Counting
Careful counting is a lot more than counting high card points. It includes being aware of how the suits are distributed among the hands.
As declarer, you can know about where the problems in play may lie for you. You only need to count to 13, four times, once for each suit. When dummy comes down, you can count your cards and dummy’s cards in each suit and know how many are left in opponent’s hands.
As play proceeds and cards are played, you can begin to predict more precisely where the others in each suit are likely to sit. This knowledge can help you to know your chances of your trick being trumped and if your finesses will work.
It is noted that the hand with the most cards left in the suit will have the card you need to finesse to make your contract. You must keep track of all the cards in each suit, already played, to be able to know how many cards of each suit are remaining in opponent’s hands. This takes some practice and concentration. This is one method to help you plan your play.
The winners in the One More Game contest at the First Methodist Church on Thursday, Sept. 20 were: 1st Judy Gealy and Pat Macon, 2nd Anita Graham and Renita Richie, tied for 3rd/4th Nancy Brandt and Tom Johnson with Mack Brown and Wade Lowder.
Our Sept. 21 Evergreen game at Rufty-Holmes Senior Center was once again difficult and challenging. Winners were: N/S 1st Ruth Bowles and Marie Pugh, 2nd Nancy Brandt and Tom Johnson, 3rd Judy Hurder and Toni Iossi; E/W 1st Jean and Loyd Hill, 2nd Pat Featherston and Dick Brisbin, 3rd Beth Shafer and Lawana Ford.
The Bridge at Rufty game, Wednesday, Sept. 26 was our smallest game in a year. We missed those away and hope to see you again soon. Game winners were: 1st Judy Hurder and Pat Macon, 2nd Carol Bachl and Judy Gealy, 3rdWayne Pegram and Dick Brisbin, 4th Ann Hamm and Mary Hennie.
Hope those who are ailing will be able to join us again soon.