Harold’s Bridge Tips

Harold’s Bridge Tips

Updated: 07/24/10

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Bridge Tip # 203

When you know there is game in a hand, but you are not certain where the game contract lies, temporize and bring Partner into the decision-making process.

You Hold: You Partner

K92 1D

A9752 1H 3D

A103 ????

Bid 3S! You know that a game contract is certainly probable. Partner has shown 16-18 HCP’s, and that coupled with your 11 HCP’s should certainly suffice to make a game-level contract somewhere; but where? Partner has shown six Diamonds but has denied four Hearts. By bidding 3S you are aiming for the nine-trick 3-NT contract. If Partner has a Club stopper, as you do not, he/she will bid 3-NT. Partner has denied four Spades by his/her first re-bid of 3D and so there is little likelihood that he/she will raise to 4S. If he/she holds three Hearts he/she will try a 4H contract which you will accept by passing. If he/she re-bids 4D, absent either a Club stopper or three Hearts, you will raise to 5D. Cooperation in achieving the right contract is paramount.

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Bridge Tip # 202

You must never use Stayman in response to Partner’s opening 1-NT bid unless you are able to sensibly handle all three possible responses (“2D”, 2H, or 2S) that Opener might make once Stayman is initiated by your “2C’ response.

You Hold: You Partner

Q982 1-NT

A853 ????

854

You must “Pass”! Although it is certainly tempting to bid “2C’, invoking Stayman, looking for an 8-card Major suit fit in either Hearts or Spades. If Partner were to respond 2H or 2S you would pass and become a hero. But, alternatively, if Partner were lacking a 4-card Major and were to respond “2D”, you would then be stuck. If you then try 2-NT, partner, with a maximum 16 or 17 HCP’s, may bid a hopeless 3-NT. You must, therefore, “Pass.”

You Hold: You Partner

QJ92 1-NT

A8 ????

854

7632

Here, again, you must “Pass”! Although it is certainly tempting to bid “2C’, invoking Stayman, hoping to find an 8-card Major suit fit in Spades, you must avoid the temptation. If Partner were to respond “2D” or 2H you would, again, be stuck. If you then try 2-NT, partner, with a maximum 16 or 17 HCP’s, may bid a hopeless 3-NT. You must, therefore, “Pass”, once again. You need the capability of dealing with any of the three bids Opener might respond, “2D”. 2H, or 2S, otherwise a Stayman attempt is off limits.

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Bridge Tip # 201

A 2-Level, new suit response by a previously-passed Partner (Example 2) is not forcing as is the case with a similar bid made by a Partner who had not previously passed (Example 1).

Example 1:

You Hold: You Partner

109 1D 2C

AJ ????

K10854

A973

Bid 3C! Responding Partner has shown 11-18 HCP’s and, therefore, the bidding must not be passed out since game is feasible and Responder must be given another opportunity to bid.

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Example 2:

You Hold: You Partner

109 P

AJ 1D 2C

K10854 ????

A973

Pass! Responding Partner has previously passed and therefore cannot hold more than 12 HCP’s and certainly might have even fewer. If you bid again you might get too high! You certainly like the Club suit, so just “Pass”.

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Bridge Tip # 200

There are several requirements for a Take-Out double in the direct (2^nd) seat. Opening count (13 HCP’s or its equivalent) is certainly one of them, but another, perhaps less often understood, is shape. Support (four pieces) or, at the very least, tolerance (three pieces), for the unbid Major(s) is essential. Absent either requirement, or alternatively, not holding a 5-card suit of one’s own with which to overcall, one must pass.

You Hold: North (You) East South West

A6 1H

K107 ????

AQ85

10983

Pass! Your support for the un-bid Major, here, Spades, is lacking. You hold enough HCP’s to make a Take-Out double, but you lack the shape to do so, and you do not have a 5-card suit of your own to bid. You must, therefore be willing to wait and listen, to pass, and, if necessary, to defend rather than to bid and wind up in a 6-card Spade fit.

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Bridge Tip # 199

Be careful to remember that a balancing 1-NT, one bid in the so-called “Pass-out Seat” or “Balancing Position”, or “4^th Seat” shows very different strength than does an overcall of 1-NT made in the direct or 2^nd seat. The direct seat 1-NT overcall exhibits 15-18 HCP’s, whereas the balancing seat 1-NT exhibits 10-14 HCP’s. A further differentiation is that a direct seat 1-NT guarantees at least one stopper in the Opponent’s bid suit, whereas a balancing seat 1-NT, although of similar balanced distribution, need not have a stopper.

You Hold: North (You) East South West

K8 1H

K108 Pass Pass 1-NT Pass

J862 ??

K1083

Pass! Had Partner opened the bidding in first seat, or overcalled the same 1-NT in the direst position, both showing 15-17 HCP’s, you would certainly, here, take action by bidding 3-NT, but in this instance, with Partner calling a balancing NT (10-14 HCP’s), your hand does not warrant any further bidding.

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Bridge Tip # 198

So-called “Intermediaries” (9’s and 10’s), are significant cards when held in combination with honors in their same suits. Give them significant status when bidding marginal hands, especially in No Trump contracts.

You Hold: You Partner

Q109 1NT (15-17)

Q104 ????

K108

Q1073

Bid 3NT! Even though you side may have only 24-25 HCP’s, your hand is worth much more than 9 HCP’s, especially in a NT contract. All four tens may be significant, and even the nine of Spades may be, as well. Go for it!

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Bridge Tip # 197

As Opener, when holding minimum opening count values and an evenly balanced hand, do not let the absence of apparent stoppers prevent you from re-bidding 1-NT on your first re-bid.

You Hold: You Partner

87 1D 1H

AQ8 ????

K9874

A53

Bid 1-NT! You cannot pass a new suit bid by Responder. You must not re-bid this poor-quality 5-card Diamond suit, and you cannot support Partner’s Hearts, holding only 3-pieces. Disregard the lack of a Spade stopper and re-bid 1-NT. If NT be the final contract trust that Partner will have a Spade stopper, and if not, then the Opponents still have to find that fact out.

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Bridge Tip # 196

When playing the Standard American system of bridge (5-card Majors), it is imperative that both Opener and Responder bid “Up-the-Ladder”; i.e., never by-passing a 4-card Major holding. To not do so is to invite the possibility of missing a Major suit “Golden (8-card) Fit”. This holds true even if there be a “Golden-Fit” in one of the Minor suits.

You Hold: You Partner

J1073 1D

98 ????

AQJ74

Bid 1S! It is imperative that you temporarily suppress you Diamond support, here, in favor of attempting to find a fit for your 4-card Major, Spades in this instance. If Partner denies Spade support, say, by next bidding 2C or 1-NT, you can then support the Diamond suit at your next bidding opportunity.

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Bridge Tip # 195

When it is clear that you and Partner, together, hold approximately ½ the deck in high-cards, do not be reluctant to compete in the bidding process.

You Hold: North (You) East South West

A863 1H Double 2H

963 ??????

863

K83

Bid 2S! Partner promises at least opening count, or its equivalent, and is almost sure to hold a 4-card Spade suit. You and Partner hold as many of the high-cards as do the Opponents. If you do not compete, the Opponents will be stealing you blind. Think of it this way: your partner “bid” Spades when he/she doubled, and you are merely supporting him/her by raising.

