The Tao of Bridge by Brent Manley

The Tao of Bridge by Brent Manley

Author:Brent Manley
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: ebook, book
Publisher: Adams Media
Published: 2011-06-29T00:00:00+00:00


Chapter 15

Counting—Unlocking the Door to Your Tricks

If you were to ask 100 expert players what they consider essential to success at bridge, 100 of them would tell you that it's counting. To be successful, you must learn to make this aspect of your game as routine as picking up your hand to begin play. When you acquire the habit of counting every hand, plays you would have considered beyond your ability will seem easy. You will win the respect of people you looked up to. They will ask you to play. You will have arrived.

Principle 96: Do not be intimidated by the task of counting.

There is no doubt that learning to count is hard work at first, particularly if you have not been doing it, but consider how often during a typical day counting is an almost automatic part of your routine. You count out change when you buy a cup of coffee; you count the minutes to your next break or to the end of the workday. You are counting when you measure ingredients for a meal you are cooking. With all of these, you don't give it a second thought.

Now consider bridge. You count your high-card points when you pick up your hand. If your count of HCP indicates that you should open, you count the cards in the four suits to determine which suit you will start with. When partner opens, you count up your points and what he has indicated to determine whether to play game or slam or just a part score. You're doing a lot of counting already without having to think about doing it. Yes, experts do it better than you do, but that doesn't mean you can't do it, too. It's all a matter of practice and determination. As long as you understand how important counting is in your development as a player, you will be patient with yourself and the process. The rewards will be well worth the effort.

♣ ♦ ♥ ♠

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Principle 97: Understand the wonders of bridge as a “counter.”

Once you acquire the habit of counting a bridge hand, your confidence will soar. A bridge hand will take on an entirely new look. You will know as a defender that partner or declarer has certain cards, and you will know what to do about it. You will be viewed as a dangerous opponent.

W N E S

1NT P 2♣ P

2♠ P 3♠ P

4♠ All Pass #xa0;



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