Counting the defenders’ hands is a crucial skill in the game of bridge. It can give you an edge over your opponents and help you make better decisions during the play. However, it is not an easy skill to master, and it requires practice and focus. As a senior member of my club once said to me, “You write about counting the defenders’ hands to help in the play, but I can’t recall every card that’s played. My memory is so poor, I can hide my own Easter eggs.” But don’t be discouraged, counting is easy in principle and with some tips and tricks, you can improve your counting skills and become a better bridge player.

Firstly, let’s understand the importance of counting the defenders’ hands. In bridge, the defenders have the advantage of seeing each other’s cards, whereas the declarer has to rely on their own hand and the dummy’s hand. By counting the defenders’ hands, the declarer can gain valuable information about the distribution of the cards and make informed decisions during the play. It also helps in planning the best line of play and avoiding potential traps set by the opponents.

Now, let’s discuss some tips and techniques to improve your counting skills. The first and most basic step is to pay attention to the cards that are played. Many players make the mistake of getting lost in their own thoughts or focusing too much on their own hand. It is important to keep track of the cards played by both defenders and try to remember as many as possible.

Another helpful tip is to look for clues in the bidding. The bidding can give you a good idea of the distribution of the cards. For example, if one defender has bid a suit and the other has not, it is safe to assume that the bidding defender has more cards in that suit. Similarly, if one defender has doubled the contract, it indicates strength in that suit.

One useful technique for counting the defenders’ hands is the “Rule of Eleven.” This rule states that by subtracting the highest card of the suit led from eleven, you can determine how many cards the other defender has in that suit. For example, if the opening lead is a 9, subtracting it from 11 gives you 2. This means the other defender has two cards higher than the 9. This technique can help you narrow down the possible distribution of the cards and make more accurate assumptions.

Another technique that can be helpful is “entry counting.” This involves keeping track of how many times a defender has played a certain suit. If a defender has played that suit twice, it is safe to assume that they have no more cards in that suit. This information can be crucial in deciding which suit to play or whether to finesse or not.

However, counting the defenders’ hands is not just about remembering the cards that have been played. It also involves analyzing the opponents’ actions and body language. Many players have a habit of showing their disappointment or satisfaction when they play a card. By observing these subtle cues, you can get an idea of the defenders’ holdings and make better decisions.

It is also important to note that counting the defenders’ hands is not a one-time task. It is an ongoing process that requires continuous effort and focus. As the play progresses, the distribution of the cards may change, and it is important to adapt and adjust your count accordingly.

In conclusion, counting the defenders’ hands is a valuable skill that can greatly improve your performance in bridge. It takes practice and focus, but with some tips and techniques, you can become a better counter and a better bridge player. Remember, as my senior club member said, “My memory is so poor, I can hide my own Easter eggs,” but with dedication and determination, you can improve your counting skills and take your game to the next level. So, keep practicing and happy counting!