Signaling vs Suit Contracts

Bigfoot Bridge > Lesson Worksheets and Answers > Signaling vs Suit Contracts

Types of Signals

  • Attitude (most common when __________ first leads a suit)
  • Count (most common when _________ leads a suit or when one’s attitude is obvious)
  • Suit Preference (not common, only used in specific situations)

Attitude Signals

  • Give this signal when partner leads a _______ ___________ .
  • If you want partner to continue the suit, play your ___________ affordable spot card.  This shows:
    • An _________ honor; or
    • A ____________
    • Your partner might need to figure out which of these is the case, usually from the _________.
  • If you want partner to switch, play your ____________ spot card.
    • This does not automatically _________ a good holding in the suit.  It could mean “please shift to something intelligent partner!”

Sidebar:  Leads from Ace-King

  • Leading the Ace showing the King is only applicable at trick _______.  Later in the hand the defenders are more likely to be in a “cash out” mode.
  • In the middle of the hand, lead the ________ from Ace-King.
  • When partner has __________ your suit then lead the King from Ace-King.  This way the lead of the Ace denies the King.  While an unsupported Ace lead is usually a bad one there are times where it is necessary when partner has supported the suit.
  • At the 5 level or higher lead the ________ from Ace-King.  The lead of an unsupported Ace is more likely at this high level so you should have a way to deny the King.

Special Attitude Signal: Queen from Queen-Jack

Caveat: This only applies when your partner makes a lead showing both the Ace and the King.  In this case the Queen is either a singleton or else it shows the Jack.  Either way, if partner wants to put you on lead it is safe for her to ____________ her remaining high honor.

Count Signal

  • Assuming standard signals:
    • Play _______ from odd, _________ from even.
  • Examples:  Circle the card you should play to give count from each of these holdings:
    • 972
    • QT872
    • 94
    • T872
    • QT54
  • Rules to tell you when to give count:
    1. You can’t possibly have a relevant _________ . Examples:
      1. Opening lead is the J, Dummy has AK4 and Declarer plays low.  Everyone knows that Declarer has the Queen.  Signal your count.
    2. Dummy is going to take the trick with the Queen or a lower card because you can’t beat it.
      1. Opening lead is the 3, Dummy has QJ4 and Declarer plays the Jack.  If you can’t beat it, give count.
    3. It will become obvious that you have the missing relevant _________ by the play to trick 1. Examples:
      1. Opening lead is the Queen, Dummy has K842 and Declarer plays low.  If you have the Ace give count. When the Queen holds partner will know you have the Ace.
      2. Opening lead is the 3, Dummy has AJT4 and Declarer plays the Ace.  Declarer can’t have the King or else they would play the Ten.  Your partner can figure that Declarer doesn’t have the Queen, so you must have it.  Give count.
    4. You have supported and can’t have a relevant _________ .
      1. Your partner bid spades and you have supported.  West leads the King (from Ace-King) and dummy flops with the Q74.  You have the J832.  Partner knows your attitude when she sees the Queen.  Give count by playing the _______ .
      2. Same thing, only this time Dummy has AJ4.  Your partner is marked with the ________ and knows you don’t have an _______ in the suit.  Give count.