Bridge Tips

                                                                                                                     By:  Harold Schachter

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        (Updated: 02/4/12)              

 

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Bridge Tip # 236

        

     A. Most bridge Players have the understanding that a “double” by Responder to an opening bid of one-of-a-suit by Partner, after Responder’s RHO has overcalled is “Negative” showing values, usually the 2-unbid suits, but without either the 5-card or longer suit required, else a deficiency of HCP’s needed to bid at the 2-level, or both.

 

                1-of-a-suit --------  overcall of a suit ---------- “double” (Negative)

 

     B. Also common to most Player understandings is that a “double” by a Responder to an opening bid of one-of-a-suit by Partner after Responder’s RHO has overcalled 1-NT is a “Penalty” double..

 

                 1-of-a-suit -------- overcall of “1-NT” ------- “double” (Penalty)        

 

     C. Standard understandings also include the maxim that after Partner opens a strong, artificial, and forcing “2C”, that following an overcall by would-be Responder’s RHO, a “double” is also for penalties.

 

                 “2C” ---------- 2-of-a-suit ------------- “double” (Penalty)

 

     An alternate, possibly better agreement to be implemented when there is an overcall at the 2-level subsequent to Partner’s opening of “2C” is, by Partnership agreement, the following:

 

1.     A new suit is game-forcing, showing a 5-card suit or longer.

 

2.     A “Pass” is game forcing, showing at least an Ace or a King, but no good 5-card or longer suit.

 

3.     A “Double” is a “woeful double” which says you have neither an Ace nor a King and “Partner, do not count on me for anything!”

 

     Opener can then proceed to a partial score, a game-level contract else “Double” the Overcaller for penalties.   Once again, this above-referenced scenario of meanings must be discussed and agreed-to with one’s Partner.

   

         

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Bridge Tip # 235         

    

    Many bidding sequences in bridge sound somewhat similar, but can be significantly different in the holding they are attempting to describe.  Two such, similarly-sounding sequences are as follows:

 

         (1)             You                                        Partner

           1D                   1S

          1-NT                 “2C”

 

     (2)             You                                        Partner

           1D                   1S

          1-NT                  3C

 

     In the first sequence, Partner is using a bidding convention termed “New Minor Forcing”.    It is represented by a bidding sequence of Minor-Major - No Trump - Second Minor.   Partner, here, with his/her artificial, and alertable bid of “2C”, is evidencing 11 or more HCP’s, and, in most circumstances, a 5-card holding in his/her Major suit with invitational values or better.  Such sequences are forcing for 1-round. 

(See Example 1)

 

                                                                          1. Partner’s  Hand

                                                                                    AJxxx

                                                                                    Kxx

                                                                                    QJxx

                                                                                    x

 

     In the second sequence, Partner is holding a very weak hand with a 4-card Major and a 6-card or longer Minor and, initially, needs to use this “Up-The-Ladder” bidding sequence, with his/her first bid, so as NOT to potentially miss an 8-card Major suit fit, if it, potentially, be present.    Partner’s second bid of a jump into the Minor is natural, and is NOT forcing.    It is weak and asks opener to “Pass”.    This sequence is represented by a sequence of Minor-Major-No Trump-Jump into Second Minor and, although similar to example 1, conveys a vastly different message.  (See Example 2)

                                                                                                                             

                                                                       2. Partner’s  Hand

                                                                                Jxxx

                                                                                Kx

                                                                                QJxxxx

                                                                                x

 

         

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Bridge Tip # 234

         

    

     Two standard responses, in addition to “5C’, “5D”, “5H”, and “5S”, are available when Partner invokes regular Blackwood and asks for Aces.    Yet, to many Players, these two additional responses remain unavailable, simply by virtue of their being unknown and not within the realm of their expertise.       They include: (1), a response of “5-NT” which signifies two Aces plus an unspecified void, and (2), and “6” of the specific void when holding only one Ace and a void (“6” of the agreed-upon suit if the void is in a higher ranking suit than the agreed-upon suit).

 

     When using Roman Keycard Blackwood (RKC), however, discussions need take place between Partners so as to plan appropriate responses under similar conditions, where the Responder to the “4-NT” inquiry similarly holds a void, and what which, of the various additional available responses wind up being most effective, and whether or not to tie these additional responses around the presence, or absence, of the Queen of Trumps.    Although many different modifications in the RKC (0314) Blackwood Convention are often discussed in the literature, most experts, today, use the following additional responses as add-ons to the regular “5C” showing none or 3 controls of the Four Aces plus the King of the Trump suit, “5D” showing 1 or 4, “5H” showing two (2) controls without the Queen of the Trump suit, and “5S” showing two (2) controls with the Queen of the Trump suit:

 

(1) – “5-NT” showing 2 controls, the Queen of the Trump suit, and an unspecified void.

     

(2) – “6C” or “6D” or “6H”, each showing a void and a comparable number of controls that that suit mentioned would have identified had it been bid at the 5-Level. ( “6C” would show 0 or 3 controls plus a void, “6D” would show 1 or 4 controls plus a void, and “6H” would show 2 controls plus a void, all three responses at the 6-Level, without the Queen of the Trump suit.

 

               

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Bridge Tip # 233

         

    

     Opening Bidder has four ways to show minimum count following a change of suit at the 1-Level by Responder.   Once Opener has limited his/her holding in one of these ways, Responder must then take control of the bidding process to a reasonable level based upon the combined HCP strength held within the Partnership.

 

a)    Re-bid 1NT

b)    Re-bid his/her first-bid suit at the cheapest level

c)     Raise Partner’s bid suit at the cheapest level

d)    Pass, assuming Opener’s RHO has made an overcall

 

   You Hold:      K1072   AK8   KQ54   94

 

               You                                        Partner

                                    1C

                1H                  2C

               ????

