#3 East West Vulnerable
North   East   South   West
   1♠        Pass    1NT      Pass
   3♣       Pass     ???
 
South
♠ 5 4
♥ A K Q 7
♦ 5 4 3
♣ 8 6 5 4
 
As South, facing a rebid that shows 8 tricks (17-18 total points), you have enough to bid 4♠. Adding tricks to tricks rather than points to points when partner shows a long, strong suit. South’s three tricks (♥AKQ) added to North’s 8 tricks = Enough for game.
 
Thinking in tricks (instead of points) works with preemptive bidding also. When partner opens a two-level preempt, five tricks are promised. When partner opens a three-level preempt, six tricks are promised. Add your tricks to partners tricks to determine how high to bid!
 
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