Counting tricks for hands with a 7+card suit and 6-10 HCP :

• The A, K or Q in the long suit = 1 trick each

• Every card after the 3rd card in the long suit = 1 trick each

• In the other suits : A or K = 1 trick each   AQx or KQx = 2 tricks

The Rule of 2 and 3 :

Open 2 more than the tricks in your hand when you are Vulnerable

Open 3 more than the tricks in your hand when you are Not Vulnerable

But do not bid higher than Game (4♥ 4♠ 5♣ 5♦)

Counting tricks in Responder's hand :

• The A, K or Q in Opener's long (trump) suit = 1 trick each

• In the other suits : A = 1 trick   K = ½   AK = 2   AQ = 1½   KQ = 1

• trump support and a singleton = 1 trick

• trump support and a void = 2 tricks

For example :

1. Partner opened 3♥ Vulnerable and you hold 3 tricks
   Bid 4♥ : together you hold (9 - 2) + 3 = 10 tricks

2. Partner opened 3♥ Not Vulnerable and you hold 3 tricks
   Pass ! : together you hold (9 - 3) + 3 = 9 tricks only

3. Partner opened 4♦ Not Vulnerable and you hold 2 tricks
   Pass ! : together you hold (10 - 3) + 2 = 9 tricks only
   (You may well go down one, but opponents would certainly have
   missed a better contract themselves.)

4. Partner opened 4♠ Not Vulnerable and you hold 4 tricks
   Pass ! : together you hold (10 - 3) + 4 = 11 tricks, not enough for Slam
   (But if the Opponents compete with a higher bid, you can raise to 5♠.)