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World Champion & Master Teacher
Donna Compton |
Tips with Donna
Mea culpa...Last week I discussed shape bidding...Some of you may have noticed the Thumbs Up shape only had 12 cards! LOL. The actually shape should be 4-4-3-2 (not 4-3-3-2)!
Let's talk about the Rule of 14, 17 and 19 on Defense. These rules are invaluable on defense and should be applied on every hand. This is how these rules work:
Given: There are 40 total HCPs in the deck (10 HCPs in each suit: A=4, K=3, Q=2, J=1)
Given: When opponents are in game, we presume 26 HCPs.
Given: When opponents attempt to bid game but don't, we presume 23 HCPs.
Given: When opponents make no attempt to move toward game, we result 21 HCPs.
1) If your opponents are in 3NT, 4H or 4S, then subtract your HCPs from 14 (the remaining HCPs) and you know the approximate number of HCPs in your partner's hand.
2) If your opponents are in 2NT, 3C, 3D, 3H or 3S, then subtract your HCPs from 17 (the remaining HCPs) and you know the approximate number of HCPs in your partner's hand.
3) If your opponents are in 1NT, 2C, 2D, 2H, or 2S, then subtract your HCPs from 19 (the remaining HCPs) and you know the approximate number of HCPs in your partner's hand.
These numbers are your "starting point". Both defenders may do this exercise once the contact is determined. Make it a part of your routine thought process...we will talk more about this exercise in future tips.
Got questions? Email me at
[email protected]
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