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Bridge Tip # 194

There are many common sense approaches to winning at the bridge table over the long haul, and most are centered around taking a middle-of-the-road approach by seeking a metaphorical “single”, rather than swinging for the elusive, oft times, out of the reach, “home-run.” Eight of these which aim for 60% (better than average) results are as follows:

1. If you see that setting a contract one trick will be a great result, do not risk a good board by attempting to set the contract two, and similarly, do not jeopardize your own contract by seeking a doubtful overtrick. Both are poor risk-reward decisions.

2. When in a Small Slam contract, be satisfied with making 6 rather than greedily shooting for 7, if the latter approach will jeopardize the small slam – remember, much of the field will not even be in slam and in making 6 you are destined to get an above-average match-point score anyway.

3. Psychic bids create exhilaration and potential tops or bottoms, but in the long run they cause Partner grief and uncertainty as to when next you are repeating the feat such that he/she cannot rely upon your bidding action. Remain consistently true to your agreed-upon bidding and playing actions. Trust and Consistency are the keys to a good Partnership.

4. Do not use a “re-double” as a business re-double of a final “doubled” contract. If you make the “doubled” contract you are getting a top board in any event without the contract having been “re-doubled.” Save the “re-double” as (a), for rescue of a “doubled” un-makeable contract; (b), for use by Opener as a support re-double (showing 3-piece support) following Partner’s response of a 4-card suit and Opener’s RHO having made a take-out “double;” and (c), for announcing strength (9 or more HCP’s) when Partner’s opening bid has been followed by a Take-Out double by an Opponent.

5. In low-level competitive auction attempt to push the Opponents from two to three.

6. Do not pre-empt with Queen-empty-sixth type holdings – you will produce at least as many bottoms as tops.

7. When playing in tournaments and IMP scoring, do not “double” an Opponent’s part-score contract for penalties.

8. When Partner balances (takes an action based upon the total values of the Partnership rather than those in his/her own hand), in an effort to stop the Opponents from securing a low-level contract, be satisfied that he/she has aided the team’s effort an do not punish Partner by bidding on.

Summation: In making decisions, try to choose a course of action that leads to a middle-of-the-road result or one that preserves an obtained advantage, rather than taking a high-risk tactic or strategy that reaches for the sky, but oft times ends up in the dirt.

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Bridge Tip # 193

Even holding support for Partner’s opening suit, some very weak hands (5-7 HCP’s), especially with a 4-3-3-3 distribution are too weak to support Opener directly. Better to bid 1-NT and, if given the opportunity to bid again, then support partner at the 2-Level.

You Hold: You Partner

Q86 1H

K84 ????

Q987

864

Bid 1-NT! With this rag of a hand (10 Losers for those who play LTC – Losing Trick Count), you need to discourage Partner by first bidding 1-NT. Even opposite most 19 HCP hands held by Opener, this holding will, most often, not produce game.

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Bridge Tip # 192

It is often wise to consider your second bid before making your first. This generally holds true whether you are an opening bidder, an overcaller, or a Responder.

a) You Hold: North (You) East South West

AK863 1H

6 ??????

AQ9642

Bid 2D! Avoid a Take-Out double with wild distributions. Since it is likely that the Opponents may compete vigorously in Clubs and Hearts, you must start to bid your suits. Bid 2C first. If East jumps to 4H, for example, you can bid 4S at your next turn to bid. You hold a willingness to have Partner choose between a 4S and a 5D contract.

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b) You Hold: North (You) East South West

K863 1C Double Pass

K873 ??????

Q107

Bid 1S! Plan ahead! The Opponents are likely to compete in the Minor suits. By bidding 1S first, you can then bid Hearts and hope to play in whichever of the two Major suits that Partner likes best. If you respond 1H first, and then bid Spades next, a contract of 2H will be out of reach.

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Bridge Tip # 191

When it can be determined that you and your Partner have a double fit, (both you and your Partner hold a combined total of at least eight cards in each of two suits), re-evaluate your holding upwards. The double fit increases the trick-taking capacity held by the Partnership.

You Hold: North (You) East South West

K1083 1C

AJ82 Pass 1H Double 2H

Q1065 ??????

Jump to 4S! Partner (South), holds opening count or its equivalent, and has asked you to bid either Diamonds or Spades. You (North) have both. Partner holds opening count in order to enter the auction between two bidding Opponents, and is surely short in Hearts given your Heart holding. You are short in Clubs. Given your HCP count and the double fit that is surely present, game should easily be achievable.

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Bridge Tip # 190

With a weak hand and support for Partner’s opening bid, be prepared to pre-empt after your RHO (Right-hand Opponent) makes a Take-out double.

You Hold: North (You) East South West

10853 1S Double

6 ????

109752

K72

Bid 3S! This may stop the Opponents from finding their fit in Hearts. If they do find their fit in Hearts, your bid may prompt Partner to take a good sacrifice in 4S. If you had had a stronger hand, you would have otherwise bid; 2S (a constructive raise), a re-double, “2NT” (“Jordan” – a Limit raise or stronger in support of Partner), or some other bid recognized by the Partnership other than a pre-emptive, supportive bid.

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Bridge Tip # 189

Be reluctant to re-bid any unsupported 5-card suit. Alternatively, look for something better to bid.

You Hold: You Partner

53 1D

AJ864 1H 1S

9754 ????

Bid 2C! To re-bid the Hearts is risky; it usually suggests a 6-card suit with minimum values, and demands that Opener pass under all but the most exceptional of circumstances. Opener holds at least four Diamonds (rarely is a Diamond opening a 3-piece suit) and a final contract of 2D is surely better than the likelihood of 2H being the preferred spot.

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Bridge Tip # 188

A jump re-bid, by a Responder, into Responder’s first bid suit, is invitational and shows a 6-card suit and 11-12 HCP’s.

You Hold: You Partner

KJ10753 1H

K4 1S 2D

1084 ????

Bid 3S! Partner knows you now have invited to game holding 11-12 HCP’s and a 6-card Spade suit. He/she can now pass, bid 4S, or 3-NT.

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Bridge Tip # 187

When you, as Responder to Partner’s Take-Out double have already jumped the bidding to evidence 9 or more HCP’s, and Partner invites to game, if you hold nothing more than your original point count, do not accept!

You Hold: North (You) East South West

Q1085 1H Double Pass

J84 2S Pass 3S Pass

K84 ????

K107

Pass! Your previous jump response already invited game and promised at least 9 HCP’s. Since you have no extra values, the Jack of Hearts is probably worthless, and you are as flat as a pancake, do not accept Partner’s bid for game – Just pass.

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Bridge Tip # 186

When pre-empting, bid quickly and immediately to the highest reasonable level driven by a commitment to the number of tricks equivalent to the number of pieces of trump held by the Partnership (“THE LAW OF TOTAL TRICKS”). “The less you hold, the more you need to pre-empt!”

You Hold: North (You) East South West

5 1H Double

J87432 ????

9642

Bid 5H! The best strategy is to immediately bid as high as you reasonably dare. Partner holds 5 or more Hearts, and you hold 6 for a total of 11. Bidding 5H commits the partnership to 11 tricks, and, by the way, stops your Opponents from bidding 4S which they surely can easily make. Remember, you are “pre-empting”, not “post-empting”. Do not creep up on the desired appropriate level, do so immediately to the level wherein the number of tricks to which one commits is equal to the cumulative number of trumps held by the two Partners (“THE LAW OF TOTAL TRICKS”).

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Bridge Tip # 185

With nine or more cards distributed between two suits, you, as the opening bidder, should be reluctant to wind up in a NT contract.

