Beginner Series #1: Pre-COUNTING

In the first installment of my Beginner Series, I outline a method for counting. Because, you know, having a good technique for counting IS critical for getting better at this game. I discuss counting by hand pattern, and a technique for helping you count later: Pre-Counting!
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[@jw4889]

Really like your channel, Eli. Keep at it and yours will be every bit as good as Pete Holland’s. Being a beginner myself ( and selfish) I would like to request more beginner videos. Well done !

[@fionamcerlane4133]

Thanks for doing a series of beginner videos Eli. I am a beginner, and can just about keep track of the trump suit, but there is so much else to think about that I find it a bit overwhelming to keep track of other suits too. Loved the 'story of the hand' video as well, really good!

[@audreymurphy2593]

This is so nice and simple to understand; can you do one on play of the hand?

[@EliJolleyBridge]

@@audreymurphy2593 I'm planning to do a play of the hand video revolving around thinking at Trick 1. It will be a part of the beginner series. :)

[@marcusklingman]

I just started learning bridge and I would like to thank you so much for this great video. This helps a lot. I look forward to watching the rest of the series.

[@carolrose4784]

So glad to see this explained well. Thank you very helpful!

[@tonygunn6920]

Loved the video, looking forward to next one

[@rosfadem]

Thank you so much, it's hard to find good beginner-level instruction.

[@Bionic_Rob]

Thanks Eli, I will apply your precounting idea to my play. I have been playing for about 6 months and I'm still sometimes losing track of my trump count. So I'll apply your system and see how I go.

[@EliJolleyBridge]

Start by applying it to trumps. Once that is second nature-add a suit. Happy Bridge, Eli

[@Bionic_Rob]

@@EliJolleyBridge yeah, slowly slowly catchie monkey!

[@russpalmeri]

Very helpful. Especially the advice to count trump and one other suit to start with. I've been trying to count all three, and infer the fourth, and it's a bit much. Thanks! Look forward to more. Now subscribed.

[@tharinda97]

Thank you! ❤

[@michaellichomski4861]

Another great video! Would it be possible to mention in a future video some tips on how to predict shape based on opponents' spot cards for the intermediate+/advanced player?

[@EliJolleyBridge]

This will be one of my next vids. Love this topic.

[@EliJolleyBridge]

First, I am going to continue the beginner series, but this vid is coming!

[@archiewoosung5062]

If the following is true, does it help to start by thinking this is probably the distribution & then adjusting as more information becomes available?
When the opponents have an even number of cards in a suit (e.g. 6), a 4-2 split is more likely than 3-3 and much more likely than 5-1 or 6-0
When the opponents have an odd number of cards in a suit (e.g. 5), a 3-2 split is more likely than 4-1 or 5-0
Also, usually the first play is often fourth highest from longest suit, which presumably help to work out the complete distribution from the suit led?

[@EliJolleyBridge]

Absolutely. You are thinking the right way. If for instance we are in a 5-3 fit and need to draw trumps I am going to assume a 3-2 break unless I have enough information to think otherwise.