 

      Bid 3-NT!   Since Opener has limited his/her hand, you must place the contract.   Since you hold points in the unbid suits, hold opening count yourself, and do not have excessive length in any of your suits a final game contract in NT should be the optimum contract.   Responder to an Opener who has limited his/her holdings becomes the Captain, and must quarterback the Partnership to its final contract.

  

“He who knows goes”!

 

               

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  Bridge Tip # 232

         

 

     Responder, holding invitational values (11-12 HCP’s), should take a second bid, even if Opener has shown minimum values.   Opener may hold a maximum of his/her “minimum” values (13-14 HCP’s), and game might still be feasible.

 

     You Hold:      A76   K962   973   A86

 

                  You                    Partner

                               1C

                                            1H           2C

                  ???

 

 

     You must bid again with your 11 HCP’s.  Game is possible should Opener hold the top of his/her minimum opening count.  Bid 3C!  Partner may pass with a bare minimum opening, but will be encouraged to bid on, perhaps to 3-NT, with a maximum “minimum” of 13-14 HCP’s. 

 

     Always show your HCP’s and bring Partner into the decision-making process in so far as the final contract is concerned!

         

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  Bridge Tip # 231

         

 

     Do not punish Partner for attempting to save you from your Take-out double which has been re-doubled by your LHO (left-hand Opponent).

 

      You Hold:      AQ95   K1083   K10963   ---

 

           West(You)       North     East(Partner)     South

                                                        1C         

           “Double”      “Re-Double”      1D           Pass

             ???

                       

       Partner’s bid of 1D is a guarantee of no points whatever.  Rather it suggests a safe harbor in the storm.   South’s opening count, when added to North’s 10 HCP’s or more (evidenced by his/her re-double), and your 12, leave very few for Partner’s bid of 1D.  Partner, most likely holds a hand similar to the following, and is attempting to, at the very least, escape the trap set by North’s “re-double”, or at best, help North should they find themselves in the likely position of defending North-South’s eventual contract.

 

     Partner’s likely holding:   1083   97   QJ872   873

 

 

Remember, there are no more, or nor fewer, than 40 HCP’s in any one deck.

 

   

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  Bridge Tip # 230

         

   When both Opener and Responder hold invitational values, game level contracts should be avoided.  

 

                          You Hold:      A7   AQ9642   3   Q1086

 

                  You                        Partner

 

                  1H             1S

                                            2H            2-NT

                  ???

 

 

     Bid 3C, suggesting a minimum opening count with 6-Hearts and 4-Clubs (with most other Heart-Club distributions, or with extra values, you would have bid clubs at your second turn).   Partner’s knows you have opening count, and his/her invitational bid of 2-NT shows no more than 11-12 HCP’s itself.  Your bid of 3C is a rejection of a game-level contract.  Partner can either “Pass,” or bid “3H”, but a contract of 3-NT must be avoided.  

         

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  Bridge Tip # 229

         

 

     When Responder holds the top of his/her limited first response, and is invited to game by Opener, Responder must accept the invitation and proceed to game.

 

                   You Hold:      106   A85   Q943   KJ106

 

                 You                    Partner

                              1C

                                         2C          2-NT

                ????

 

 

     Your Partner must be interested in game else he/she would have passed your 2C limited response (no matter what the possible flimsy Club suit he/she may have opened).   Since you are at the top of your limited response and could hardly have a better holding for your single raise, accept the invitation.  Bid 3-NT!     

         

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  Bridge Tip # 228

         

     When Partner responds cheaply to your take-out double, you need substantial extra values to bid again.

 

 

        1. You Hold:      K1086   A963   4   KQJ10

 

            West(You)     North     East(Partner)     South

                                                       1D        

            “Double”      Pass           2C           Pass

              ???

                       

Don’t be seduced by your magnificent Clubs.   Partner, opposite your takeout double, did not jump the bidding; i.e. selected his/her best suit at the cheapest level.  By East’s 2C bid, he/she not only denied holding 4-cards in either Major suit, but also limited his/her hand to 8 HCP’s, at most.   East would have jumped the bidding if he/she held 9 HCP’s or more.   You, holding nothing in excess of your original opening count “Double”, already showed your values, and should, therefore, “Pass”. 

Never bid your values twice!

 

 

     When Partner jumps in responding to your take-out double, evidencing at least 9 HCP’s or more, and you hold extra values for your original take-out, bid game.

 

 

                2. You Hold:      AQ105   K1083   AQ7   95

 

            West(You)     North     East(Partner)     South

                                                       1D        

            “Double”      Pass           2S           Pass

              ???

                       

       Partner’s jump response to your take-out double promises no fewer than 9 HCP’s.  His/her bid is not forcing, but does invite game.   Since your hand is worth 16 points, and especially since any finesses your Partner must try figure to succeed, bid 4S!

         

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  Bridge Tip # 227

         

     When holding minimum HCP values, Responder to a Partner’s opening bid of one of a suit, must, when Opener limits his/her hand, bid conservatively so as not to encourage Opener beyond the trick-taking capacity of the Partnership’s holding.

 

           1.    You Hold:      K106   Q76   J9754   97

 

                 You                    Partner

                              1C

                                          1D           1S

                 ????

 

     Pass!   After you respond at the 1-Level in a new suit, a non-jump change by Opener is not forcing.   With you showing as few as 6 HCP’s with your first response, In order for there to be game values within the Partnership’s combined holdings, Opener would have had to make a jump-shift evidencing 19 or more HCP’s.   Here, with Opener limited to no more than 18 HCP’s, and your hand hardly worth your first response, don’t give Opener another opportunity to bid, possibly exceeding the Partnership’s trick-taking capacity.   Yes, you might be in a “Moysian (7-card) Spade Fit”, but you, holding only the very barest of minimum values, need to discourage any further bidding by Opener. 

