How to Use Attitude Signals on Defense

An Attitude Signal is a card play convention used on defense to tell partner whether you want them to continue leading a suit. Played at your first opportunity when partner leads a suit:

• **High Card (e.g., an 8 or 9):** Encouraging Attitude ("I hold an honour card in this suit; keep leading it!")
• **Low Card (e.g., a 2 or 3):** Discouraging Attitude ("I hold no honours here; switch to a different suit!")

Why Attitude Signals work on defense

Defenders cannot see each other's hidden cards. Without signals, opening leads and suit continuations are pure guesswork.

Attitude signals eliminate guesswork. When partner leads an Ace or King against a contract, your played card acts as a clear message. An encouraging high card tells partner to play a second round immediately, while a discouraging low card warns partner that continuing the suit will hand declarer free tricks.

A worked example: Encouraging partner's opening lead

Partner leads the ♠A against South's 4♥ contract.

Dummy (North):

♠ 7 4 2

You (East):

♠ K J 9 3

Play of the Trick:

Partner leads the ♠A. Dummy plays the ♠2. You play the ♠9 (Encouraging!).

*Caption:* Playing the ♠9 signals an encouraging attitude. Partner sees your high card signal and immediately plays a second Spade to your ♠K, setting up two fast defensive Spade tricks.

Four common mistakes

• Encouraging with an honour card that you cannot afford to waste (such as dropping a King or Queen as a signal).
• Playing a low, discouraging card when holding an honour card you want partner to lead towards.
• Failing to pay attention to the rank of the card partner drops on your lead.
• Giving attitude signals when declarer leads the suit (use Count Signals showing even/odd length instead).

When the rule does not apply

Do not use Attitude Signals when declarer or dummy leads a suit; in those situations, defenders play Count Signals (showing an even or odd number of cards) or Suit Preference Signals.

Key takeaways

• High card = Encouraging ("Keep leading this suit!").
• Low card = Discouraging ("Switch suits immediately!").
• Signal at your very first opportunity on partner's lead.
• Gives partner instant guidance on defense.