Pattaya bridge Club News-sheets Index

 

News-sheet No.

Ż

 

1        Map (to the Soi 4 and Amari locations).

          Playing conditions, standards etc.

2        Manners and Etiquette at our Bridge Club.  

3        Responses to a Strong (15-17) NT.

          Psychic Bidding (not allowed at our club).   

          Controlled Psyches (absolutely not allowed at our club).

          A 1NT opening must have at least 2 cards in each suit.

          The most (in)famous controlled psyches in Bridge history? (Bermuda Bowl, 1966).

4        Stayman.

          Thinking in defence.

          Requirements for Slam.

          Hand Evaluation.

          Your hand is worth less with just a doubleton in partner’s suit.

          Pre-empt with two aces?

5        Game Tries and all that Jazz (help-suit, cue bid, splinter etc.)

          Help-suit game try as a slam try.

6        No Trump Bids and Rebids.

          A Double of 1NT.

7        Transfers over 1NT.

8        The Negative (Sputnik) double.

9        Strong or Weak NT?

          Two over One (2/1).

          Negative (Sputnick) Doubles.

10      Transfers and Super-Accepts.

          Worth an Opening? (deduct a point for 4333 type shape).

          Who should make the try?

          4th Suit forcing.

          Negative doubles – the penalty pass

11      A Complete Mis-fit.

          Weak twos.

          The Opening 1NT Bid.

          A New Suit at the two level after RHO doubles is weak.

          DONT (Double Of  No-Trump – a defence to the strong NT opener).

12      Opening 1NT with a 5 card major?

          7 down in a 1 level contract!

          The NT rebid.

          Opening 1NT with a 6 card minor?

          Blackwood.

13      Roman Key Card Blackwood.

          Raising Partner’s Minor.

14      Passed Out!

          Roman Key Card Blackwood.

          Responding to Partner’s 1 Opening.

15            Responding to Partner’s Pre-empt.

The prepared ♣.

          Hand Evaluation.

          Have they both (Chuck and Hans) lost their marbles?

          After Partner Reverses.  

          Multi Landy - A Defence to 1NT.

16      The reverse.

          Lebensohl after partner’s reverse.

          Pre-empt Only Once.

          Raising Partner’s Pre-empt.

          Spot the Correct Bid!    

          It’s all about Shape.

17      Doubles  .

          RKCB - A Matter of Logic.

          Responding to Partner’s take-out double.

          The 4-4 Major Suit Fit.

18      Take-out doubles.

          Responses to Partner’s take-out Double.

          NT rebid with a void?

          No Sensible Opening Bid (because no strong two or Benjamin).

          way too strong for a 1NT rebid.

          re-open with a double playing negative doubles?

19      Your 2nd bid having transferred.

          The Power of the 4-4 fit.

          double 1 with 3 small ’s?

          Specific Types of Doubles.

          4NT Quantitative.

          The 2NT Response to a suit bid.  

20      Raising Partner’s 1NT response.

          The 1NT Response.      

          Go For the Only Chance.

          Bridge magazines.

21      is AJ A86 AK94 AK83 a 2 opener?

          The 1NT overcall

          how many stops for a 1NT overcall?

22      Partner has a Huge Balanced Hand.

          RKCB – Asking about the trump Queen.

          playing RKCB the next bid up asks for the trump queen.

          The 2 Opening. – numerous options: -

                The weak 2

                The strong 2

                Flannery 2

                The Multi 2

                Benjamin Twos.

          Support Doubles.

23      Deny a Four Card Major and bid it later?

          bid a 5 card minor before a 4 card major with a big responding hand?

          Stayman after intervention.

          Sitting under a Strong NT (be wary).

          The Jump Rebid in NT shows 18-19.

24      an opener?

          The Rule of 20 – 1st and 2nd seat openings.

          The Rule of 15 – 4th seat openings.

          Open a  weak NT in 3rd Seat?

          AKQ10865 is too good for a 3opener.

          a 4♠ opener?

          Raising Partner’s Pre-empt?

          NT rebids after a Two-level Response.

          Respond to Partner’s Opening if Possible.

          Leading Against NT.

25      A double of RHO’s 1NT response is take-out of the suit opened.

          Stayman/Transfer Sequences.

26      A strong 1NT opener?

          Axx Axx Axxx Axx is a 1NT opener?

          Extended Stayman? – nobody plays it these days.

          a simple overcall guarantees 11+ points??

27      Don’t make a take-out double with a two-suiter.

          Strong NT vs Weak NT.

28      To Stayman or not, that is the Question!

          Never deny a 4 card major!  

          Simple Math(s).

