| Trump Echo - 
    When declarer begins drawing trump, the defenders naturally play a 
    low-high signal showing a even number of cards, first 
    discarding a lower card and subsequently discarding a higher card. Examples: 
    declarer is playing in a Spade contract, leading the SA.  
    Playing Trump Echo, count signals are the opposite of standard count signals 
    in other suits.  When a defender holds 2 trumps, playing low to 
    preserve a possible winning honor is important.   However, 
    holding 3 trump the defender can usually afford to play the middle card 
    (except a significant honor).  Should partner play medium then low on 
    opponent's trump but stop after two rounds, in certain situation it is 
    useful to know partner has a remaining trump - likely a winner.   
    Similarly, consider the scenario where declarer appears to be 5-3 in trump; 
    when the declarer leads a high trump, one defender plays a singleton trump 
    while their partner signals with a low trump, high trump. After the second 
    trump play, Declarer switches to a new suit.  Apparently the other 
    defender holds an even number, likely 4 trump. High-low shows an odd number of cards in 
    the suit Low-high shows an even number of cards in 
    the suit, probably two Conditions 
    for count signals: When a player holding 3 trump 
    can afford to signal with the middle cards When it makes sense to provide 
    trump count signals Also see
    Trump Suit Preference |