 

 

      2.  You Hold:      A932   K9543   54   84

 

                 You                    Partner

                              1D

                                          1H           2C

                 ????

 

     With Partner holding, at most, 18 HCP’s, and, more likely, fewer, your best bet is to halt the bidding as quickly as possible with these minimum responding values.  A re-bid of 2H risks playing there opposite a singleton or void, and a bid of 2S, reflecting a “reverse” would be unthinkable, absent Responder holding opening values, since a reverse by Responder is forcing to game.  Since Opener holds, in all but one circumstance, at least five Diamonds, a false preference to two Diamonds is the least evil.

  

         

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  Bridge Tip # 226

         

     In some instances, when responding to Partner’s Take-out Double, one must plan one’s second response before making one’s first.   

 

         1, You Hold:      KT85   K876   54   Q97

 

           West(You)     North     East(Partner)     South

 

                          1C         “Double”        Pass

                                 ???

 

     Plan ahead and bid 1S!   The Opponents are likely to further compete in a Minor suit.   Having done so, you can later further compete by bidding Hearts and Partner can have the option in whichever Major suit he/she prefers.   If, alternatively, you were to have bid Hearts first and Spades next, a contract of 2H would be out of reach.

 

  Although, when responding to Partner’s Take-out Double, one usually jumps the bidding when holding 9 HCP’s or more, one must also consider the potential likely usefulness of the honors held.

        

        2. You Hold:      75   Q9843   KJ6   QJ7

 

           West(You)     North     East(Partner)     South

 

                          1D         “Double”        Pass

                                 ???

 

     If your Opponent had opened 1S, all, or most, of your high cards would be useful, and you would, therefore, jump to 3H with this holding in order to invite to game.   As it is, however, your Diamond honors sit in front of the opening bidder and are probably worthless.  A response, therefore, of 1H is enough in this instance.

         

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  Bridge Tip # 225

         

     In the Standard 5-Card Major American System of bidding, it is imperative that Responder, when holding one or two 4-card Major suit(s), bid up the ladder, at the 1-Level, never bypassing any 4-card Major suit, even if said Responder holds support for the opening Partner’s Minor.   To negate this important obligation, is to necessarily create the likelihood that, since Opener is restricted from mentioning a 4-card Major on his/her opening bid, that any available

8-card Major suit Golden Fit is likely to be missed.  

 

         You Hold:      J1085   Q76   KQJ54   9

 

                 You                    Partner

 

                              1D

                                           ???

 

     Bid 1S!   Here, you, as Responder, must initially, and temporarily, suppress your Diamond support in order to first search for a potential fit in the Spade suit.   If a Major suit fit is present, Opener will acknowledge same by supporting the Spade suit at the appropriate level.  If not, say if Opener were to, hypothetically, re-bid 2C, you can then proudly unveil your Diamond support.     

         

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  Bridge Tip # 224

         

     Every bid in bridge carries a message concerning either point count, distribution, or both.  However, each bid must carry a new and different message than any previous bid; i.e., one must never bid the same message twice.  Every successive bid must impart alternate and new information not yet disclosed by any previous bid(s).

                      You Hold:      J85   KQT96   AK7   97        You                          Partner

 

                                                                   1H             1S

                                                                  ????

 

     Bid 1NT!  This bid promises a balanced distribution with minimum (12-14 HCP) opening values.   Avoid a re-bid of 2H since this would suggest a 6-card Heart suit.   Having opened 1H, Partner will expect a 5-card suit no matter what you re-bid.   Also, fear not the lack of a Club stopper.   A “Good Partner” will have what you need him/her to have; i.e., that which you do not have, and even if not, the Opponents still have to find the crack in your HCP amour.     

  

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  Bridge Tip # 223

         

     It is important to realize that on many occasions 10’s and 9’s, so-called “intermediaries”, have trick-taking capacity when coupled with higher honor cards held

within the same suit.   By themselves they carry little trick-taking capacity, but in combination with higher ranking cards, they become powerful and add to the value

of one’s holding.    Under these circumstances, one can count each intermediary 10 as ˝ point and each 9 as Ľ point.

 

         You Hold:      JT8   QT5   KT7   QT84

 

                                         You                    Partner

 

                                                     1-NT

                                         ???

                          

      Answer:   Bid three (Yes, I suggested 3-NT) No Trump!  Even Though Partner may have as few as 15 HCP’s, and thus the Partnership only 24 high-card points in all, your hand is worth much more than 8 points, especially in a NT contract.  

All four tens will, most likely, be valuable, and even the eight of Spades may be significant.

 

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  Bridge Tip # 222

         

     The Exclusion Blackwood Convention is an extension of regular Blackwood.   It permits the one Partner seeking Slam to exclude an Ace from the responses to Blackwood because that Player holds a void in the named suit.   The normal responses are those used with Roman Keycard Blackwood.   Typically it is used in the following two (2) scenarios.

 

     1: After Texas Transfers following an opening of -1NT or 2-NT: - Here the transfer suit is trump and the second suit bid is taken as the excluded suit.     

          Thus:

 

                  North (Partner)            South (You)

               1-NT                      “4H” (Texas Transfer

                                               to Spades)

                4S                       “5D” (Roman Keycard Exclusion

                                               Blackwood for Spades, with the Diamond suit excluded.)