You Hold: You Partner

AK753 1S 1-NT

95 ????

K1085

Bid 2C! Because your pattern is unbalanced, try once again for a suit contract. Partner can pass, raise Clubs, return to Spades, or, holding six or more pieces of either red suit, bid two of either one, which you must “Pass”.

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Bridge Tip # 184

When you make a Take-Out double, do not bid again unless you have extra values. You have already shown opening count and a willingness to play in any of the un-bid suits, so if you hold nothing more than your first bid evidences, pass on any subsequent turn to bid. In Bridge, while bidding, one need never, nor should they, say the same thing twice.

You Hold: North (You) East South West

Q1095 1D

A752 Double Pass 2C Pass

6 ????

AQJ4

Pass! Don’t be seduced by your magnificent Clubs. Partner made a minimum response, (0-8 HCP’s) and even eight tricks might, under these conditions, be hard to achieve. If Partner responds cheaply to your Take-Out double, you need extra strength to bid again.

If you make a Take-Out “Double” and then bid your own new suit at your first re-bid opportunity, you evidence 16 or more HCP’s.

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Bridge Tip # 183

There are circumstances where it is critical to over-rule Partner’s good intentions. These circumstances occur when you hold additional information not yet disseminated to Partner by virtue of the bidding that has occurred thus far. One such circumstance occurs under the following scenario:

You Hold: You Partner

A7 1H 1S

AQ10742 2H 2-NT

5 ????

Q1095

Bid 3C! This suggests a minimum opening bid with six Hearts and four Clubs (With most other Heart/Club distributions or with extra strength, you would have bid Clubs on your second round of bidding). Partner can either pass or bid three or four Hearts, but he/she must not bid 3-NT.

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Bridge Tip # 182

There are some circumstances when it is appropriate to bid, even without any HCP’s. One of them occurs when Partner has made a Take-Out double and you are forced to take a suit preference since your RHO has passed and you cannot afford to “Pass” which would then convert the double to penalties. Another is as follows:

You Hold: North (You) East South West

642 1C Double Re-Double

97 ????

J7532

863

Bid 1D! This bid promises no HCP’s what-so-ever! East and South have each shown opening count, and West, by virtue of his/her “Re-Double”, has shown

9 or more HCP’s. That leaves no more than 0-5 HCP’s in the deck. You, recognizing that you team is in trouble, and holding a 5-card suit, bid 1D. This does not seek to show any particular point count, but rather to suggest an escape from the horrific circumstance that has befallen your team. It is assumed that Partner will recognize your attempt to save him/her and will bid no further.

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Bridge Tip # 181

A direct (2^nd) seat overcall at the 1-Level shows a 5-card suit or better and HCP’s that range between 8 and 15. With 16 or more HCP’s you make a Take-Out double, and then bid your desired suit.

You Hold: North (You) East South West

AK9642 1H

7 ????

KJ6

QJ7

Bid 1S! Some players are of the misconception that with opening count you must first make a Take-Out double and then bid your suit. They fail to understand that a simple direct seat overcall can hold HCP’s up to, and including, 15 HCP’s. An overcall in the direct seat does not deny the strength of a double. If East, in this instance, were to bid 2H, and Partner were to pass, you hold the strength and distribution such that you can then re-open the bidding with a Take-out double.

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Bridge Tip # 180

Be careful to devalue some HCP honors when the bidding makes it likely that they are likely to be of less value than would, at first glance, be presupposed.

You Hold: North (You) East South West

64 1D Double Pass

Q8674 ????

KJ6

QJ7

Bid 1H! If your LHO (Left-hand Opponent) had opened 1S, all of your high cards would, most likely, be useful; and in that instance the correct bid would have been to jump to 3H in order to invite to game. As it is, however, your Diamond values sit in front of the opening bidder are probably worthless. A response, therefore, of 1H is prudent.

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Bridge Tip # 179

When you, as Responder to Partner’s limited holding, sense a misfit and hold less than game values yourself, seek to end the bidding as soon as possible.

(a) You Hold: You Partner

K864 1D

A10753 1H 2C

63 ????

Bid 2D! A bid of 2 Hearts risks playing there opposite a singleton or a void. A bid of 2S would be considered a Reverse (A Reverse by Responder forces to Game), and that bid is sure to drag the Partnership beyond a level that could conceivably be reasonably be made. Since Opener holds at least 5-Diamonds, a false preference to 2D is the least of all evils.

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(b) You Hold: You Partner

A 1S

10753 1NT 2D

Q9642 ???

962

Pass! This has the makings of a troublesome hand. Partner holds, at most, 18 HCP’s and, statistically, most likely fewer; with more he/she would have jumped the bidding. Since your side lacks a good fit, get out while you still have a chance for a positive score.

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(c) You Hold: You Partner

J8652 1H

5 1S 3H

A973 ???

J62

Pass! Partner promises 16-18 HCP’s with a good 6- or 7-card suit. Although Partner’s bid is a strong game invitation, you could have hardly had less for your first response, and your Heart support is non-existent.

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Bridge Tip # 178

When Partner makes a Take-Out Double, and you hold a significant holding in the Opponent’s suit, your response to the Partner’s double varies with the length of your holding in the Opponent’s suit, coupled with the quality of your accompanying HCP’s.

The Bidding has Proceeded:

North (You) East South West

1H Double Pass

?????

You Hold:

(a) 8643 Bid 1S! Your hand is too weak to

A1084 convert the Take-Out to a

95 Penalty Double by passing.

963

(b) AQ43 Bid 2S! A Jump response to Partner’s

A108 Take-Out Double evidences 9 or

954 more HCP’s and at least 4-Cards

963 in the suit bid.

A1084 Take-Out Double evidences 7-10

954 HCP’s, and at least one stopper in

963 the Opponent’s suit, and denies 4-cards

in any un-bid Major suit. A 2NT response

would have shown a similar distribution with

11-12 HCP’s, and a 3NT bid would have shown

Opening count with at least one Heart stopper.

(d) A7 Pass! Your Heart suit is long and strong

A10964 enough to convert the Take-Out to a

85 penalty scenario.

8642

(e) 864 Take your pick from any of the deplorable

9632 choices available! You cannot bid 1NT for

1083 your hand is too weak and you do not hold

943 stopper(s) in the Opponent’s bid suit, you

cannot “Pass” which would convert the double to

a penalty scenario. Therefore, bid 1S, 2C, or 2D, and then go make a phone call if you have a weak stomach and the Opponents do not save your team by bidding further.

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Bridge Tip # 177

Most hands that make 5 of either Clubs or Diamonds also make 3- or 4-NT.

You Hold: You Partner

K74 1C

863 1D 1-NT

AKQ1072 ????

Bid 3-NT! Firstly, you recognize that with opening values opposite Partner’s opening bid, game is likely. Secondly, you should resist the obvious temptation to re-bid your Diamond suit. When you table your Dummy hand, and Partner gets first glimpse of your probable 6 tricks in the Diamond suit, he/she will be charmed. Except in extreme cases, a nine-trick 3-NT game-level contract is preferable to an 11 trick game in a Minor suit.

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Bridge Tip # 176

The use of “4^th suit forcing” is a valuable bidding tool. It is alertable, possibly artificial, and requires discussion and acceptance by both members of any Partnership. It forces the bidding for either at least one more round, or until a game-level contract has been reached, again dependent upon Partnership understanding.

You Hold: A7 You Partner

AK74 1C

863 1H 1S

Q874 ????

