Spades Strategy: Rule of 13 & Low from strength
The following is annoted hand of two coordinated partners using "Low from strength" and "Rule of 13" strategies.
It is an example of the precision the two systems provide when used in tandem and how it can steer a partner from a critical mistake.
North tries to show strength in Hearts with the 5 (low from strength) and South shows weakness in the suit with the 6 (second highest from weakness).
With the Rule of 13, North knows that the opponents only have 2 hearts remaining above the 6.
The formula again is 13 - (the rank of partner's card, the 6 in this case) - (1 for each card higher than partner's in hand and in the trick, 5 in this case for the A in the trick and KQJ9 in hand).
South confirms it was indeed second best from trash and the K is likely with North (since neither opponent won with the K).
North is at a critical point in the hand. Another heart lead would allow the opponents to make their bid.
After East trumps, the opponents will make exactly their bid in the spades suit and a set will be impossible barring an egregious error.
Going back to before, if North pauses to think, he should know that the opponents have only one card left in the hearts suit and a third lead will surely be trumped.
The opponents have played all but 1 card above South's 6 from earlier, and the 2 through 6 have all been played. Therefore at most, 1 opponent has the 7 or T.
North should use this information to explore another suit rather than make another heart lead.
Clubs are chosen, as the doubleton is the most promising suit for additional tricks from North's perspective.
The 2 from South promises strength, so North continues the suit.
South is wary of leading away from the doubleton K♦️ and continues the suit that North seems to prefer.
North chooses diamonds, as he knows a heart or spade lead will greatly diminish any chance of setting the opponents.
The 4♦️ is encouraging another diamond lead, and is even cemented as a fact that it was low from strength when the opponents follow with the missing 2♦️ and 3♦️.
After South's lethal club lead, West has no winning moves.
If West trumps low, partner simply overtrumps
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