Bridge Tips

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!

When you sit down with a new partner, first agree your defence.

If you find yourself checking the traveller and asking how the other pairs got to a slam when you were only in game, it might be because you don’t play splinters and cue bids.

The best way to improve your results is to focus on your defence.

When you’re dummy instead of thinking how you would play the hand, practice counting each suit.

Be clear in your mind WHY you are playing, is it to Win and gain promotions OR enjoying meeting people and being sociable (and winning is a bonus).

In a trump contract, playing the Queen on your partner’s Ace means either  it is a singleton (so you had no choice) or you also have the Jack.

keep things relaxed and comfortable for all, is that when things go wrong at the table, whoever you think has made the mistake, always blame yourself – “sorry, it’s my mistake!”

Never deny a four card major.

If you have an opportunity to bid a 4 card major in response to your partner’s bid, then always do so in preference to bidding 1NT.

If you repond 1 NT when you could have shown a major, then you are denying having it. You are not promising quality, just at least 4 in that suit and enough points to respond.

Be nice to your partner and polite and courteous to your opponents.

You are declarer and you have a two-way finesse to take. Eg. A J 2 opposite K 10 3. Ideally you would like the opponents to lead the suit for you and guarantee you three tricks. Unfortunately, it is not possible to arrange an endplay and you will have to make a decision.

Failing all else you should choose the opponent you would least like to win the trick and finesse through them. To sum it up “FINESSE THROUGH GRUMPY”

There can be the tendency either to retreat into one’s shell or, conversely, to over-compensate when playing stronger opponents.  Just “Keep calm and carry on”.