Count Signals

Give Count. To "give count" is the second most important signal -- you should do it all the time until it becomes such a habit you don't think about it. (Declarer won't trust you so don't worry much about giving away your hand).

Giving count is easy:

- Play a higher card on the first round of a suit than you do on the second round to show an even number of cards, and
- Play a lower card on the first round to show an odd number.

Example: a 6 followed by a 5 shows an even number of cards were dealt; a 2 followed by a 4 shows an odd number of cards were dealt to you. The size of the cards doesn't matter; a Jack followed by a nine shows even and a two followed by a three shows odd.

Why Is Count Important? With a count of one side suit and a review of the bidding, you can get an approximation of the distribution of all 52 cards. Another couple of rounds should verify your approximation -- if you're paying attention. This is how experts seem to be reading through the backs of the cards.

As even or odd will most often matter only to decide if partner holds 2, 3 or 4 cards, try to visualize what your partner is telling you as you see his first card played in each suit. By the third round, it won't matter much to the defense.

Usually, if partner has 5 of a suit, you will know about it or can see a singleton somewhere. If he has a singleton, he can't do any signaling with it other than slamming it on the table. (not!)