Bid “2D”! You, holding game values opposite an opening bid by Partner, desire to bid a game-level contract, but its denomination remains unclear. A leap to 3-NT might be correct, but absent a Diamond stopper in Opener’s holding, such a contract might be a disaster. Mark time with a “4^th suit forcing to game” bid of “2D”, in this instance, (Sometimes called a “Western Cue-Bid”). It forces to game, in most Partnerships, and asks Partner for a stopper in the specific 4^th suit bid. Absent this requirement the partnership can avoid the wrong spot of 3-NT. If Opener bids anything other than 3-NT, thereby denying a Diamond stopper in this instance, the Partnership can seek an alternative 5C final contract.

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Bridge Tip # 175

When Partner shows minimum values by making a simple choice of two suits suggested by you as Opener, and you, the opening bidder, hold extra values; i.e., are at the top of your original re-bid, bid again to show the possibility of a game-level contract.

(a) You Hold: K75 You Partner

A 1D 1H

AQJ85 2C 2D

K864 ????

(b) You Hold: K7 You Partner

A5 1D 1H

AQJ85 2C 2D

K864 ????

(a) Bid 2S, or (b), Bid 3D! Partner’s Diamond preference evidences, at most, 9 HCP’s. If you bid, still again, as opposed to simply passing, you, as Opener, evidence about 17 HCP’s and signify that game is yet possible. Responder, at this point should be able to place the contract at game or below.

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Bridge Tip # 174

When Partner makes a Take-Out Double and you hold both, absence of support for any un-bid Major suit, 6-9 HCP’s, and at least one stopper in the Opponent’s bid suit, a response of 1-NT is usually better than a Minor suit choice of bids.

You Hold: 74 North (You) East South West

AJ5 1H Double Pass

K962 ?????

9863

Bid 1-NT! Since Partner promises support for the unbid suits, a bid of either 2C or 2D might easily be a winning choice. However, a bid of 1-NT is better because it tells Partner that you have 6-9 HCP’s with Hearts, in this instance, stopped. You might have had as few as 0 HCP’s to have, alternatively, responded 2C or 2D.

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Bridge Tip # 173

When in a Game-forcing scenario, a quick arrival (Example 1) shows weaker HCP values than does a slow arrival (Example 2).

Example 1:

You Hold: K10874 You Partner

85 “2C”

9742 “2D” (0-7) 2S

76 4S (Weak)

Example 2:

You Hold: K10874 You Partner

Q5 “2C”

Q42 “2D” (0-7) 2S

76 3S (The top of your original 0-7, suggesting the possibility of a Slam)

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Bridge Tip # 172

Although Partner’s opening bid of one of a suit, followed by his/her re-bid at the 2-Level of a new suit of lower rank than his/her first suit, evidences as much as 18 HCP’s, you, as Responder, should not take a second bid unless you hold at least 9 HCP’s.

You Hold: K1074 You Partner

Q 1H

Q1072 1S 2C

J108 ????

Pass! Absent a jump shift by Opener, Partner, here, holds anywhere from 11 to 18 HCP’s. The chances, therefore, of getting too high, should you, as Responder, bid again, are significantly greater than the likelihood of your missing game. If you bid once again, Partner might easily proceed to 3-NT with as few as 16 HCP’s and you do not want to be in game with your measly 8 HCP’s.

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Bridge Tip # 171

Many bridge players are under the false assumption that the only requirement for a Take-Out Double is opening count, or better. This is not true! A Take-Out Doubler requires, not only opening count or better, but also shape.

You Hold: AQ64 North (You) East South West

K985 1S

864 ?????

Pass! You would double a 1C opening bid with glee, and a 1D opening with somewhat less enthusiasm. Here, however, since you only have support for one of the unbid suits, a double has little chance for success. Stay out of the auction, unless prodded by Partner, and hope for a plus score by defending rather than by bidding offensively

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Bridge Tip # 170

When you make a Take-Out Double, and Partner shows fewer than 9 HCP’s by responding without jumping the bidding, you, the Take-Out doubler, require 17 HCP’s or more to bid again. Remember, Partner who responded to your request to have him/her bid, could have as few as 0 HCP’s

You Hold: KQ73 North (You) East South West

AJ85 1C

AK742 Double Pass 1S Pass

X ???

Bid 2S! A Take-Out doubler requires 17 or more HCP’s to bid again if Partner bids cheaply in response. Remember, Responder might be broke!

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Bridge Tip # 169

When Partner, who has opened the bidding, shows, by virtue of his/her re-bid – a jump to game, a holding, therefore, of 20 HCP’s or more opposite your thus-far presumed minimum of 6 HCP’s, and you, Responder to his/her opening bid hold opening count; take control of the bidding and explore for a Slam-Level contract. Partner’s jump to game is not a “sign-off”. Since the values for slam are likely present, do not get cold feet – Go for it!

You Hold: K7 You Partner

AQ843 1C

KJ75 1H 4H

65 ????

Opener’s jump to 4H shows at least 20 HCP’s or its equivalent, since your first response of 1H could evidence as few as 6 HCP’s. Opener’s jump to a game-level contract is not, therefore, as some partnerships misconstrue a sign-off.

You should either jump directly to 6H, start showing controls, else bid 4-NT, if you desire to go through the motions of Blackwood; but with opening count yourself, do not lose sight of the fact that at the point where Opener, here, shows the 20 HCP’s or its equivalent, you then become the “Captain” of the bidding process since, at that juncture, Opener has ended his/her descriptive part of the auction. At that point you know Slam is probable, Opener only knows you could hold as few as 6 HCP’s. .

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Bridge Tip # 168

When Partner overcalls and the Opponents have opened and supported their own suit, a “Double” by you, the Partner of the Overcaller, is called a “Responsive Double”. It signifies some HCP’s, a willingness to compete further, not necessarily lack of support for Partner’s overcalled suit, but, specifically, support for the two as-yet-unbid suits. It is alertable and must be agreed-upon by partnerships who desire to use it for this purpose.

You Hold: K863 North (You) East South West

75 1H 2C 2H

K1062 ?????

Q105

Bid “Double” (Responsive) – Partner, South, promises a good suit and, at least, a fair hand. You might otherwise bid 3C with your support and HCP’s, but an alternative is to “double”, which signifies, in this instance, both Diamonds and Spades, and a willingness to compete further.

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Bridge Tip # 167

Never bid your values twice!

You Hold: J753 North (You) East South West

A85 1D

Q4 “Double” Pass 2S Pass

AQ62 ????

Pass! Partner’s jump to 2S is invitational, not forcing, and evidences 9-11 HCP’s. With fewer HCP’s, even as few as 0, he/she would have bid his/her best suit at the cheapest level, and with game-going values, Partner would have cue-bid the Opponent’s suit (Diamonds, in this instance). Since you have only the HCP’s you first evidenced with your Take-Out Double; i.e., nothing extra, stop at the part-score contract by passing.

Never, under any circumstances, bid your values twice! Read this Tip Again !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Bridge Tip # 166

When Opener limits his/her hand by virtue of a clearly evident re-bid, and you, as Responder, do not hold any extra values, take control of the bidding sequence and, acting as Captain (being the partner who knows that a game-level contract is not present), make certain that the bidding terminates.

You Hold: 10753 You Partner

AQ5 1D

853 1S 3D

932 ????

