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Detail specifications 72B3 - Level 3

Signalling on a lead, playing against a trump contract.

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On a lead, playing against a trump contract, signalling by player n°3
Signalling will be different according to whether the player on lead stays in control.
  • If the player on lead, remains in control, signalling can be odd-even, refusal or preferential depending on how many cards there are at dummy.
  • If the player on lead isn't in control, normally signalling is odd-even
Reminder : when signalling, it shouldn't lead to giving a free trick to the Opps.
SWNE
1
Pass
4
Pass
Pass
Pass
 K  
   4
    
10
7
J
2
You see the 10 at the dummy, you can't waste your Jack by trying to show your doubleton. Signalling shouldn't lead to giving Opps a free trick. If the 10 wasn't at dummy, you should expect it to be in Declarer's hand.
 
 
On a lead playing against a trump contract, signalling by player n°3: player on lead plays a leading card
  • With at least 4 cards at dully, East gives his card count using odd-even
  • With the Queen 3rd at the dummy : odd-even. Exceptionally if you want your P to continue the same suit despite the Queen at dummy : false card count
  • With 3 low cards at dummy : use the refusal signal
  • With 2 cards at dummy : card count on the 1st trick, followed by a preferential signal if the player on lead continues the same suit
  • With a singleton at dummy : preferential signal to help your P find the best counter-attack.
  • With ace singleton at dummy : preferential signal

SWNE
1
Pass
4
Pass
Pass
Pass
 A  
   2
    
6
3
Q
8
4
QCM 2646
West has the King (never lead an ace without the King); there are 3 low cards at dummy (6,3,2). East who has the Queen needs to use a preferential signal. Therefore plays the 8, hopefully giving E/W a chance to make 3 tricks.
 
 
Example of signalling by player n°3 on a trump lead : Player on lead, plays a leading card
SWNE
1
Pass
2
Pass
2
Pass
4
Pass
Pass
Pass
 A  
   4
    
9
7
5
2
K
8
5
A
K
Q
10
8
6
4
3
A
J
10
9
9
7
5
10
9
2
QCM 3839
10 With a singleton at dummy, show a preferential signal for . Play your strongest card asking for the strongest of the suits remaining (excluding trump)
 
 
On a lead playing against a trump contract, signalling by player n°3 : Opps takes the 1st trick.
Normally, signalling is odd-even. The main exception is when there is a singleton at dummy, East plays a preferential signal.
SWNE
1
Pass
4
Pass
Pass
Pass
9
8
6
5
 K  
2   
    
J
7
4
QCM 3885
Dummy is leading. Signal your odd number of cards, by playing the 4, the lowest card.