It is a more accurate way of valuing an unbalanced hand when you know you have an eight card fit. Without using this method you will probably have used shortage points when valuing a hand with a known eight card fit. To do this you count five for a void, 3 for a singleton in a suit and 1 for a doubleton suit. However, this is not the most accurate method of valuing an unabalanced hand and most bridge players use the Losing Trick Count instead.

Why Should You Use it?

It makes it easier for you to bid your hand to the right level. Most bridge players use it – so you will be at a disadvantage if you don’t learn how to use it.

When Should You Use It?

You use the Losing Trick Count when you have an 8 card fit or better and an unbalanced hand.

When Shouldn’t You Use It?

Don’t use it unless you have an 8 card fit or better. Don’t use it if you don’t yet know if you have an 8 card fit.

How Does it Work?

Start by counting the losers in your own hand. Then add the losers that you believe are in your partner’s hand – you will have to make some basic assumptions about the cards your partner is holding, based on the bids they have made. Now subtract your total from 24. This gives you the number of tricks you expect to make.

How do you Count Your Losers?

You count one loser for each missing A, K and Q in each suit.

The voucher entitles the recipient to one year’s subscription to No Fear Bridge.

It doesn’t matter whether the recipient is a complete beginner, or just wants to improve his/her play.  There is something for everyone on the site and new material is being added constantly.  There are loads of fun, interactive hands to play; lots of quizzes to test your knowledge; audio feedback on incorrect play so that you can understand where you went wrong; daily hands to play; a progress chart; tutorials which you can print out and study at leisure.

The recipient needs to be connected to a reasonable quality internet connection – and the site is iPad friendly.

You can learn with me.

I am using the No Fear Bridge website as my guide.  It is run by a good friend of mine, so she will be checking that what I post here is correct!