Count or go minus

“I gave up my study of negative numbers; I was becoming nonplussed.” — graffiti

Anyone can count to 13 — or from zero to minus 13. Counting the distribution of the defenders’ hands can help you avoid minus scores.

Today’s South roared into 7NT after he doubled East’s opening weak two-bid and North’s three-spade cue bid showed strength. West led the ten of spades, and declarer took the ace and counted 13 tricks if the clubs produced four tricks. But before playing clubs, South determined to get some information.

HEART TRICKS

South cashed five hearts, pitching a spade and a club from dummy. East discarded spades. Declarer next took the K-A of diamonds. When East threw another spade, South had a count: East’s pattern had been 6-2-1-4.

So South took the ace of clubs. When West followed with the six, South led a second club: five, nine. Making seven. If East plays an honor on the second club, South can win and return a diamond to dummy to pick up East’s remaining clubs.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: 5 4 2 Q 4 3 A Q 6 A 7 3 2. Your partner opens one heart, you respond two clubs and he bids two diamonds. What do you say?

ANSWER: With four working honors, you can commit to game. Partner will be a favorite to win 10 tricks at hearts even if he has a minimum such as 9 6 3, A K J 6 5, K J 5 4, 4. Jump to three hearts, forcing. In a style where your two clubs was game-forcing, you could bid two hearts. That style has advantages and drawbacks. East dealer Both sides vulnerable