The loser count is a common method used in bridge to evaluate the strength of a hand, especially when playing in a suit contract (with a trump). This technique allows you to determine how many tricks you are likely to lose and, consequently, adjust your bids. Here’s how to count losers in a bridge hand.
Basic rules for counting losers
Losers are counted only in the first three cards of each suit. Other cards are not considered in this count.
1. Suits with three or more cards:
- A (Ace): No loser.
- K (King): 1 loser if you don’t have the Ace.
- Q (Queen): 1 loser if you don’t have the Ace or King, 2 losers if you only have the King or Ace.
- All other cards: Each card after the Queen counts as a loser if it is unprotected.
2. Suits with two cards:
- A, K: No loser.
- A, Q or K, Q: 1 loser.
- No Ace or King: 2 losers.
3. Singleton:
- Ace: No loser.
- Any other card: 1 loser.
4. Void (no cards in a suit):
- No loser in the void suit, but the void can become a trump for ruffing opponents’ tricks.
Example of counting losers
Example hand:
- ♠ Spades:
- A, K, 7, 6 → No loser. The Ace and King cover the tricks. The 7 and 6 are not counted as only the first three cards matter.
- ♥ Hearts:
- Q, 9, 3 → 2 losers. The 9 and 3 cannot win tricks against the Ace or King.
- ♦ Diamonds:
- J, 10, 8, 2 → 3 losers. None of these cards can guarantee a trick unless your partner holds the Ace or King.
- ♣ Clubs:
- K, 5 → 1 loser. The King is vulnerable if the Ace is opposite, and the 5 is a loser.
Total losers:
- ♠: 0 losers.
- ♥: 2 losers.
- ♦: 3 losers.
- ♣: 1 loser.
Total: 6 losers.
Using the number of losers
The number of losers helps you estimate the strength of your hand for suit contracts. The fewer losers you have, the stronger your hand.
- Game contract: A hand with around 7 losers (with the help of your partner) is often strong enough to aim for a game contract (9 tricks or more).
- Slam contract: If you count around 5 losers or fewer, you can consider a slam contract (12 or 13 tricks).
Adjustment with honors and distribution
- Singletons and voids: A hand with a singleton or void in a suit allows you to “ruff” losing tricks, effectively reducing the number of losers.
- Well-placed honors: A well-placed King or Queen (opposite your partner’s honors) can convert a loser into a winner.
Counting losers is a quick and useful method for evaluating a hand’s ability to take tricks, especially in trump contracts. The more you practice, the more accurate you will be in your bidding and decision-making in bridge.
