Robert R. Coveyou was a research mathematician who is best known for his article published in 1970 entitled: The generation of random numbers is too important to be left to chance.

Computer-dealt bridge deals are generated using a random number generator from 1 to 52. In theory, it is pure chance who gets which card, but it is possible to doctor the program to eliminate, say, all 4-3-3-3 hands.

In bridge deals, numbers rule, especially tricks taken. In tandem with that, the defenders should bear in mind the number of tricks they need to defeat the contract.

How should East let that number guide his play in today’s deal? South is in four spades, and West leads the heart queen.

Partner opens one notrump. You have game values with one or two four-card majors. Should you use Stayman to try to find a 4- 4 major-suit fit? Certainly when you have a singleton or void. When you are 4-3- 3-3, though, go with three no-trump. With 4-4-3-2, my basic rule is to use Stayman when we have only the minimum values for game, and my hand has a weak doubleton.

East sees three defensive tricks: the spade king and two top hearts. Since from the point count West can have no other winners, the fourth trick will have to be a club ruff. But East shouldn’t drop the heart two at trick one, hoping partner will get the message. Instead, he should take control; he overtakes the heart queen with his king and returns his singleton club. Then, when East gets in with his spade king, he leads a low heart, putting West on play to deliver the contract-killing club ruff.