Tricks not points

Which is the better hand, (a) or (b)?

Hand (a) has more points but hand (b) is far stronger because it contains more TRICKS. Never ever forget, Bridge is a game all about tricks, not points. Your point-count means absolutely nothing once play begins, point-count is a guide only to bidding, nothing else. If partner has a flat “Yarborough” ie no points at all, you will make eight tricks with hearts as trumps with (b), yet barely two or three tricks with (a).

I should say, however, that you must always have a flexible mind-set at Bridge. If your partner is bidding spades and diamonds very strongly, suddenly you’d rather have Hand (a); if partner holds ♠AK5432, ♥4, ♦Q109872, ♣-, you can make 6♠ opposite Hand (a) yet may not even make 4♠ opposite Hand (b).

Exercise: Right hand opponent opens 1♠. Would you overcall with these?

With Hand (i), the answer is no. You have NO TRICKS. With Hand (ii), yes, facing a bad dummy, you have seven likely TRICKS. Note, your point-count in no way tells the story.