Pass! Partner’s jump to 3D, a jump in his/her opening suit, evidences 16-18 HCP’s and at least a 6-card Diamond suit. If it had been a jump in a new suit, it would have, opposite your minimum of 6HCP’s, been forcing to game. This jump, however, is limited to no more than 18 HCP’s, and with your minimum holding, you must “Pass”.

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Bridge Tip # 165

When the bidding reflects clearly that the Partnership is in a game-forcing auction, there is no need to rush to game unless the final contract be self-evident. If you are not certain, temporize until the right final contract becomes self-evident.

You Hold: QJ1O74 You Partner

J86 1D

K5 1S 3C

J75 ????

Bid 3S! With Partner showing 19 or more HCP’s by virtue of his/her jump shift of 3C, opposite your 8 HCP’s, the Partnership is clearly in a game-forcing auction. Partner does not know that you have 5-Spades, and you are not certain that a Heart stopper is present within the Partnership’s combined holdings. You can, therefore, afford to mark time with a bid of 3S. You will then pass if partner (holding 3-Spades, bids 4S), or 3-NT holding a Heart stopper. If Partner, absent these two afore-mentioned responses, bids either 4C or 4D, raise to game in the Minor suit.

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Bridge Tip # 164

When Partner opens 1-NT and you, as Responder, hold game values (11+ HCP’s), and both a 5-card and a 4-card Major, never use Jacoby Transfers, always only bid Stayman.

You Hold: K1062 You Partner

KQ1084 1-NT

95 “2C”

Bid “2C” (Stayman) looking for a 4-card Major by Opener. If Opener bids either 2H or 2S, raise to Game (4H or 4S). If Opener bids “2D’, denting a

4-card Major, jump to the 5-card Major (Hearts in this instance) 3H, promising game values and 5 Hearts. Opener will raise to 4H with 3-card Heart support, else bid 3-NT.

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Bridge Tip # 163

As Responder, holding minimum values, go back to Opener’s first bid suit, even with as few as 2-pieces.

You Hold: AQ1083 You Partner

J5 1H

964 1S 2C

Q107 ????

Bid 2H, giving Opener another opportunity should he/she hold extra values. This “false preference” is your only safe bid. You must not raise Clubs, which promises at least 4-pieces and 11 HCP’s, or re-bid your Spades with only a 5-card suit. If you held 6-pieces of Spades with minimum values (see below), then a

re-bid of Spades (demanding that Opener accept your suit as Trumps) would be in order.

You Hold: AQ10832 You Partner

J5 1H

96 1S 2C

Q107 2S Pass

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Bridge Tip # 162

When you, as Responder, support Partner’s opening suit at the cheapest level, and Opener then bids a new suit, it is a “Help-Suit” Game Try. Opener is evidencing extra values and a second outside suit in which he/she is looking for ancillary support in order to reach a possible Game-Level contract. If you hold some honors and support for Opener’s second suit go to Game (Example 2), if not, re-bid the agreed-upon suit at the cheapest level and the bidding will cease (Example 1), values held outside Opener’s second suit are wasted and will not usually produce Game.

Example 1:

You Hold: A85 You Partner

95 1S

KQ732 2S 3C

963 3S Pass

Example 2:

You Hold: A852 You Partner

95 1S

732 2S 3C

AJ63 4S Pass

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Bridge Tip # 161

Remember the “The Negative Double”. It is a very useful bidding tool when Responder holds enough HCP’s to respond, too few to bid at the 2-Level, and both unbid suits.

You Hold: Q6 North (You) East South West

J853 1C 1S

QJ854 ????

Bid “Double” (Negative)! You have enough HCP’s to respond, but too few to bid at the 2-Level; nor can you try 1-NT for the Queen of Spades is of doubtful value as a stopper. The negative Double is the only avenue to show, (a) lack of support for Opener’s Clubs, enough HCP’s (at least 6) to respond, and tolerance for both un-bid suits (Diamonds and Hearts in this instance).

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Bridge Tip # 160

When you, as Responder, hold minimum values, you must strive to end the bidding at the earliest opportunity, unless Opener shows extra values.

a) You Hold: 6 You Partner

J85 1S

QJ852 1NT 2S

K863 ????

Pass and hope for a plus score! Opener holds 6 or more Spades and minimum values. If you stretch by bidding 2-NT, you may be defeated in that contract if Partner is weak in Clubs or Hearts. Worse yet, Opener may bid again and wind up in a hopeless Game. Only if you were to hold 6 or more cards in a side suit, would you be justified in bidding once again, as in the following holding, in an attempt to seek a better contract.

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b) You Hold: 6 You Partner

J85 1S

QJ8542 1-NT 2S

K86 3D Pass

When Responder bids 1-NT, and then a suit bid, at the cheapest level, after Opener shows minimum values, it shows that Responder holds a weak hand with at least 6-Cards or more in the bid suit, and demands that Opener “Pass”.

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c) You Hold: K106 You Partner

J85 1C

QJ854 1D 1S

86 ????

Pass! After Responder bids a new suit at the 1-Level, a non-jump change of suit by Opener (being limited to no more than 18 HCP’s) is not forcing. Your Partner, here, would have bid 2S if he/she had enough HCP’s to insist on a game contract opposite your bid which showed as few as 6 HCP’s. Since you were barely worth your first response, don’t give Partner another chance – Pass!

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Bridge Tip # 159

When you, as Responder to Partner’s opening bid of one of a suit, hold only moderate values (an average hand of 8-10 HCP’s), you must attempt to limit your strength quickly.

You Hold: Q2 You Partner

AJ84 1D

84 ????

KJ852

Bid 1-Heart! You have enough HCP’s to bid 2-Clubs, but not enough HCP’s to then bid Hearts next (Forcing, since a Reverse by Responder is forcing to Game), if Opener were to bid 2-Diamonds or 2NT over 2-Clubs. Thus, do not mention the Clubs and immediately respond 1H in an attempt to search for a fit in the Major. If you did otherwise, there stands a good chance that if Opener were to hold minimum values, you might get too high in the bidding.

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Bridge Tip # 158

When Opener of one of any suit has, by virtue of his/her second bid, limited his/her holdings, Responder automatically becomes the Captain and must take control and place the contract.

You Hold: K1085 You Partner

AK8 1C

KJ6 1S 2C

864 ??

Bid 3-NT! Since Opener has limited his/her hand showing fewer than 4-Spades, 6 or more Clubs, and a minimum of 11-15 HCP’s, Responder

must take control and place the contract. Since Responder hold points in the two un-bid suits (Diamonds and Hearts), a No-Trump contract is likely to

be best! The Partnership holds a combined total evidencing game values – go for it!

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Bridge Tip # 157

When holding an unbalanced pattern, show your second suit after Partner responds 1-NT to your first bid. This holds true whether you are playing forcing No Trumps or not.

You Hold: AK743 You Partner

K9 1S 1-NT

95 ????

Q1085

Bid 2-Clubs! Since you hold an unbalanced hand, try once again for a suit contract. Partner can “Pass”, raise Clubs, return to Spades, or bid two of either red suit (which you will then pass). You must not re-bid you Spades; if Partner holds one Spade and four Clubs, or if Partner holds 6 or more Diamonds, or 6 or more Hearts, you would be to blame if you were to wind up in a terrible 1-NT contract.

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Bridge Tip # 156

Many “Doubles” exist within the armamentarium of most bridge players; the Penalty Double, the Take-Out Double, the Negative Double, the Maximal Double, the Lightner Double, the Support Double, to name just a few. Each is instituted by a player simple saying, “Double”; but the meaning of its use is always directly and specifically related to the conditions existing in the bidding process at the time in which it is used. Each has a different use under a very specific set of conditions. Most need not be alerted, some, however, do require one. Some are used more than others.

