Count Trumps Accurately: Control the Contract

As declarer, the best way to keep track of trumps is to begin the hand by knowing how many trumps you are missing. That number is often 5 or 4.

Rule - when you have an 8 card fit, the opponents start with 5 trumps.

And simply adjust that rule, so when you have a 9 card fit, the opponents start with 4. You might say this is too simple or basic, but its a fundamentally important declarer play skill.

Keep track of trumps, adjust the number every time an opponent plays a trump.

For example, say you draw a round of trumps and both defenders follow, the number of outstanding trumps has to be adjusted, say from 5 to 3. You need to keep track of the number of trumps out at any given time, its typically as simple as keeping a single number in your head.

Lets look at an example hand

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