Defensive signals

SUMMARY OF DEFENSIVE SIGNALS
There are many ways to indicate, show, promise and inform a partner by the lead of a certain card or via a discard of a specific card the expectation of the ensuing play. These defense signals have a definite meaning and belong in every partnership agreement. This is a short summary of the different approaches, which a partnership may employ. This does not include every possible lead, defensive signal, and/or discard method, rather only those which frequency is higher than usual for the general partnership.
General Rules of Defensive Signals
1. When following to a suit or when discarding in a suit, the relative spot of a card is used to send signals.
2. Signals are usually given with cards from the Two spot to the Nine spot.
3. A signal can be, with a high frequency, interpreted:
A. From the bidding.
B. From the cards visible in the dummy.
C. From the cards held in your hand.
4. It is sometimes necessary, if not prudent, to wait until partner plays to the second round in a suit to fully understand a signal.
5. It is not always appropriate to signal, especially with a strong defensive hand.
6. It is not mandatory to follow your partner's signals when it is deemed not suitable given the context of a hand.
7. It is generally profitable to signal as much as possible against less experienced players.
8. It is strongly recommended to always signal on the opening lead.
Attitude Signal
The attitude signal indicates the level of interest toward the suit, in which the signal is given. Common practice include positive and negative attitude signals.
A relatively high card shows positive attitude toward the suit being led.
Or a relatively high card shows negative attitude toward the suit being led.
An echo is a positive attitude signal consisting in a high card followed as soon as possible with a lower card.


Count Signal
The count signal is used to show the number of cards held in a suit being led.
A relatively high card shows an even number of cards in a suit being led.
A relatively low card shows an odd number of cards in a suit being led.
Count is given by playing:
1. High-Low from two cards.
2. Low from three or five cards
3. Second-high followed with Third-high from four cards.
Preference Signal
The preference signal is used to show a preference for one of the two suits outside the trump suit and the suit being led.
A relatively high card shows a preference for the higher-ranking suit outside the trump suit and the suit being led.
A relatively low card shows a preference for the lower-ranking suit outside the trump suit and the suit being led.
Precedence When Signaling
1. When following to a suit led by your partner:
A. Signal attitude with the first card.
B. Signal preference with the second card.
2. When following to a suit led by the declarer:
A. Signal count with the first card.
B. Signal preference with the second card.
3. When discarding in a suit not yet led:
A. Signal attitude with the first card.
B. Signal present count with the second card.
4. When discarding in a suit already led:
A. Signal present count.