A K Q |  | |
| A K J | With any good suit, with an outside ace, | |
| A K 10 | or with two or more outside tricks. | |
| K Q J |
EXAMPLES OF HANDS THAT SHOULD NOT BE PASSED
A number of hands are given below to illustrate the value of a long suit. If your partner holds an average hand the long suit can usually be made.
| ♥ | ♦ | ♣ | ♠ |
| J 10 8 6 4 | 7 5 | A K 5 3 2 | 8 |
| 10 9 8 7 5 | None | K Q J 7 6 3 | K 7 |
| K J 8 6 4 | 6 | 8 3 | K 10 8 7 4 |
| A 9 7 6 4 | K 8 6 5 3 | 4 2 | 6 |
| J 9 8 7 4 | 6 | A | K Q 10 8 7 6 |
| K 9 8 6 5 | 4 | A Q J 6 3 | 3 2 |
| Q 9 7 6 3 | None | K J 10 7 5 | A 10 4 |
| A 9 8 5 3 | K 7 | 6 | K Q J 9 6 |
| 10 9 8 6 5 | None | Q J 9 | A K Q 7 5 |
HEARTS IN PREFERENCE TO “NO-TRUMP”
There are many players who delight in declaring “no-trumps,” overlooking the fact that they may hold a suit declaration that would be certain to win the game without the risk attending a “no-trump” make.
Although one more trick is necessary at hearts, the chances are that if the game can be won at “no-trump,” it will be won with equal facility at hearts. The adversaries may hold an established suit or may establish and make a suit at “no-trump” which it would be impossible for them to bring in with a trump declaration. There is no rule so universally followed among the better players as that of declaring hearts in preference to “no-trump.”
HEARTS, NOT “NO-TRUMPS”
| ♥ | ♦ | ♣ | ♠ |
| A Q J 9 5 | A 6 4 | A 7 5 | 7 3 |
| K Q J 9 6 3 | A 7 5 3 | A | 8 4 |
| A K Q 9 8 | A Q 7 | A K Q J | 4 |
| A K Q 9 | A 8 4 | 5 | J 10 8 6 3 |
| A K Q 9 | 7 | Q 1O 5 | K J 8 5 3 |
| K Q J 9 7 | A | A 5 | K J 9 8 7 |
| A K Q 9 8 | K Q 7 | A Q 5 3 2 | None |