Bridge Tips

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”.

If you make a pre emptive bid, remember you have told your partner everything they need to know about your hand, and unless they make a forcing bid, you do not need to tell them twice!
Or if your partner opens a suit bid, never deny a 4 card major and respond in NT to show your points. Always bid the major on the way.

You should always treat your partner, whoever that may be at the moment, as the best bridge player in the world. 

Opener’s REBID describes his hand .

ie. Whether he is Balanced/Unbalanced,  Weak ( 12-15 ) or Strong  ( 16- 19 ).