     Responses here would be “5H” showing 0 or 3 keycards, “5S” showing 1 or 4 keycards, “5-NT” showing 2 keycards without the Queen of trump, and “6C” showing 2 keycards with the Queen of trump.

 

                        Similarly:

                 

     2. After unusual jumps where a lower bid would have been a Splinter:  

          Thus:

 

                  North (Partner)            South (You)

                                        1S (Natural)

                2H                     “5C” (Exclusion Blackwood for Hearts with Clubs excluded; since “4C” would have been                    

                                              a mini-splinter in support of Hearts.)

                             

                                  (or)

 

            North (Partner)            South (You)

                1S                     “5D” (Exclusion Blackwood for Spades with Diamonds excluded; since “4D” would have

                                              been a splinter in support of Spades.)

 

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  Bridge Tip # 221

         

     One series of bids, often misused, misinterpreted, and little discussed, are the No Trump responses by Partner to a 1-level Overcall.   Since the number of HCP’s evidenced by the Overcaller lies within a eight (8) HCP range (8-15), allowances must be made by Responder to protect the Partnership should the Overcaller’s point count fall to the lower end of his/her HCP spread.   No Trump responses to Partner’s 1-Level overcall evidence; (a) probable lack pf support for Partner’s overcall suit (fewer than 3 pieces), (b) Absence of his/her own 5-card suit worth mentioning, (c) at least one (hopefully several) stopper(s) in the Opponent’s bid suit, and (d) the following HCP count:

 

                               North   East (Partner)   South        West (You)

                       1C          1H          Pass      ???  

                                                                            

a)    1-NT = 8-11 HCP’s

 

b)    2-NT = 12-15 HCP’s

 

c)     3-NT = 16(+) HCP’s

                

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  Bridge Tip # 220

         

     When playing in Team-of-Four Tournaments, the scoring is so unlike that of Match-Point games, that a different set of bidding tactics is required.   The specific situations requiring differences in approach include stretching for vulnerable game contracts, ignoring tiny swings, competing or selling out on part-score hands, sacrificing, and doubling.  In these Team-of-Four tournaments, “IMP” (International Match Point) scoring requires the following changes so as to elicit a statistically-winning strategy:

 

1.     Questionable (Un-certain) Non-Vulnerable Game contract should be avoided, whereas, uncertain, but close, Vulnerable game contract should be attempted.  (Example: After two passes, you open 1C, and Partner then jumps to 2-NT. Push on to 3-NT if vulnerable, but “Pass” if you are not.)

      

2.     If you are comfortably ahead in a match, or playing against a team you are rated to beat, hold back in bidding a touch-and-go Small Slam; but if you are the underdog, play for the swing, and bid the Slam.  (Small Slams are even-money bets at IMPS – you stand to gain or lose the same amount if made or lost)

 

3.     Avoid bidding Grand-Slams unless you can count thirteen tricks for certain.  (Your Opponents, at the alternate table, may not even bid a Small Slam. To fail at a Grand-Slam attempt loses more than you would gain by bidding and making the Small Slam.)

 

4.     Ignore tiny differentials at IMPS.

 

  1. Do not stretch for overtricks if, in doing so, it jeopardizes the Contract.
  2. Do not worry about bidding No Trump versus a Major suit contract, if the latter is more secure.  The extra 10 points is meaningless.
  3. Be willing to play in a Minor suit Game contract if it is safer.  Never strain to play a No-trump or Major suit contract simply for the few extra points.   Never sweat swings of 1 or 2 IMPS, for the tiny swings almost always even out in any match. 

 

1.     Competition over part-score hands, characteristic in Match-Point play, should be carried over into IMP matches, but be careful, if vulnerable.

 

2.     Sacrifice bidding against a Game Contract bid by the Opponents is not statistically likely to be a winning strategy as much as it is oft times in match point play.

 

3.     In almost all penalty doubling situations at IMPS, the odds favor the coward, not the hero.

 

     In summary, at IMPS in Team-of-Four Tournament play, you are only up against one other team, so the winning style is not trying to beat par as it is in match point play, rather to play “par-bridge”; i.e., to take everything which is yours without trying to steal what belongs to the enemy.   Use a cautiously cowardly style, leaving the heroics to your Opponents.

 

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  Bridge Tip # 219

         

     The use of the “Support Double” (“Support Re-Double”) allowing Opener to show 3-piece support for Responder’s Major suit; a suit in which Responder could hold as few as 4-pieces, is a valuable and sometimes misunderstood principle.    The following are multiple examples of its correct usage:

 

                            West                                    Auction                           East

 

                                                              W       N       E        S

 

                    1.   Ş Axx                         1¨       P      1Ş      2§           Ş Qxxxxx

                          © Axx                        Dbl     3§     4Ş                       © Kxx

                          ¨ Axxxx                                                                     ¨ Kx

                          § xx                                                                            § Ax

               ------------------------------------------------------------

                    2.    Ş Axx                       1§      Dbl    1Ş       2©           Ş KJxx

                           © KQJ                     Dbl       P      2Ş        P             © xx

                           ¨ KJx                      2NT      P     3NT                      ¨ Axxx

                           § AJxx                                                                      § xxx

               ------------------------------------------------------------

                    3.    Ş x                            1¨       P      1©      Dbl           Ş Qxxx

                           © AQx                     Rdbl    1Ş      P        2Ş           © Jxxx

                           ¨ KQJxxx                 3¨       P      P          P             ¨ xx

                           § AJx                                                                        § Kxx

 

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  Bridge Tip # 218

         

     The bid of “5-NT” (“Grand-Slam Force”), whether that bid is a jump or not, is a misnomer, in that it does not always force Partner to bid a Grand Slam.   With two exceptions, as noted below, it asks Partner to bid a Grand Slam only if he/she holds two of the top three trump honors.   The following principals apply when using this Convention:

 

1.     Normally the Partnership must have an agreed-upon trump suit.

2.     If no trump suit has been agreed upon, the, 5-NT bid agrees Partner’s last-bid suit as the referenced suit.

3.     When Partner bids 5-NT, you are required to jump to seven of your agreed suit with any of the two top three trump honors (AK, AQ, or KQ); and to bid six of your agreed suit with anything less.

