Search results
Losing Trick Count (LTC) is a hand evaluation method popularized by Australian expert Ron Klinger. It's used to judge how high to bid after an 8+ card trump fit is identified. LTC employs the following math: Count the number of "winners" and "losers" in each of your suits: Each ace and king counts as a winner.
The "LAW" states that on most bridge deals the total number of trumps is approximately equal to the total number of tricks. There are 4 articles on this website with more details, as well as a brief description of 3 books by Larry Cohen on the LAW: BOOKS.
Winning trick count, losing trick count, Monte Cristo Count (where you count the number of times your partner has wronged you and plot appropriate vengeance), etc. are useful tools, but let's master the hammer before we start using a grappling hook.
Losing Trick Count A hand evaluation method used once a trump fit is located. OBAR BIDS A method of balancing in direct seat. Pearson Points A hand evaluation method for deciding whether or not to open the bidding in 4th seat. Rule of 20 A guideline for opening the bidding that counts high card points + the length of your two longest suits.
In this case, the Rule of 2,3,4 suggest that you be within 3 tricks of your preempt. So, with neither side vulnerable, you can open 2 with: You expect 4 heart tricks and the A for 5 tricks, thus preempt on the 2-level (you are within "3" of 8 tricks). Favorable Vulnerability- "4".
Losing trick count (LTC) is a method of evaluating hands. It can be very helpful to both opener and responder when deciding whether to bid game and slam. Use LTC only when considering suit contracts — for notrump, other methods including simple high card points are better.
Count 1 losing trick for each missing Ace, King, and Queen. If you have only two cards, count each missing Ace and King. If you have only one card, count 1LT unless it’s the Ace. A void, of course, counts as 0 LT’s. Add up the LT’s for all 4 suits, and that is the Losing Trick Count for your hand. Examples
