Bechgaard Signals

Bechgaard signals are an obscure type of "delayed" count signal in long suits. They are "delayed" because a defender must play to 3 or 4 tricks to show count, as opposed to a standard low-high or high-low signal.

As an extension to standard count signals that only show an even or odd # of cards, Bechgaard signals show an exact # of cards when holding a 5, 6, or 7 card suit. In count situations, the defender follows suit or discards thusly:

From a 5-card suit, play 4th-highest, 3rd-highest, and then 5th-highest. Example:

1. 6-5-4-3-2
2. 6-5-4-3-2
3. 6-5-4-3-2

From a 6-card suit, play 4th-highest, 5th-highest, and then 6th-highest. Example:

1. 7-6-5-4-3-2
2. 7-6-5-4-3-2
3. 7-6-5-4-3-2

From a 7-card suit, peter twice ( high-low) by playing 6th-highest, 7th-highest, 4th-highest, and finally 5th-highest. Example:

1. 8-7-6-5-4-3-2
2. 8-7-6-5-4-3-2
3. 8-7-6-5-4-3-2
4. 8-7-6-5-4-3-2

Bechgaard signals are named for their inventor, the late South African expert Kai Bechgaard.