Two, very useful, little-used, and often confused “Doubles”, are the “Responsive Double”, and the “Rosenkrantz Double”.

Both require an “alert”
Both are utilized by the Partner of a player who has previously overcalled
Both occur after both of the Opponents have bid
Each carries a totally different message

A. The Responsive Double is utilized by the Partner of an Overcaller, either (a) when only two suits have previously been bid, one by the Opponents, and one by one’s Partner (Example 1), or when Partner has made a Take-out Double, and the Opponent’s bid, likewise, a single supported suit (Example 2).

Example 1: The Responsive Double is used to show points, a lack of support for Partner’s overcalled suit, but the presence of at least 4 or more cards in the two, as-yet-unbid suits.

West North (Partner) East South(You)

1D 1H 2D “Double” (Responsive)

Here South shows fewer than 3 Hearts, at least 8 or more HCP’s, Clubs and Spades (The two unbid suits), and a desire to compete.

Example 2:

West North (Partner) East South(You)

1D “Double” 2D “Double” (Responsive)

Here South shows a desire to compete; i.e., some HCP values, but with no specific suit preference for the remaining three un-bid suits.

B. The Rosenkrantz Double is utilized by the Partner of an Overcaller, when three suits have previously been bid, two by the Opponents, and one by one’s Partner (Example 3).

Example 3: The Rosenkrantz Double is used to show at least 6 or more HCP’s, at least 2-card support for Partner’s overcalled suit, and specifically a holding of the Ace or King of Partner’s bid suit.

West North (Partner) East South(You)

1D 1H 1S “Double” (Rosenkrantz)

Here South shows support for North’s Hearts, a holding which includes either the Ace or the King of Hearts and competitive values. As opposed to Example 4:

Example 4:

West North (Partner) East South(You)

1D 1H 1S 2H

Here South shows support for North’s Hearts, competitive values, but without the presence of either the Ace or the King of Hearts. If a Partnership uses the Rosenkrantz Double, then under the circumstances of South’s 2H bid, as shown above, the 2H bid is alertable by North; i.e. South has shown support for Hearts but without either the Ace or King.

The Value of the Rosenkrantz Double is that it offers assistance for Partner, should he/she be on lead following the completion of the bidding, as to whether or not it is safe to lead the overcalled suit say, for example, away from an AQXXX, or, conversely, to avoid leading the suit, even though it was supported by Partner. It can, thusly, save an, otherwise, lost defensive trick, at trick one.

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Bridge Tip # 155

Opposite any 2-Level response by Responder in a new suit (Weak Jump Responses excluded), a Reverse by Opener (Example 1), is always forcing to Game. This holds true whether the Partnership is playing “Two-over-one Game Forcing” or not. This is to be distinguished from a Reverse by Opener after a 1-level response from Responder (Example 2), which is forcing for only 1-round.

Example 1: North South

1H 2C (10+ HCP’s)

2S (17+ HCP’s)

Since the combined totality of high-card points referenced by a new-suit, 2-Level response by Responder, added to that of the Reverse bid by Opener, the Partnership has evidenced no fewer than game-level high cards and the Partnership need be committed to, at least, a game-level contract. North’s bid here, therefore, is forcing to Game.

Example 2: North South

1C 1S (6+ HCP’s)

2D (17+ HCP’s)

Since the combined total here could be as little as 23 HCP’s, Opener’s Reverse, here, if forcing for only one-round.

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Bridge Tip # 154

Many different systems are used in response to Partner’s opening bid of a strong, artificial, and forcing “2C”. Some, as with “The Standard Method” and “Jacoby Steps” are utilized in describing the number of high-card points held by Responder, while “The ‘2D’-Waiting” Convention seeks to have the Responder wait until Opener shows his/her suit before the Responder evidences his/her point count, and/or suit preferences.

Many players feel that, although the point count of Responder’s holdings be of value, that the presence of Kings and/or Aces held by Responder is, by far, much more important information for Responder to disseminate to Opener than, say, the presence of either Queens or Jacks. After all, four Queens certainly do not hold the trick-taking capacity, under most circumstances, as do two Aces. Both contain 8 high-card points, but the latter holding is usually of far greater import to Opener.

The showing of “Controls”, by Responder, is, therefore, a much-preferred system by many players, over any of the three other Conventions described above, and is their Convention of choice in response to Opener’s opening bid of a strong, artificial, and forcing “2C”. This method evidences the presence, or absence, of either Kings or Aces, or both, held by Responder. Any Ace is designated as being valued as equal to 2 Controls, while Kings are valued as 1 Control. Responses to Opener’s “2C” are thus as follows: (All bids are artificial and require an alert.)

“2D” = 0 or 1 Control (No Aces and either none, or one, King)

“2H” = 2 Controls (Either one Ace or two Kings)

“2S” = 3 Controls (One Ace and one King)

“2NT” = 3 Controls (Specifically, three Kings)

“3C” = 4 Controls (Either two Aces, or One Ace and two Kings)

“3D” = 5 Controls (Either two Aces and one King, or one Ace and three Kings)

In any of the above-referenced systems of response, the initial bid of “2C” is forcing until 2-NT, 3 of any Major suit, or 4 or any Minor suit has been reached.

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Bridge Tip # 153

Today, modern bridge techniques call for “a new suit by Responder” and “a Reverse by Opener”, both, as forcing for one round. Responder has shown at least 6 or more HCP’s and Opener 17 or more. Both Partners usually recognize each of these “forcing-for-one- round” bids, but some do NOT know how to put on the skids if each holds the minimum of their respective high-card point count. When they do hold minimums, the Partnership holds about 23 HCP’s, Game is seldom present; yet, there is strong tendency, if they not be careful, for most Partnerships to wander into an unsound game under these conditions when both players have minimum holdings. The “Ingberman 2-NT” bid enables Partnerships, under these conditions, to put on the brakes, and to avoid this pitfall.

Following a 1-Level suit response by Responder, and a Reverse by Opener, a “2-NT” bid, by Responder (The Ingberman 2-NT Convention), shows a minimum holding of 5-7 HCP’s by Responder, and seeks to extract whether or not Opener, likewise, holds the minimum of 17-18 HCP’s, thereby stopping the Partnership from overbidding. If Opener holds the minimum, he/she must “puppet” a conventional “3C” response to Responder’s “2-NT” thus requiring the Partnership to stop at the 3-level in whatever suit best applies.

In summary, following a call of one of a suit by Opener, a new suit bid by Responder, and then a “Reverse” by Opener, if either Responder does NOT bid

“2-NT”, or if Opener does not bid “3C” after the “Ingberman 2-NT” is invoked by Responder, then the Partnership is committed to Game. With a departure from the two Ingberman bids by either Partner, the Partnership is automatically committed to a game-level contract.

All of the bids under this Convention require an alert.

Example: West East

XX KQXX

QX XXX

AKXX JXXX

AKJXX XX

1C 1S

2D (A Reverse) “2NT” (Ingberman)

“3C” (showing a Minimum) 3D (To play)

Pass

In this example, had East not bid “2-NT”, of if having done so, if West had not bid “3C” in response, then the Partnership would be committed to a game-forcing auction.

