Losing Trick Count

 

The Losing Trick Count is yet another method for hand evaluation, here's how it works:

  - Each suit has a maximum of three losers (so 12 is the absolute maximum)

  - We count a loser for the missing high cards (A or K or Q) in each suit, so Qxx is two losers, AKx is one loser, AKJ is also one loser (missing the Queen), as is AKJx (the 4th card in the suit is never a loser)

  - In two card suits, we just count the missing A and/or K

  - A singleton is one loser except for the singleton Ace

  - A void is no losers

 

A hand with 3 losers is usually a 2♣ opener, 4 losers is typically reverse strength, 5 losers is an opening bid with extras, 6 or 7 losers is simply a close to minimum opening bid.

 

 

13th December, 2006        Board 10      Dealer East       Both Vul

 

 

South has only 14 HCP’s opposite a Partner who could make no more than a single raise, but there’s more to hand evaluation than HCP’s.  On the Losing Trick Count, South has but 5 losers, calculated as follows:

-         Spades:  No losers, of course

-         Hearts:  Two losers (we are missing the Ace and Queen)

-         Diamonds:  One loser (missing the Ace)

-         Clubs:  Two losers (missing the Ace and King)

 

Where does a 5-loser hand fit into the general scheme of things?  Well, a 4-loser hand is usually enough to go to game with opposite a Partner who has made any kind of voluntary noise, so surely this 5-loser collection is worth one more bid.

 

 

16th May, 2007                 Board 18      Dealer East       N-S Vul

 

 

Only 6 HCP’s but the lovely 6-4 shape makes this worth a game try.  Let’s look at a different hand, by way of comparison:

            ♠ KT987

            ♥ J32

            ♦ K92

            ♣ A8

Not many would argue with making a game-try on this 11-count, but in fact, once a Spade fit has been identified, the 6-count in the problem has about the same playing strength.  Using the Losing Trick Count, both hands have 8 losers, which happens to be a good rule of thumb for invitational values.  Counting up the HCP’s is a good start, but it’s not the only factor to consider.

 

 

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