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Detail specifications 62GZ - Level 2 ★
The Smith Echo
The Smith Echo is a signal given on the 2nd round of a NT contract.
The signal can be given by the player on lead or his Partner.
The Smith Echo by the player on lead. is used when his lead is perhaps ambiguous. Ex. On the lead of a 6 or 7, P still doesn't know if he should play the suit his Partner led.
The signal can be given by the player on lead or his Partner.
The Smith Echo by the player on lead. is used when his lead is perhaps ambiguous. Ex. On the lead of a 6 or 7, P still doesn't know if he should play the suit his Partner led.
- If the lead card is 4th best, then the Leader plays a low cardon the next round (on the suit being played) ; therefore, Partner knows that when he is in hand he should play the lead suit again.
- On the contrary, if the Leader plays a high card, then he is not interested.(ex. 7) denies any interest in the lead suit.
| S | W | N | E |
|---|---|---|---|
1NT |
|||
Pass |
2 |
Pass |
2 |
Pass |
3NT |
Pass |
Pass |
Pass |
| | |||||||||||
| A K Q 2 5 3 K 7 Q 7 5 3 |
| | |||||||||
| 7 5 4 Q 9 8 Q 8 J 9 8 2 |
The Smith Echo given by the Partner of the player on lead. (in this case it's E)
East's Smith Echo is used by the Partner of the player on lead to signal that he is interested in the lead suit. This often happen when player on lead has played the highest of 3 low cards.
East's Smith Echo is used by the Partner of the player on lead to signal that he is interested in the lead suit. This often happen when player on lead has played the highest of 3 low cards.
- If East is interested in the lead suit, he plays a high card which isn't useful.on the next round ; Partner knows what he should play when he is in hand.
- On the contrary, if East plays a useless low card not at all interested in his lead suit.
| S | W | N | E |
|---|---|---|---|
1 |
Pass |
||
1NT |
Pass |
3 |
Pass |
3NT |
Pass |
Pass |
Pass |
| Q J 10 5 A 8 7 K J 10 9 | |||||||||||
| |
| 7 2 K Q 8 7 Q 10 4 6 2 | |||||||||
| |
QCM 9908
In West, your Partner had led with the 9 ♥, the highest of 3 small cards. The Declarer takes the trick at the dummy (Ace) and plays King ♠. Playing the 7 ♠ "a high card" shows your Partner that you are interested in his lead suit - ♥
In West, your Partner had led with the 9 ♥, the highest of 3 small cards. The Declarer takes the trick at the dummy (Ace) and plays King ♠. Playing the 7 ♠ "a high card" shows your Partner that you are interested in his lead suit - ♥
Another example of The Smith Echo
| S | W | N | E |
|---|---|---|---|
1NT |
|||
Pass |
2NT |
Pass |
3NT |
Pass |
| | |||||||||||
| J 9 J 5 K 8 7 A 10 9 6 4 |
| | |||||||||
| A K 10 6 7 4 3 2 5 4 8 2 |
QCM 9908
As West, you have led 7♠. The Declarer takes the trick with the Jack. Now he plays the Q♦. Play the 2♦ : this is The Smith Echo. A low card shows your P that indeed it was your 4th best. So as he is a good P he will play ♠ as soon as he is in hand.
As West, you have led 7♠. The Declarer takes the trick with the Jack. Now he plays the Q♦. Play the 2♦ : this is The Smith Echo. A low card shows your P that indeed it was your 4th best. So as he is a good P he will play ♠ as soon as he is in hand.
FR version
In South you have led the 7 ♥, your 4th best ... ambiguous. Your Partner doesn't know this is your 4th best. The Declarer takes the 1st trick and plays K ♦. Play the 2 ♦. This is the Smith Echo : a low card shows your P that your lead with the 7 ♥ was indeeed your 4th best.