Homepage Template (Template)

The Bridge Gazette is a free resource from Bernard Magee Bridge designed to give players of all levels a quick and informative weekly read.

ARTICLE OF THE WEEK

Sally’s Slam Clinic

Where did we go wrong? This month’s deal was sent in by Danny Hamilton and…

TIP OF THE WEEK

What should all players do BEFORE they pick up their cards?

Answer — Check carefully the vulnerability!

The vulnerability is really important in helping you to decide your strategy e.g. if you are non-vulnerable at favourable or even equal vulnerability you can be much bolder than if you are at adverse vulnerability.

Alongside the vulnerability also make sure which seat (i.e. 1st /2nd/3rd/4th position) you are in. e.g. It is much more advantageous to pre-empt in 3rd seat than in 2nd.

So… please get into the habit of always checking before you get excited about seeing the goodies you have been dealt!

Bidding Quiz of the Week

Test your bidding powers with Bernard's latest Bidding Quiz. It's free to play so give it a go. Click the image to play.

For more quizzes explore the world of Bernard Magee Bridge where you can play new quizzes every week. We have Lead Quizzes, Play Quizzes as well as Easier and Harder Hands to explore and so much more!

HANDS QUESTIONS

How Would You Bid this Hand?

How should you bid this hand? Find out what Bernard thinks.

Here's the question that was asked about the hand below:

Bidding Question

Submit Your Own Hand!

Got a hand question? Bernard Magee loves receiving hands questions and replies as soon as he can.

You can submit your own hand question for Bernard here.

Submit your own hand to Bernard

QUESTIONS FROM THE BMB FORUM

Forum Question to Julian Pottage

Forum Question 32 - Dealing with unusual opening 2 bids

Hi Julian, I’d be grateful if you could give me bidding advice on the following hand in a standard online club session where the opponents’ systems were unusual as far as my partner and I were concerned. South opened the bidding with 3D. - explained as “Weak with both majors at least 5-5” West passed with 12 points and 5 spades North bid 3H East passed with 16 points and 5 hearts and the board was then passed out. What should we do? Should West double the 3H? At the time it seemed that if he did partner would have to respond in a minor at the 4 level given South’s initial bid and North’s 3H response. At nearly all other tables the final contract was 3NT. Obviously the 3H bid went off but, as it was not doubled, we got a very poor score Board is typed out below. Thanks very much for looking!

Click here for the Answer

Questions are taken from the Bernard Magee Bridge forum which is available with BMB paid memberships.

WEEKLY OFFER FROM BMB

This Week's BMB Offer

Get lifetime access to Bernard’s Friday Live from Week 313 on Interesting Hands for only £3.00 this week!

We'll post weekly offers here from Bernard Magee Bridge. BMB has a huge range of bridge learning material so this is a great way to dip your toe in the water and try a few BMB modules.

Of course BMB members receive full access to everything for one low monthly subscription!

THE BRIDGE GLOSSARY

Acol Two Bid

The use of an opening two-level bid in diamonds, hearts or spades as a one- round force to show a strong hand, normally with at least eight playing tricks, which is not strong enough or unsuitable for an Acol 2♣️ opening. The bid promises either a six-card suit or two good five-carders.