The situation is different, however, when Responder’s first response is a new suit at the 2-Level. Since a sequence such as 1H, 2D, 2S is game forcing, a continuation of 2-NT by Responder is not Ingberman. It is natural and shows at least one stopper in Clubs, the un-bid suit.

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Bridge Tip # 152

1. Defenders take tricks with their lower or lowest equal. If you, as a Defender, can take a trick with a Jack or a Queen, take it with the Jack. Taking it with the Queen denies the Jack and can screw Partner’s thinking.

1. After Partner has described his/her hand and you know what the final contract should be, bid it! The one who knows, goes! Say Partner opens 1-NT showing 15-17, and you have 18 HCP’s (or 12-14 and you have 21), reasonably balanced. There are 33 points between the two hands so bid 6-NT! If leaping so high scares you, go to a mirror and say “6-NT” out loud. Do it!

2. Play the cards you are known to hold from the lead and third-hand’s play. Say the Queen is led and Dummy holds the X-X-X-X. You, the Declarer, hold the K-J doubleton. When the third hand plays the Ace, your King and Jack are equals; however, third hand knows you have the King from the lead of the Queen, but doesn’t know you have the Jack. If you play the King under the Ace, the Jack remains a mystery card. The opening leader also knows you have the King from the play of the Ace. Get rid of the King!

3. When fortunate enough to hold a powerful trump suit and being forced to ruff, tend to not to ruff with your lowest trump. That tiny trump may be your only way to get to the Dummy’s hand. Similarly, when drawing trumps try to keep a flexible entry position using the same technique of not always throwing your lowest possible card as you draw the trump suit.

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Bridge Tip # 151

1. When giving Partner a ruff, the card you lead is suit preference telling Partner which suit to return after the ruff. The return of a relatively high card asks for a return in the higher-ranking of the two remaining suits. A return of your lowest card asks for a return in the lower-ranking of the two remaining suits. The return of a middle card means you have no preference.

2. As Declarer, whenever possible, withhold any spot card lower than the one that has been led or lower than the one played to your right. If the Opponents are using standard card signals, this tip is sure to confuse them. Say the 3 is led against a No Trump contract and Dummy has the A-K-5 and you (South) have the Q-6-2. You play the King from Dummy and third hand plays the 4. If you play the 6, concealing the deuce, consider the confusion you have caused: fourth hand will not know if Partner has led from a 4- or 5-card suit (can’t see the deuce), and the opening leader will not know if Partner is signaling with encouragement or discouragement with something like the Q-4-2 (can’t see the deuce). If you play the deuce at trick one, East knows that West has led from a 4-card suit, and West knows that partner’s 4 is discouraging.

3. When leading from Dummy to take a finesse with a number of equal honors in your hand, finesse with the higher or highest equal. Say you have the A-Q-J-10 in your hand and X-X in the Dummy. When you lead low from the Dummy and second hand plays low, play the Queen (not the 10). You give away too much information if you play the 10. If the 10 were to lose to the King, second hand will not know you have either the J or the 10. If the 10 wins, and second hand has the King, second hand knows you still have the Q-J. However, if the Queen were to win, second hand can’t be sure you have the J-10.

4. At a suit contract holding A-X-X facing X-X-X and the suit is led, it is usually right to hold-up and then win the second round of the suit, not the first. If one of the Opponents has a doubleton, and you have held-up by taking the second trick, not the first, you have effectively cut the communication between the two Opponents. Take the second trick with the Ace, not the first. This, of course, assumes that you have no place to put these losers.

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Bridge Tip # 150

The best lead against a 6-NT contract is often very different than against a 3-NT contract. Against a 6-NT contract one should avoid leading away from an honor unless you hold a sequence.

You hold: K10763

J108

Q92

Example 1: Against 3-NT: Lead the 6 of Spades – 4^th best from your longest and strongest.

Example 2: Against 6-NT: Lead the J of Hearts. If the Opponents have about 33 HCP’s, guess how many Partner has?

Lead the safest card possible!

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Bridge Tip # 149

1. When returning the suit Partner has led, with two cards remaining return the higher; with three cards remaining, return the lowest. Say, for example, Partner leads low and Dummy has all low cards. If you hold A-10-6, play the Ace and return the 10. If you hold A-10-6-3, play the Ace and return the 3.

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2. One usually leads low from an honor; i.e., an Ace, King, or Queen, and suggests that a continuation of that suit at a later time is likely to be advantageous to the defense. If Partner leads a low card in one suit, gets in and then shifts to a low card (showing strength) in another suit, Partner desires a return in the second suit. If Partner, alternatively, shifts to a high card in a second suit (top of nothing, perhaps), he/she is asking for a return in the first suit. Got it?

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3. When there is a short side suit in Dummy and Declarer draws all of Dummy’s trumps the inference is that Declarer does not have any losers in that suit to ruff. Translation: It is safe to discard that suit!

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4. When discarding, keep length parity with the Dummy. If Dummy holds A-K-Q-8 in a suit, and you hold four pieces, one of which is higher than Dummy’s lowest, and, therefore, could take a trick, be careful about discarding from that suit. Be very careful!! Don’t!!!

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5. When defending a suit contract, Declarer uses two main techniques to garner extra tricks: (1), setting up a long suit in Dummy, and (2), trumping losers in the short hand (usually the Dummy).

a. If Dummy comes down with a long and a short suit and you have the long suit bottled up, lead trumps because the long suit is not useable.

b. If it appears that the long suit is useable, play an attacking defense going for outside tricks as soon as possible.

c. If the Dummy comes down balanced, Declarer has no place to get rid of losers and will, therefore, potentially lose them. In this instance both you and Partner should adopt a passive defense. Avoid breaking new suits if possible. Let Declarer have the tricks to which he/she is entitled, and just sit back and wait for your tricks – Your day will come!

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Bridge Tip # 148

A Double by you, when your RHO bids either a Stayman “2C” (Example 1), or a Jacoby transfer bid (Example 2), or a response to Blackwood (Example 3), are all, lead-directing doubles. A “double” of any artificial bid is a lead directing double. An absence of a double over any artificial bid by the Opponents, therefore, carries a negative inference that you have no particular interest in that suit being led.

Example 1:

East South West North (You)

1-NT Pass “2C” Double

You hold: XXX

XXX

AKJXX

Example 2:

East South West North (You)

1-NT Pass “2H” Double

You hold: XXX

AQ10XX

XXX

Example 3:

East South West North (You)

1S Pass 2H Pass

3S Pass 4S Pass

4-NT Pass “5D” Double

You hold: XX

XXX

KQ10X

XXXX

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Bridge Tip # 147

After Partner opens the bidding with one of a suit, and your RHO overcall 1-NT (showing 15-17 HCP’s), you should double for penalty if you hold

9 or more HCP’s (Example 1). Bidding any new suit denies the strength to double; i.e., fewer than 9 HCP’s, usually with a 5-card or longer suit

(Example 2).

North East South (You) West

1S 1-NT ????

Example 1 You hold: 10X

KJXX

AJXXX (Double! You have them outgunned)

J10

Example 2 You hold: 10x

XXXX

AJXXX (Respond 2D)

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Bridge Tip # 146

A 2-NT response to Partner’s Take-out Double shows 10-12 HCP’s (Example 2), and is not forcing. A 1-NT response to a Take-out Double shows 6-9 HCP’s (Example 1), and is similar to a 1-NT response to any opening bid of one of a suit. No Trump responses to any Take-out Double guarantee at least one stopper (hopefully two), in the Opponent’s suit. You do not need stoppers in the other suits. Partner is supposed to have them for his/her Take-out Double. A 3-NT response evidences 13(+) HCP’s (Example 3) with at least one stopper in the Opponent’s bid suit.

