Bridge Tips

If the opponents bid confidently to game in a suit contract, and you have about fourteen points and a singleton in a side-suit, do not be tempted to lead your singleton. Your partner is unlikely to have many points and therefore is unlikely to gain the lead to give you a trick. By leading the singleton, you would probably be helping declarer set up a side suit.

During an auction start working out what your best lead might be so that as soon as the bidding has finished you are ready. Then make your lead promptly before putting any bidding cards away or writing the contract on your score card.

If your partner makes an Opening Bid and you have an Opening Hand yourself, think GAME! You may not know WHICH Game until there has been more bidding but realising at the beginning that you have Game Points, will help you to bid to the Game Level.

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.

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.