Suit Preference Signal

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 Quick Summary

• When it applies:
  • Used against suit contracts when dummy tables with shortness in the suit led
  • Used when giving partner a ruff so they know which suit to return
• How it is used:
  • High shows a preference for the higher side suit
  • Low shows a preference for the lower side suit
  • Intermediate asks for a continuation or a trump switch
• Why signal Suit Preference:
  • Helps partner know which suit to lead

Overview

The Suit Preference signal is used to show a preference between side suits.  Applies against suit contracts when partner leads an Ace and dummy tables with a singleton. The 3rd hand defender plays a high spot card if they desire a switch to the higher ranking side suit. A low spot card shows a preference for the lower ranking side suit.  

The Suit Preference Signal is also used when giving partner a ruff.  The card led for partner to ruff suggests whether you want partner to return the higher side-suit or the lower side-suit.  This helps partner find your entry to navigate a 2^nd ruff.

Using the Suit Preference Signal when Dummy Tables with a Singleton

Examples

• The Suit Preference Signal applies against suit contracts when partner leads the Ace and dummy has a singleton in the suit led
• West leads the ♥Ace
• Signal with the ♥8 to ask for a diamond shift, the higher of the remaining side suits
• Switch East’s minors and East would play the ♥4 to ask for a club shift, the lower of the remaining side suits

• Dummy has a singleton heart and can ruff a heart continuation
• An attitude signal would not be helpful
• The Suit Preference Signal applies
• West doesn’t want to guess whether to switch to a club or a diamond
• East’s play of a low heart is suit preference for the lower side-suit, clubs

Using the Suit Preference Signal when Giving Partner a Ruff

The Suit Preference signal is also used when giving partner a ruff so you can suggest the suit you want returned, positioning you to give partner another ruff. Leading a low card shows a preference for the lower ranking side suit. A high spot card shows a preference for the higher ranking side suit.

• East wins the ♥King and then cashes the Ace
• Declarer follows low, West plays the ♥2
• It looks like West started with a doubleton heart
• West is positioned to ruff higher than dummy
• East wants to give West a heart ruff and get a club back
• The Suit Preference signal applies when giving partner a ruff so you can suggest the suit you want returned, positioning you to give partner another ruff
• East leads the ♥3 as suit preference for clubs, the lower side-suit

 Example #4

• West leads their singleton diamond to East's Ace
• East-West need to navigate 2 diamond ruffs to beat 4♠
• East hopes West has the ♥Ace and is willing to underlead it to East's  ♥King
• This would enable East to give West a 2^nd diamond ruff
• After winning the ♦Ace, East returns the ♦10 as a Suit Preference signal asking for a heart return, the higher side-suit
• This positions West to underlead their ♥Ace, allowing East-West to navigate 2 diamond ruffs to beat 4♠