An entry card is classified as any controlling card that allows us to regain the lead when that suit is led to us (unless the opposition can trump, of course). These valuable weapons can be as high as an ace, or as small as a 3 (or deuce, in the spade suit) depending on the current status of the suit.

In addition, any card we hold that allows us to enter our partner's hand is an "assist card" for our partner's entries. Oftentimes, by not preserving key cards during a hand, we can block our position by having no cards in a particular suit to enter our partner's hand. We can often deduce when this situation will arise, and therefore plan accordingly.

The Power of Deuces

Deuces and other small cards are useful instruments for many reasons. We already know they can signal interest or disinterest when we want our partner to continue or discontinue the establishment of a suit. They can also be used to signal our count, as Jay Tomlinson emphasized in his articles on conventions. Where 4's and 5's tend to be vague signals when taken independently, 2's send a very loud clear message to our partner. The only time the deuce can send the wrong signal is when it is a singleton or a doubleton in conjunction with the ace or king.

For these reasons, it can be detrimental to conserve our deuces rather than seizing their communication powers. However, there are circumstances when preserving a deuce or another low card will enable us with our only means of entering our partner's hand, particularly in the spade suit. Since our signaling methods in the spade suit can be reversed or tend to be different from the side suits, the deuce is no longer as critical for communications and can be used more freely. Furthermore, since the spade suit is generally not explored until late in the hand, we can deduce whether the deuce needs to be preserved or not by the time that decision needs to be made.

Consider the following deal:

North A K Q 10 2 5 4 3 2 6 2 9 8 West 7 6 A 9 6 A K 4 Q J 4 3 2 East J 8 K Q 8 7 9 5 3 A 7 6 5 South 9 5 4 3 J 10 Q J 10 8 7 K 10 The bidding: West North East South 3 5 2 2 West led the Q

Let me emphasize that we are not concerned with bags here. Both sides are fighting to get as many tricks as they can. East, knowing how North plays, decided to go up with the A and return the 5 to South's King (North, a seasoned expert, would have covered with the King if he had it). South then led the J to West's A. West switched to diamonds and, after cashing the Ace and King, continued with the 4.

Now, we can clearly see that there is only one way for North/South to set East/West. North must cut with the 10, lead his top two spades, and finally enter South's hand with the 2. Then South can cash his diamond winners while North throws off his heart losers.

How does North know to cut with the 10 and preserve his deuce to enter partner's hand with the spade suit? Let us examine the previous plays. Since East/West only need one more trick to fulfill their bid, North realizes that their only chance of setting is if his partner has a diamond or heart suit run. Since East/West only need one more trick, North realizes that spades must be pulled immediately before allowing his partner to run the necessary side suit.

The problem of course is entering South's hand without sacrificing a trick to East/West. He deduces that it is very unlikely his partner holds the K since he had led the J earlier. Since West covered the Jack with the Ace, East's last count trick is very likely the King of hearts. Thus, the most probable chance of entering his partner's hand is in the spade suit. A brilliant deduction by North allowed them the set.

Summary

When your side has the majority of the trumps or trump controls, consider conserving a low one.

After determining that you must find a safe way to enter your partner's hand, deduce where his possible entry is by the following criteria:

1. Everyone's count tricks taken.
2. Your partner's leads and signals.
3. The distribution.

If the entry is determined to be in the spade suit, use your second lowest trump when you must cut, then lead a couple rounds of spades before entering partner's hand with your lowest spade.

-- Dustin Stout