4.     You cannot use the Grand Slam Force when: (a) after using the Blackwood Convention (where “5-NT” would ask for Kings); or (b) after Partner’s opening bid of 1-NT (“5-NT” here would be quantitative asking Partner to bid 6-NT with a minimum 15 HCP’s, and 7-NT with a maximum of 16 or 17 HCP’s).   

 

     You Hold:   AJ864 AK AKQJ6 A

 

                      You                                                                  Partner

 

                     “2C”                            2D (“Waiting”)

                      2S                             3S

                    “5-NT” (Grand-Slam Force)        6S or 7S                   

 

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  Bridge Tip # 217

         

     It is widely known that Partnerships should never employ either the Blackwood or the Gerber Conventions if the Partner exploring for Slam holds either a void or a worthless doubleton.    Under these circumstances, the response one would, hypothetically, receive to either Ace-Asking bid, might not tell one the information required to bid the Slam, else to bale out and stop short of a Slam-Level contract.    Alternatively, when holding either of these afore-mentioned holdings, Partnerships should use “Control-Showing Cue-bids” to secure the information as to whether Slam is feasible, or not.   When employing control-showing cue-bids, the following principles apply:

 

1.     Before commencing control-showing cue-bids, a Partnership must explicitly agree upon a trump suit.  There may not be any ambiguity on this matter.

2.     Cue-bidding, under these conditions, expressly shows Slam interest.

3.     When a Major suit is agreed upon, bids of a new suit above the 3-Level of the agreed Major are cue-bids, whereas, bids below this level are game tries.

4.     If a Minor suit is agreed upon, bids of a new suit above 3-NT are cue-bids, below 3-NT they are telling bids, showing one or more stoppers in the bid suit, looking for a 3-NT contract as an alternative to the 5-level of the referenced Minor suit.

5.     Cue-bid your lowest first-round control (Ace or Void) at each opportunity.

6.     One can never cue-bid in the trump suit.

7.     A cue-bid in any suit you have already bypassed (a suit in which you have already denied a first-round control) shows a second-round control (the King or a Singleton).

8.     Once the Partner who has initiated the cue-bid sequence returns to the agreed-upon suit, the cue-bidding ceases and bidding ends, unless Partner has yet another first-round control not yet shown.

 

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  Bridge Tip # 216

 

     On some occasions, a game-level contract in a Major suit can be bid and made when the Partnership holds fewer than 26 HCP’s.   Opener may wish to make a “Game-Try” under certain set conditions, especially if Opener holds a second long suit, a so-called “Long Suit Game Try”.   To simply invite to Game by bidding directly to the 3-Level may be too risky or involve a significant degree of guesswork by Responder.   The following principals apply:

 

1.     After you, as Responder, to an opening bid of one of either Major, make a simply raise of Opener’s suit to the 2-Level, and Opener then bids a new suit, it is a game try asking for help in the second suit bid.   The game-try suit will be one in which Opener has at least 2-Losers (See Example).

 

                    Partner                                                              You

 

                  1H                            2H

                  3D (A “Help-Suit Game Try”)    

 

 

2.     Facing a help-suit game try, Responder should bid game with either, (1), a concentration of honors in the help suit, or (2), shortness in the help-suit when Responder holds at least 4-card trump support (shortness in Opener’s ‘help-wanted’ suit is far less useful when holding only 3 trumps, since the defense can often limit Declarer to one ruff by leading Trumps).

3.     Without help of either kind, Responder bids three of the agreed-upon Major, which Opener must then pass.

4.     If one plays “Help-Suit Game Tries” then Partnerships are free to ascribe an alternate meaning to a 1-2-3 Major suit bidding sequence (See Example).      

        

              Partner                                                   You

 

             1H                                                                                                                                                          

                                       2H

             3H (“Bar-Bid”)           Pass      

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

      Most Partnerships utilize this type of bidding sequence to be a “Bar-Bid”; i.e., an attempt to make it hard for the Opponents to compete by making it difficult, if not impossible, for them to enter the auction.   Responder is, under these conditions, absolutely not allowed to bid further in such auctions, whatever, his/her holdings.

 

     

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  Bridge Tip # 215

 

     Balancing bids; i.e., bids made in the pass-out seat, are important.   Balancing means re-opening the bidding with a bid or with a “Double” after the bidding has stopped at a low level.   The purpose of such bids are to protect one’s Partner who may have been kept out of the auction by the Opponent’s bidding, or to disallow the Opponents from stealing the bidding at a low, unreasonable level.   The concept of balancing causes many inexperienced players a great deal of trouble.   Balancing is not, strictly speaking, a Convention, but rather a question of judgment and fortitude.  The following principals and concepts apply:

 

1.     It is seldom, any many Players would say never, correct to allow one’s Opponents to play a suit contract at the 1-Level, and some say even at the

      2-Level, especially if the Opponents are happy.

2.     One should, alternatively, attempt to push the Opponents higher, where, either they will go down; you will make your contract; or will, having gone down yourself, given up fewer match points then the Opponents would have gleaned if they had taken the contract without you having balanced.

3.     If the Opponents stop at a low level having found a fit, feel free to overcall or to make a take-out double with the right distribution with fewer HCP’s then normally needed for similar actions.

