursday, November 17, 2016
Declarer Play Problem #3 - 3NT
This post talks about counting winners in NT. If you want some practice on doing that please read this post first:
Counting Winners
The reason why we count winners in NT is to determine whether or not we have enough tricks to make our contract. If we do not have enough tricks to make our contract we have to figure out a way to get more tricks! If we do have enough tricks to make our contract we try to figure out if we can make more.
If you want to see me walk through a few hands with you check out these posts: Counting Winners in Action - 6NT Counting Winners in Action - 3NT This post is designed to test your declarer play in NT. Count your winners and determine how you will play the contract. For example you could say "I have 9 tricks and I am taking my tricks and running!" Or you could say "I have 8 tricks and I will try the ♣ finesse for my 9th trick!" So let's practice. The final contract is 3NT. Declarer opened the bidding 1NT and Dummy bid 3NT. The lead is the K♥. Count the winners in the ♠ suit. Count the winners in the ♥ suit. Count the winners in the ♦ suit. Count the winners in the ♣ suit. Do you have enough tricks to make your contract? If yes, can you try to take any more? Will you try to take any more? If no, what will you do in order to make your contract? Contract:3NT Opening lead:K♥ Dummy: ♠83 ♥J2 ♦A84 ♣AQJT86 Declarer: ♠AQ4 ♥A765 ♦KJ7 ♣K97
Counting Winners
The reason why we count winners in NT is to determine whether or not we have enough tricks to make our contract. If we do not have enough tricks to make our contract we have to figure out a way to get more tricks! If we do have enough tricks to make our contract we try to figure out if we can make more.
If you want to see me walk through a few hands with you check out these posts: Counting Winners in Action - 6NT Counting Winners in Action - 3NT This post is designed to test your declarer play in NT. Count your winners and determine how you will play the contract. For example you could say "I have 9 tricks and I am taking my tricks and running!" Or you could say "I have 8 tricks and I will try the ♣ finesse for my 9th trick!" So let's practice. The final contract is 3NT. Declarer opened the bidding 1NT and Dummy bid 3NT. The lead is the K♥. Count the winners in the ♠ suit. Count the winners in the ♥ suit. Count the winners in the ♦ suit. Count the winners in the ♣ suit. Do you have enough tricks to make your contract? If yes, can you try to take any more? Will you try to take any more? If no, what will you do in order to make your contract? Contract:3NT Opening lead:K♥ Dummy: ♠83 ♥J2 ♦A84 ♣AQJT86 Declarer: ♠AQ4 ♥A765 ♦KJ7 ♣K97
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Declarer Play Problem #2 - 3NT
This post talks about counting winners in NT. If you want some practice on doing that please read this post first:
Counting Winners
The reason why we count winners in NT is to determine whether or not we have enough tricks to make our contract. If we do not have enough tricks to make our contract we have to figure out a way to get more tricks! If we do have enough tricks to make our contract we try to figure out if we can make more.
If you want to see me walk through a few hands with you check out these posts: Counting Winners in Action - 6NT Counting Winners in Action - 3NT This post is designed to test your declarer play in NT. Count your winners and determine how you will play the contract. For example you could say "I have 9 tricks and I am taking my tricks and running!" Or you could say "I have 8 tricks and I will try the ♣ finesse for my 9th trick!" So let's practice. The final contract is 3NT. Declarer opened the bidding 1NT and Dummy bid 3NT. The lead is the Q♣. Count the winners in the ♠ suit. Count the winners in the ♥ suit. Count the winners in the ♦ suit. Count the winners in the ♣ suit. Do you have enough tricks to make your contract? If yes, can you try to take any more? Will you try to take any more? If no, what will you do in order to make your contract? Contract:3NT Opening lead:Q♣ Dummy: ♠K6 ♥K75 ♦KQ862 ♣K53 Declarer: ♠AQ4 ♥Q42 ♦AJ75 ♣A72
Counting Winners
The reason why we count winners in NT is to determine whether or not we have enough tricks to make our contract. If we do not have enough tricks to make our contract we have to figure out a way to get more tricks! If we do have enough tricks to make our contract we try to figure out if we can make more.
If you want to see me walk through a few hands with you check out these posts: Counting Winners in Action - 6NT Counting Winners in Action - 3NT This post is designed to test your declarer play in NT. Count your winners and determine how you will play the contract. For example you could say "I have 9 tricks and I am taking my tricks and running!" Or you could say "I have 8 tricks and I will try the ♣ finesse for my 9th trick!" So let's practice. The final contract is 3NT. Declarer opened the bidding 1NT and Dummy bid 3NT. The lead is the Q♣. Count the winners in the ♠ suit. Count the winners in the ♥ suit. Count the winners in the ♦ suit. Count the winners in the ♣ suit. Do you have enough tricks to make your contract? If yes, can you try to take any more? Will you try to take any more? If no, what will you do in order to make your contract? Contract:3NT Opening lead:Q♣ Dummy: ♠K6 ♥K75 ♦KQ862 ♣K53 Declarer: ♠AQ4 ♥Q42 ♦AJ75 ♣A72
Monday, November 14, 2016
Declarer Play Problem #1 - 3NT
This post talks about counting winners in NT. If you want some practice on doing that please read this post first:
Counting Winners
The reason why we count winners in NT is to determine whether or not we have enough tricks to make our contract. If we do not have enough tricks to make our contract we have to figure out a way to get more tricks! If we do have enough tricks to make our contract we try to figure out if we can make more.
If you want to see me walk through a few hands with you check out these posts: Counting Winners in Action - 6NT Counting Winners in Action - 3NT This post is designed to test your declarer play in NT. Count your winners and determine how you will play the contract. For example you could say "I have 9 tricks and I am taking my tricks and running!" Or you could say "I have 8 tricks and I will try the ♣ finesse for my 9th trick!" So let's practice. The final contract is 3NT. Declarer opened the bidding 1NT and Dummy bid 3NT. The lead is the 2♠. Count the winners in the ♠ suit. Count the winners in the ♥ suit. Count the winners in the ♦ suit. Count the winners in the ♣ suit. Do you have enough tricks to make your contract? If yes, can you try to take any more? Will you try to take any more? If no, what will you do in order to make your contract? Contract:3NT Opening lead:2♠ Dummy: ♠T6 ♥K5 ♦KQT98 ♣AK85 Declarer: ♠K54 ♥A43 ♦AJ7 ♣QJ42
Counting Winners
The reason why we count winners in NT is to determine whether or not we have enough tricks to make our contract. If we do not have enough tricks to make our contract we have to figure out a way to get more tricks! If we do have enough tricks to make our contract we try to figure out if we can make more.
If you want to see me walk through a few hands with you check out these posts: Counting Winners in Action - 6NT Counting Winners in Action - 3NT This post is designed to test your declarer play in NT. Count your winners and determine how you will play the contract. For example you could say "I have 9 tricks and I am taking my tricks and running!" Or you could say "I have 8 tricks and I will try the ♣ finesse for my 9th trick!" So let's practice. The final contract is 3NT. Declarer opened the bidding 1NT and Dummy bid 3NT. The lead is the 2♠. Count the winners in the ♠ suit. Count the winners in the ♥ suit. Count the winners in the ♦ suit. Count the winners in the ♣ suit. Do you have enough tricks to make your contract? If yes, can you try to take any more? Will you try to take any more? If no, what will you do in order to make your contract? Contract:3NT Opening lead:2♠ Dummy: ♠T6 ♥K5 ♦KQT98 ♣AK85 Declarer: ♠K54 ♥A43 ♦AJ7 ♣QJ42
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