West North East South (You)

1S Double Pass ???

Example 1 You hold: KJXX

Q10X (Respond 1-NT)

JXXX

Example 2 You hold: KJXX

Q10X (Respond 2-NT)

AJXX

Example 2 You hold: KJXX

Q10X (Respond 3-NT)

AJXX

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Bridge Tip # 145

When responding to Partner’s Take-out double with 12 or more HCP’s, cue-bid the Opponent’s suit to show a strong hand, and then bid your suit(s) later. After this cue-bid, and new suit by you is forcing.

You (South) hold: KQXX

AJXX

QXX

West North East South (You)

1C Double Pass ???

Bid “2C” to show a big hand (12 or more HCP’s). You and Partner then bid 4-card suits up the line until you connect in a 4-4 Major suit fit. If Partner bids 2D, bid 2H; if Partner bids 2H, raise to 4H. The one who knows, goes!

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Bridge Tip # 144

The requirements for overcalling in the Direct (2^nd) Seat, relative to an Opening bid by the opposition is standard (Example 1); any reasonable 5-card suit and at least 8 or more HCP’s if at the 1-Level, and 10, or more, HCP’s if at the 2-Level.

Example 1:

East South (You) West North

1S 2H

South Holds: XX (Overcall 2H – Here, in the 2nd Seat with your RHO having opened 1S, you make a reasonable overcall with a

AQXXX 5-Card suit and at least 10 HCP’s or more)

QXXX

In the Balancing (4^th) Seat, relative to an Opening bid by the opposition, the requirements for coming into the bidding are more relaxed (Example 2). One can do so with fewer HCP’s and/or even a 4-Card suit.

Example 2:

East South West North

1S Pass Pass 2H (Here North, is in the Balancing Seat, and this bid can be made with

fewer HCP’s, and with even a 4-card Suit, if necessary so as to

keep the bidding Open.)

In a contested auction, however, where both Opponents have bid, one must be careful in the 4^th Seat (Example 3). Here, Partner has not yet chosen to bid, the Opponents show at least 20 or more HCP’s and Opener to your left, if strong, can double you for penalties if so desired. Under these conditions, in order to safely overcall, one should have at least a 6-Card suit, and/or at least opening count.

Example 3:

East South West North

1S Pass 2C ????

(Here North, is in the direct Seat, relative to West’s response to Opener’s 1S, and if North chooses to

overcall in this ongoing auction, East is in position to Double for penalties.)

North, with: Should Pass, for now, and possibly come into the auction later,

XX if the opportunity arises, should EW abandon the auction at a reasonably low level.

AQXXX

QXXX

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Bridge Tip # 143

Some confusion exists when using some Jacoby transfer bids as to whether Opener should call out “Alert” or “Transfer”. When one is transferring to Hearts (a “2D” call), or to Spades (a “2H” call), there is little disagreement and no uncertainty that the word “Transfer” should always be called by the 1-No-Trump opener. The confusion and error arises, however, singularly when a “2S” bid is called by Responder. In this instance the two possible verbalizations are not interchangeable, in that one, or the other, is singularly correct, depending upon what the Responder is telegraphing to Opener by his/her bid of “2S”.

Some insist that in this instance they should always say “Transfer”, others that they should always say “Alert”, and some think it does not matter; i.e., that the two words can be used interchangeably. This is not correct, and is far from the truth. It does indeed matter, depending upon the Partnership understanding as to what the transferee is signaling when he/she bids “2S” following a 1-NoTrump opening bid by Partner.

1. If the Partnership agreement is that a “2S” response to a 1-NoTrump opening bid directs the opening bidder to say 3C (a “Puppet” Bid) without knowledge as to whether the Responder really wants Clubs (Responder may Pass), or Responder may convert the puppet bid of “3C” to 3D, if that be the desired spot by Responder, then the correct verbalization by Opener is “Alert” (“I am supposed to bid ‘3C’ and I do not know at this point whether Responder really wants Clubs or Diamonds”).

2. If the Partnership is playing 3-way Transfers, and their agreement is that a “2S” response to an opening 1-NoTrump absolutely signifies a Club desire by Responder, then the proper verbalization by Opener is “Transfer”.

3. And lastly, if the Partnership is playing 4-way Transfers, and their agreement is that a “2S” response to an opening 1-NoTrump absolutely signifies a Diamond desire by Responder, then the proper verbalization by Opener is “Transfer”.

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Bridge Tip # 142

When responding to Partner’s Take-out Double, one should jump the bidding in one’s long suit, with 9-11 revalued points. Any un-bid 5-card suit is worth 1 extra point, and an un-bid 6-card suit is worth 3 extra points. Do not count points for Jacks or Queens in suits the Opponents have bid.

You (South) hold: AQ10XX

QXX

10XX

West North East South (You)

1D Double Pass ???

Jump to 2S, count one extra point for the 5^th Spade. If you were to bid 1S it would have shown 0-8 revalued points. Also, a jump bid by Responder to a Take-out Double by Partner is not forcing.

With 12 or more HCP’s, Responder should either jump to game, else cue-bid the suit bid by the Opponent, both to exhibit game values when coupled with the doubler’s opening count.

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Bridge Tip # 141

Many Partnerships have an understanding that an opening bid of “3-NT” is a “Gambling 3NT” attempt. It shows 9-11 HCP’s and a 7-card self-sufficient Minor suit holding, (Clubs or Diamonds), headed by the AKQ (Example 1) (Note that any more than an outside Queen would be sufficient to satisfy the Rule of 20, thereby increasing the hand’s strength to a normal “1 of the Minor” opening bid – Example 2).

Example 1: X

QXX (Open “3-NT” – A Gambling NT Game attempt)

AKQXXXX

Example 2: X

KXX (Open 1D – Not “3-NT”)

AKQXXXX

In this system, if Partner feels he/she does not have the ability to run nine quick tricks by holding stoppers in the other three suits and an ability to get to Opener’s hand by virtue of having at least one piece of Opener’s presumed long Minor suit, then the Partner exits the attempt by bidding “4C” which allows the Partnership to escape, by Opener either passing or converting to 4D, whichever is Opener’s long Minor suit. The presumption here is that the Opponents have game, and that either the 3-NT contract will make, or that the 4C or 4D sacrifice will yield a better Duplicate result.

What is seldom discussed, however, is that this Convention is only utilized in positions one, two, or three. In these positions, the logical presumption holds that if the opponents can make game, a sacrifice contract makes logical sense. In position four, however, such a presumption makes no sense. If one truly believed that the Opponent’s could make a positive score, than passing would be the best solution, since the bidding would end and neither team would make a plus score. Therefore, a 3-NT opening bid in fourth position, after three consecutive passes, is not a “Gambling 3-NT” attempt, rather a perceived attempt to truly make 3-NT and does not request the normal 4C or 4D exit bids by Partner (Example 3).

Example 3:

East South West North (You)

Pass Pass Pass 3-NT

AXX (Open “3-NT”)

AKQXXXX

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Bridge Tip # 140

A Take-out Double by a passed hand shows 9-11 HCP’s with shortness in the Opener’s suit. If the Opponents have bid two suits, the double promises at least 4-card support for both of the un-bid suits.

You (South) hold: AJXX

KJ10XX

South (You)