4.     When Partner makes a balancing bid, remember that he/she can have fewer HCP’s than would normally be the case for such actions, and, therefore,  be cautious, as Responder to the balancing call, not to punish the balancing Partner by over-bidding.

 

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  Bridge Tip # 214

 

      Cue-bids are an integral part of all bidding systems in the game of Bridge.   Cue-bids are never alertable, and their meaning evolves from the circumstances under which they are employed.    In the presence of competition by the Opponents, a cue-bid by a Responder to an Opener’s one-of-a-suit opening bid, or by a Responder to an Overcaller, are one of the more important cue-bids.   They signify the following:

 

 

1.     When Partner opens one of any suit, and Responder’s RHO overcalls in a suit, a cue-bid, by Responder, using Overcaller’s suit shows a limit raise or better, 10-12 HCP’s or more, in support of Opener’s suit (See Example).

 

                   North (Partner)   East   South (You)  

            1H           1S      “2S” (Limit raise, or better in support of Opener’s Hearts)

 

 

2.     Alternatively, absent the cue-bid, assuming one’s RHO overcalls with a suit bid, a direst raise of Opener’s suit shows support, but with fewer HCP’s than a limit raise (6-9 HCP’s or fewer), and a jump raise is pre-emptive (See Examples).

 

        North (Partner)   East   South (You)  

           1H          1S       2H (A constructive raise showing support of Opener’s Hearts with 6-9 HCP’s)

 

       North (Partner)   East   South (You)  

           1H           1S    3H or 4H (pre-emptive support for Opener’s suit with fewer than 6 HCP’s)

 

 

3.     A cue-bid by a Responder to an Overcaller, shows support for Overcaller’s suit, and an interest in Game (11-12 HCP’s or more) (See Example).

 

           North   East (Partner)   South   West (You)  

          1H          1S          Pass      “2H” (Support for East’s Spades with an interest in Game)

 

 

4.     Absent the cue-bid, a direct support for Partner who has overcalled shows no interest in Game (fewer than 11 HCP’s).

 

           North   East (Partner)   South   West (You)  

          1H         1S           Pass      2S (Support for East’s Spades, but with no interest in Game)

 

               

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  Bridge Tip # 213

 

      The Negative Double is an important and useful tool in any Bridge partnership’s bidding armamentarium.   Like any “Double” call in Bridge, however, certain conditions and circumstances must be met for such bids to be properly presented, and thus interpreted, as a “Negative Double”.    They are as follows:

 

1.     A “Negative Double” can only be presented by a Responder, never by an Opener, an Overcaller, or a Responder to an Overcaller.

2.     A “double” is “negative” when Partner has opened one of any suit, and Responder’s RHO (right-hand Opponent) has overcalled in a suit.  Then, and only then, is a “double”, by Responder, negative.   If Opener, alternatively, were to have opened 1-NT, or if Responder’s RHO were to have overcalled     1-NT over Opener’s one of a suit, a “Double” is a Penalty Double, not a Negative one.

3.     To make a “Negative Double” at the 1-Level, Responder must hold 6 or more HCP’s; i.e., that which would have been needed to respond had Responder’s RHO “Passed”.

4.     The higher the overcall; i.e., at the 2-Level and beyond, the more high-card strength Responder needs to make a Negative Double.

5.     A “Negative Double” always implies, and guarantees, support for any un-bid Major or Minor suit, or, absent one of these, support for Opener’s bid suit or the ability to bid NT (“fall-back positions”).

6.     To make a “Negative Double” when there are two un-bid Major suits, Responder must hold at least 4-cards in both Majors, or, at the very least,        3-cards in the second Major (so-called “Tolerance”).

7.     When Partner opens 1C or 1D, and the RHO overcalls “1H,” a negative double shows exactly 4-Spades, and a 1-Spade response evidences five or more Spades.

8.     A new suit, by Responder, at the 2-Level, shows at least 11 HCP’s (12 or more, if the Partnership plays 2-over-1 game-forcing), and a 5-card suit.   With only 4-pieces, or fewer than 11 HCP’s, or both, Responder uses the Negative Double.

 

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  Bridge Tip # 212

 

     The word “Reverse” means: “opposite or contrary in character or order”.    “Reverse” bidding sequences, in the game of Bridge, are often confusing and, therefore, misunderstood.   All of the following, below-referenced, bidding conditions must be met in order for any bidding sequence to be correctly presented and, therefore, correctly interpreted as having been a legitimate, and properly presented, “Reverse”.  

 

1.     The bidding must be beyond the 1-Level, i.e., at the 2-Level, or higher.

2.     Opener’s or Responder’s second bid suit, must be of higher rank than his/her first bid suit.

3.     A Reverse by Opener is forcing for 1-round, and a Reverse by Responder is forcing to Game.   Partner may not “Pass”.    To make these factors valid, Opener must hold no fewer than 17 HCP’s in order to legitimately “Reverse”, and Responder must hold no fewer than 13 HCP’s.

4.     When Opener “Reverses”, his/her first-bid suit is always longer in the number of cards, than is his/her second bid suit.

5.     Opener can never “Reverse” when holding a balanced hand.

6.     After a 2-Level response by Responder on his/her first response, a Reverse by Opener is forcing to Game.

7.     When Responder holds a weak hand (6-8 HCP’s) opposite a “Reverse” by Opener, Responder’s second call of “2-NT” is the so-called “Ingberman 2-NT” and denotes lack of game values should Opener hold the minimum 17-18 HCP’s for his/her “Reverse” call.    Any other bid by Responder other than “2-NT” is forcing to Game (unless Responder has first bid at the 2-Level), in which case number 6 (above) takes precedence.

