Try systems and enjoy your bridge
It is not a bad idea to try a variety of discarding approaches in bridge. Different pairs enjoy different methods, and there are advantages and disadvantages to every system.
From what I have seen, most expert pairs do not play Odds and Evens discarding as their main method. But at the same time, bridge is meant to be enjoyed. If you feel comfortable with a system and your partnership likes it, that is already a good reason to use it.
Exactly when Odds and Evens applies
The first important point is to be precise about when you are giving an Odds and Evens signal. Most people who play it use it on the first discard of the hand, meaning the first time you cannot follow suit.
For example, say clubs are trumps and declarer draws trumps. You follow to the first two rounds, then on the third round you have no clubs left and must discard. That first discard is the defined Odds and Evens signal moment.
You can absolutely choose a different agreement, but the key is this: define it clearly with partner. If one person thinks it is first discard only and the other thinks it applies on every discard, confusion is guaranteed.
How the signal works
The core idea is simple:
- An odd card encourages that suit.
- An even card does not encourage that suit.
So if you discard the 3 of spades, that encourages spades.
Most pairs who play Odds and Evens also use the even card as McKenney (suit preference):
- A high even card asks for the higher side suit.
- A low even card asks for the lower side suit.
Using the same example, where clubs are trumps (three rounds of trumps are played and you can't follow to the third round, so you can discard). If you are discarding a spade:
- 8 of spades (high even) might ask for hearts (the higher side suit).
- 2 of spades (low even) might ask for diamonds (the lower side suit).
Not clubs, because clubs are trumps and you already ran out.
Main advantage: often very clear
One real advantage of Odds and Evens is clarity. Odd and even are unambiguous categories most of the time. Compared to methods like high-encourage/low-discourage, it can feel cleaner in many practical positions.
With high/low attitude methods, whether a card is “high” can depend heavily on context and what cards you have left. Sometimes the 5 is high, sometimes it is not. Odds and Evens can feel more explicit.
Main disadvantage: sometimes you cannot give the right signal
The biggest weakness is card availability. Sometimes you simply do not hold any odd cards in a suit, so can't encourage! Other times you don't hold even cards, so can't McKenney (suit preference signal).
For example, say your suit is A-K-8-4-2 and you want to encourage that suit. You have no odd card to do it. If your partnership agreement is odd = encourage, you cannot give the perfect signal in that suit.
That is where real bridge happens. Maybe you do not want to discard another suit. Maybe another suit must be protected. So there are definitely times where you are put in a position where you cannot signal accurately. We always go back to rule #1 of signalling: do not throw a trick in order to signal. If useful, this is covered in more detail in Bridge Signals for Beginners: Attitude, Count, and Suit Preference.
This is why partner should not treat any signaling method as perfect information. Good partnerships stay sympathetic to practical carding constraints.
Practical recommendation
If you want to try Odds and Evens, do it with clear agreements:
- Define the exact trigger (for example: first discard only).
- Define whether even cards are suit preference (McKenney) and how.
- Accept that carding constraints will sometimes block the “ideal” message.
- Review hands with partner and adjust if needed.
You do not have to play what experts play to enjoy bridge and improve. What matters is partnership clarity, consistency, and being realistic about what your cards let you signal. Try to keep it comfortable and enjoyable, that's when you will play your best bridge.
Final takeaway
Odds and Evens is a playable, practical system when both partners define it clearly and use it in a disciplined way. It can provide clear signals, but it also has unavoidable limits. If your partnership enjoys it and understands the trade-offs, it is absolutely worth trying.