The Rule of 10 is used when a lead is fifth-best. It works as follows:
The final number equals how many higher cards declarer holds in the suit.
Example:
Partner | ||||
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Declarer | Dummy | |||
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You | ||||
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Partner leads the 5. Assuming this is a fifth-best lead, how many hearts are in declarer's hand which are higher?
Thus, declarer does not have any card above the 5 if partner's lead was fifth-best. The full suit distribution around the table:
Partner | ||||
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Declarer | Dummy | |||
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You | ||||
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The Rule of 12 is used when a lead is third-best. It works the same as the Rule of 10, except that the starting number is 12.
Example:
Partner | ||||
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Declarer | Dummy | |||
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You | ||||
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Partner leads the 5. Assuming this is a third-best lead, how many hearts are in declarer's hand which are higher?
Thus, declarer holds two hearts higher than the 5 if partner's lead was third-best. The full suit distribution around the table:
Partner | ||||
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Declarer | Dummy | |||
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You | ||||
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