Source: Learning Points by Steve Moese y Mike Purcell for http://www.cincybridge.com/
In Counting I we saw how declarer counted HCP and shape in the same hand placed in 5 different bidding contexts. We also looked at how common bidding offers clues as to what the opponents hold in HCP and shape. Now we take a closer look where HCP counting can be helpful to finding the right play. Counting begins with a clear understanding of the bridge language (bidding and signals). We add judgment – inferences that stand the test of time – to build our estimates. Then we adjust our count as the hand progresses. Each trick tells a count story.
Assume a 2/1 Game Force approach – the more common duplicate system. Use the bidding to create an approximate picture of the hands you don’t see.
Bidding Data (Examples – at the table ASK what opponents’ agreements are)
1) HCPs for opener’s NT Bids and Rebids:
| Open 1NT | Rebid 1NT | Open 2NT | Jump 2NT | Simple 2NT Rebid | System |
| 15-17 | 12-14 | 20-21 | 18-19 | 12-14 / 18-19 Ask | 2/1, Standard American |
| 16-18 | 12-15 | 22-24 | 19-21 | 12-15 / 19-21 | Goren |
| 12-14 | 15-17 | 5-10* | 18-19 | 18-19 | Kaplan Sheinwold |
| 14-16 | 11-13 | 22-23 | 14-15/1   20-21/1 |
11-13/120-21, 24+/1 |
Precision |
| 10-12* | 13-14/115-17/1 |
20-21 | 18-19 | 12-1418-19 Ask | 2/1,Standard American Mini NT |
* = One inference against the mini notrump, if they pass, they don’t hold a 10-12 balanced hand.
Opener’s 3N rebids are typically gambling (e.g. 1-1-3N) with opening count and a long suit with no slam opposite partner’s lower range. In auctions with minor suit invitation raises (1-1-1N-3) at 3 level, opener might bid 3N on a gamble for 9 tricks – HCP count not precise. Opener’s NT rebids after 4th Suit Force are 2N = 12-14 and 3N=18-19.
2) Passing partners 1-bid. Many strain to respond w/5, so count 4 or fewer HCP.
3) Passing opener’s 1N shows 8 or less. With 6 or less & 44 in the majors bid Stayman.
4) Passing then overcalling – 10 HCP or less or a major flaw for opening a weak 2 bid (void, side 4-card major, 2 Aces or Quick tricks).
5) Passing opponent’s 1- or 2-level overcall of partner’s opening bid and not sitting for partner’s takeout double (playing negative doubles). Shows <6 HCP if 1-level and <8 HCP if 2-level. Most players make off-shape negative doubles with 9+ high card points and no good bid.
6) Suit (Bergen) Raises: A simple raise shows 5-9 HCP (only 3 cards if 7-9) constructive raise shows 7-9 and 4 card support, Limit 10-11, Forcing 12+ and so on. Inverted minors show 11 HCP +. 2N in competition or BHCP shows 11-12 balanced (denying 3 cards in partner’s major). Pay attention to control bids they show Aces (or Kings) and can help count a hand.
7) HCP for respondedor’s NT Bids and Rebids:
| Auction | HCP | Comments |
| 1/ – P – 1NT |
6-10 (sometimes 8-10 / 1) |
Stopper in competition. |
| 1/ – P – 1NT |
6-10 Standard, Not Forcing 5-11 Forcing/Semi-forcing | |
| 1-P-1-P-1/-P-1NT |
5-9(10); 5-7 if 1NT=8-10/1 |
Denies major(s) |
| 1-P-1-P-1-P-1NT |
5-9(10) | denies 4 s |
| 1-P-1-P-1-P-2NT |
(10)11-12 | denies 4 s |
| 1-P-1-P-1-P-3NT |
13-15(16) | denies 4 s |
| 1-P-2-P-2-P-2NT |
(10)11-12 – Standard12-14 or 18-19 – 2/1 GF. | denies 4 s w/s stopped.Ask if Fast Arrival in NT |
| 1x-P-2NT | GF Raise (Jacoby) / Major12-14 or 13-15 Natural11-12 Bal/minor open’g or BHCP | Jacoby = 13+ Bal 4-card+Natural = Balanced Inv. Denies 4-card major |
| 1x – 1NT (15-18 HCP) – 2NT | Limit raise or better for “x” |
8) Opening in 3rd seat might be only 10 HCP (weaker at favorable vulnerability). Passing a passed partner’s 1-over-1 suit bid could still show 13 HCP (23 HCP max, no game). Responder’s 2NT jump by a passed hand is (10)11-12 — mostly 11.
How can counting HCP come in handy? Let’s look at a few hands.
Partner leads the K. Before you play to trick, one take 90 seconds to see what we can determine from the facts so far. Dummy has a 6 HCP minimum response and 4-4 in the mayors. South might have 4 s and a balanced hand (a favored expert treatment) but likely has fewer than 7 cartas in the mayors. LHO has 12-14 HCP and a balanced hand. 27-29 HCP are accounted for. Partner must have 11-13 HCP. Why would partner pass twice with an opening hand?
The only logical reason is that partner has length in s, shortness in s, and no major to bid. Partner’s pattern is likely among 3=3=2=5, 3=2=3=5, 2=3=3=5, or 3=3=3=4. It is possible for partner to have a 4 card suit, but not 4s (declarer would then have a singleton , inconsistent with the bidding). Partner’s pass over 1NT also suggests he doesn’t have 3 aces and probably not even 2 aces. So we can surmise that declarer’s likely shape is 3=3=3=4, 3=3=2=5, 3=2=3=5, or 2=3=3=5. Let’s encourage s and see how the HCP count and shape count matures trick by trick. Declarer wins the A and leads a low toward dummydummy immediately. Partner wins the K (6 HCP so far) and cashes the Q (8 HCP now). A small follows, and declarer plays low from dummydummy. What do you do now?
Partner’s small implies an honor (It has to be the A, right? This makes 12 HCP so partner will have nothing else on the side) so you finesse the 10 and win. You cash your 3 high s, partner pitching 2 s and 1. A small to partner’s A and a back gives the defense 1, 4s, and 4s.
(You don’t score your K because you are end-played). Down 3. Nice Counting (and signaling)!!!
In high level competition an expert partner would make a penalty double of 1NT. Why penalty? Because s/he could have made a takeout double at their 1st chance. Passing indicated a desire to penalize NT or opener’s 1st suit. (Some play this double would be takeout for the remaining 2 suits. Be sure you are on the same page).
Learning Points
1) Counting HCP can help locate missing honors for declarer and for defenders when opponents make revealing passes or limit their hand in common ways.
2) Counting distribution and HCP together is a powerful in guide to the best choice of plays.
3) Counting takes work and concentration – start during the bidding and build your pictures of the hidden hands throughout the play. Even simple hands can offer big dividends!