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.
South dealer; N-S vulnerable
 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 |
| End |
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.