 

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  Bridge Tip # 211

 

     That an artificial, strong, and forcing opening “2C” is forcing, is never in question.  What is in question, however, is how forcing is it?  

 

     Some Partnerships present an opening “2C” bid as “Forcing to Game”, while others play that it is forcing to one-bidding-level below Game; i.e., any one of either  2-NT, 3 of either Major suit (Hearts or Spades), or 4 of either Minor suit (Clubs or Diamonds). 

 

      It is imperative, and, therefore, a must, that all Partnerships discuss and resolve this issue, thereby eliminating the possibility that this matter remains ambiguous.   To not resolve this issue leaves open the possibility for a bidding disaster, and the concomitant insecurity, by either Partner, or both, that the bidding will cease short of that which is intended.  

                       

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  Bridge Tip # 210

 

     A double jump in a new suit by a Responder to Partner’s opening call of one of either Major suit is called a “Splinter Bid” (Examples 1 & 2).  A single jump shift would have evidenced either a very strong 19 (+) HCP’s, else a weak pre-emptive call (Two mutually exclusive concepts dependent upon Partnership understanding as to which one is used).   

 

                   Partner                                     You

 

    Example 1:       1S          “4C”, “4D”, “4H” (Splinter Bids)

 

    Example 2:       1H          “3S”, “4C”, “4D” (Splinter Bids)

 

 

     Splinter Bids show a game raise in Partner’s Major and a singleton or void in the suit into which Responder has splintered.   Thus, Splinter Bids evidence the following:

 

1.     4-Card or better support for Opener’s Major suit

2.     13-15 Points (including distribution); i.e., the equivalent of a 7-Loser hand

3.     The presence of either a singleton (Never a singleton Ace) or a void in the “Splintered” suit

      

         Typical hand on which to respond “4D” when Partner has opened 1H:

 

                    You Hold:    KQ6  A8642  5  Q962

            

     A Splinter Bid is a particularly useful bidding Convention because it assists the Partnership in achieving some Slam contracts with fewer HCP’s than normal, based upon precise knowledge of distribution.     Splinter Bids differ from “Jacoby 2-NT” bids, in that Jacoby 2-NT bids show as few as 13 HCP’s, but are unlimited, and does NOT necessarily contain an outside singleton or void.  

 

     Opener, in response to Partner’s Splinter Bid, with a minimum hand, or one with wasted values in the suit in which Responder has splintered, signs off at the 4-Level in the agreed Major.   Responder, who has already bid his/her hand completely, then passes.   If Opener holds Slam interest; i.e., holding a hand with extra values and no wastage in the splinter suit – bids anything else other than a sign-off in the agreed-upon Major.

 

     Opener can, likewise, Splinter (Example 3)

.

                             Partner                                               You

 

    Example 3:                 1D                      1H         

                              “4C” (Splinter Bid)

 

                        Partner Holds:    KQ73  AK743  AQ6  6

 

     Partnerships are entitled to draw negative inferences when support for Partner’s suit is shown and Splinter Bids are NOT utilized.

 

         

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  Bridge Tip # 209

 

     Responding to Partner’s opening pre-emptive, 3-Level, bid can be tricky, and is oft times misunderstood.    There need be the realization that although Partner’s intent was to take several levels of bidding away from the Opponents in the belief that it was there hand, the reality exists that, especially when the pre-emptive bid occurs in the first or second position (before Partner has had the opportunity to show his/her HCP strength, that in effect, Partner’s well-meaning pre-empt has stolen several levels of bidding from his/her own team.   The following include a summary of things to remember opposite Partner’s pre-emptive, 3-Level, opening call:

 

1.     Never seek to bid a new suit, opposite Partner’s opening 3-Level pre-empt, unless you can see some prospect of game (15 or more HCP’s).

 

2.     A response in a new suit by Partner to an opening, 3-Level, pre-empt, is natural and forcing when it is one of a Major suit over a 3-level Minor pre-empt, and shows at least 15 or more HCP’s and at least 5-cards in the new suit.                                             

 

              3C/3D – Pass – 3H/3S (Forcing)

 

3.     A 4-Level response in a Minor suit, over a 3-level Major suit Pre-empt is a Cue-bid.   It shows a control in the suit bid, and suggests a slam in Opener’s Major suit.

   

           3H/3S – Pass – 4C/4D (Cue-bid with support for Opener)

 

4.     The Pre-emptor should raise Partner’s Major suit response (after an opening of 3C or 3D) on any 3-cards or a doubleton honor.

 

5.     Responder may raise a pre-empt in the same suit bid, in two situations: (a) when you are strong and hope to make Game, and (b) when you are weak, and hope to make life even more difficult for the Opponents.

           

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  Bridge Tip # 208

 

     Most bridge Partnerships recognize that certain bids invite, and still others, force Partner to take bidding action.   Several such bidding sequences are: (1) a “Take-out Double”, (2) a “Support” Double, (3) a “Responsive” Double, (4) a new suit bid by Responder, (5) a “Reverse” by either Opener or Responder, (6) a Blackwood “4-NT” or a Gerber “4C” Ace-Asking bid, (7) a “4-NT” or a “5-NT” Quantitative bid over Partner’s    “1-NT”, (8) a “5-NT- Grand Slam Force”, and (9) a “Forth-Suit-Forcing” bidding sequence, to name a few of the more popular and most commonly known examples.

 

     One additional forcing bidding scenario, not frequently written about, but extremely important and necessary is the “Forcing Pass”.   A “Forcing Pass” is defined as a “Pass” by either Partner which forces the other Partner to take action, either by bidding further or by “doubling.”   Partnerships must agree upon the definition of the forcing pass and recognize the circumstances under which the “forcing pass” comes into play.

