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    Lavinthal - A discard system which uses the 
    rank of the card signal suit preference.  Assume opponents are running 
    a long suit; when partner cannot follow to the suit, the first discard in an 
    unwanted signifies suit preference.  A low card shows preference for a low 
    suit (other than the played suit of the signal card), while a high card asks partner to lead a high non-played 
    suit when possible.   
    Example: Opponents' are running a long Heart suit; on the first discard, the 
    player may pitch to show suit preference: 
      
        | Discard | Suit Preference |  
        | C2 - low | Diamonds - low suit |  
        | C8 - high | Spades - high suit |  
        | D3 - low | Clubs - low suit |  
        | D9 - high | Spades - high suit |  
        | S2 - low | Clubs - low suit |  
        | S8 - high | Diamonds - high suit |  
        | Any 5-7 | Not defined (typically cannot say or 
        no preference) |  Some players prefer the 
    Odd-Even Discard system over Lavinthal, citing more robust carding to 
    indicate suit preference, or lack therein. A minority of players use 
    Revolving Lavinthal, which wraps around the Spade-Club relationship.
 Also see 
    Details on signaling and books on
     
    Signals
 
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