 

      The “Forcing Pass” is alertable when it is invoked.     Some of the more common scenarios are as follows:

 

A.   One team has volitionally reached game-level, and the Opponents put in an obvious sacrifice bid in their own suit.

 

                                North           East           South           West  

            1H             Pass            3H             Pass

            4H        “4-NT”-(Unusual)    Pass             5D

       Pass (Forcing)      Pass           ????

    

                                                 

B.   After the auction has begun, it becomes clear to both sides that a safety level has been reached, and to proceed further means that one side may decide to bid higher knowing that the contract will be defeated with the expectation of a better score.

           

                   North           East           South           West  

            1H              1S             2H              2S

            3H              3S         Pass (Forcing)     Pass

           ????

 

 

C.   Under the scenario where Partner has opened the bidding, your RHO (Right-hand Opponent) has made a Take-out double and you have “Re-Doubled”, evidencing 10 or more HCP’s.   Your LHO (the Partner of the Doubler) makes an overcall bid, and Opener then passes (forcing) showing no extra values over his/her original opening count.  It is obvious that your Partnership has the majority of the HCP count, and you, the Re-Doubler, must act.

 

                North           East        South (You)        West  

            1H            Double        Re-Double          2D

        Pass (Forcing)     Pass           ????

         

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  Bridge Tip # 207

 

 

     After pre-empting, you must remain silent unless Partner asks you to bid.   If, unsolicited, you bid once again, either your hand was too strong for you to have pre-empted in the first instance, else you are too weak to bid in the second instance.   You have erred either way.  

 

            You Hold:                   North (You)    East    South      West  

                   86             3H          3S     Double     Pass                                                

                   QJT8642      ????                             

                   5                      

                   K73

 

     Pass!     You told your story already; now trust your Partner.   For all you know Partner has the Opponents over a barrel, and you might even contribute a Diamond ruff, a Club trick, or both.   Once a player pre-empts, whether as an opening bidder or as an overcaller, he/she is automatically out of any further bidding unless invited to do so by his/her Partner.

 

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Bridge Tip # 206

 

 

      When you, as Responder to Partner’s opening bid have support for Partner’s suit, a substantial holding in the suit overcalled by your RHO, but, otherwise, a weak HCP count, tend not to double the Opponent’s for penalties, rather support Partner instead.      

 

      You Hold:                  North (You)    East    South      West  

                   Q86                                 1S        2D                           

                   84            ????                        

                   A8753                      

                   863

 

     Bid 2S!   Do not “Double” for penalties!   A penalty double, here, suffers from two flaws: your undisclosed support for Partner’s Spade suit, and the weakness of your hand.   If, hypothetically, an Opponent ran from two Diamonds doubled to two Hearts, your Partner might double that contract unsuccessfully, expecting you to hold more strength.  The better tact is to support Partner immediately, and if necessary, double them if they attempt to compete further to 3D.  

 

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Bridge Tip # 205

 

 

     Be aware of not punishing Partner for competing.   He/she may have stuck their neck out in the first place, so don’t hang him/her for having done so. 

 

       You Hold:                  North (You)    East    South      West  

                   A6                                             1S                                     

                   JT95         Double         2S      3H        Pass                       

                   A85           ????           

                   KJ83

 

     Pass!    Your Partner is not trying for game.   He/she is only competing for the part score.   Responder knows you have opening count based upon your previous Take-Out double, and if he/she had opening count, as well, he/she would have gone directly to game without prodding initially.   Your hand is minimum count for your Take-Out, so just “Pass”.   Never bid your hand’s values twice! 

 

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Bridge Tip # 204

 

 

     Some occasions force one to support Partner’s suit without the knowledge that there be an 8-card “Golden Fit”.   Sometimes you must pick the best from amongst the several poor bids that are available.

 

   You Hold:                       You         Partner               

                AKJ                           1C           

                84              1D            1S            

                J9862          ????

                J32

 

      Bid 2S!     You, as Responder, must take yet another bid since Opener can have as many as 18 HCP’s, and you hold 10.   Because Opener can have as many as 18 HCP’s in these types of bidding sequences, Responder must normally think of making a second call when holding even as few as 9 HCP’s.   

 

     Here, to potentially bid 1-NT with two low Hearts, or to re-bid your ragged Diamond suit is hideous.   A preference for Clubs is potentially equally disastrous since Opener can hold as few as three pieces if the Partnership is using “preferred Minor” openings, or potentially only two pieces if using “short Club” openings.   A bid of 2S is your best call.       Bidding choices in bridge are not always perfect!

 

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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            

                AT3            ????

                73

 

     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’ Stayman response.

 

   You Hold:                        You       Partner

               

                Q982                        1-NT           

                A853            ????               

                854       

                73

 

     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               

                                  T9               1D          2C           

                                  AJ              ????              

                                  KT854       

                                  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               

                                  T9                            P           

                                  AJ                1D          2C             

                                  KT854            ????

                                  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 (2nd) 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                                    

                   KT7            ????                          

                   AQ85                      

                   T983

 

     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 “4th Seat” shows very different strength than does an overcall of 1-NT made in the direct or 2nd 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 in the Opponent’s bid suit.

 

              You Hold:                  North (You)     East     South      West  

                   K8                                              1H                                    

                   KT8           Pass         Pass     1-NT       Pass                        

                   J862           ??          

                   KT83

 

     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               

                QT9                           1-NT (15-17)

                QT4                ????    

                KT8       

                QT73

 

     Bid 3-NT!     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               

                JT73                       1D

                98             ????    

                AQJ74       

                Q7

    

       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 ˝ 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.