          A Strong (15-17) 1NT opener?

29      How Do You Expect Suits to Split?

          Scoring.

          A Take-Out Double is playable in the other 3 suits.

          Minor Suit Contracts? – NT is usually preferable.

          Keep the Dangerous Opponent out.

          Impossible? - A Magic Trick? (Chuck at his best!).

          How the Odds Change - Or do they?

30      The Jump Rebid, Jump Shift and Reverse.

          No Rebid?

          Eight ever, nine never – the odds.

          (Strong) 1NT Openers?

          Open 1NT with Two Doubletons?

          open 1NT or reverse?

31      The Law of Total Tricks.

          Ace-ask (Blackwood or Gerber), Natural, Splinter?

          Quantitative, Normal Blackwood, RKCB, Gerber, Splinter or what?

          You have a minor suit and Partner opens 1NT.

          How Greedy are You?

          Lead a trump when partner passes your take-out double.

32      A one-level ‘penalty’ double?

          Raising Partner’s opening Major to Game.

           ‘Silly’ Stayman? (1NT - 2 - 2NT).

33      Bidding Stayman When 5-4 (or 4-5) in the Majors.

          Top or Bottom from sequences?

          The take-out double and response.

          Double or overcall.

          When not to use Stayma

34      Alert ‘Conventions’ that are not well know

          The Jump Shift (Jump Response in English).

          Always respond to partner’s opening with 6+ points.

35      DOPI (Double 0 Pass 1).

          Responding to Partner’s Negative Double.

          A new Suit at the Two Level.

          Denying a 4 card major.

36      A New Suit at the three Level.

          Game when Responder has 14 Points?

          A new suit at the three level by responder who has not limited his hand is 100% forcing.

          4NT, Blackwood or Quantitive?

          7 points opposite partner’s 1NT overcall.

          Bidding the opponent’s suit.

          What do you open when 5-5 in the black suits?

37      No Game when Responder has 14 Points – Chuck’s input.

          Bidding Opponent’s Suit need not be alerted.

38      What is Acol? – It’s not Dutch.

          Overcalls and Jump Overcalls.

          1 - 2 - 3  is game forcing.

          Responding 1NT to partner’s 1 opening.

          Lead the A from AK?

39      Well Excuse Me for Bidding My Hand! (don’t pass partner’s game try).

          Transfers over 2NT.

          Negative Doubles at the Two Level.

          Push ’em Up and Double?!        

          Play the big one you dummy!

          Redouble ! of 1NT.

          KQ3 9872 K92 A76 - Do You Open ?

          Open 1NT with a good 5-card major?

          Open 3 with AKQ10943?

          Pre-empt in 4th seat?

40      The Power of a Fit.

          A Two level response is 11+

          Inviting after a Transfer.  

          The Jump Rebid.

          Responder skips a 4 Card Major and bids it later?

          Open a 4 Card Major playing Acol?

41      Inviting After a Transfer.

          Redouble ? Chuck says I should Go back to Disneyland.

          That ¨ slam, well bid or lucky?

          The Rule of Eleven – it’s only against NT.

          Cover an Honour With an Honour?

42      You need close to an opening hand to overcall at the 2-level.

          Don’t double when you can overcall 1NT.

          Super Accept? – a good game missed.

          A psyche followed by another (controlled) psyche! – gets you ‘Chucked’ out!

          A Direct Cue Bid at the 4 level – A big Hand!

          Rebid a 6 card suit or a 4 card suit?

          Mini Roman 2 Anyone? (The Disneyland duo).

43      Chuck Chuck out?

          Don’t bid 3NT with no stopper in their suit!        

          Super acceptance of a transfer (breaking the transfer after opening 1NT).

44      Classic Garbage (Stayman).

          Worth an Invitation after partner’s 1NT?

          Low Level Penalty Doubles? – a comprehensive look.

45      Responding with game values.

          Passing partner’s take-out or ‘automatic’ double?

          Denying a 4 card major.

          A 1NT rebid does not promise all suits stopped.

          The 2NT and 3NT rebids.

46      Stayman with a weak hand?

          The Killing Lead.

          Don’t get too high (or bid NT) on a mis-fit.        

          Accept the Invitation?

          A Jump Rebid?

47      At King Arthur’s Court – three golden sovereigns.

          Raise partner’s 1NT response to 2NT with a good 16+ points.

          Do not pass 12 counts with a good 5 card major.

          You need about 18+ points to raise responder’s major to game.

          Bidding Over 1NT.

          Responding to Partner’s Overcall.

          When Do You Need 5 Cards to Bid a Major?

Passing a negative double?

          Playing Acol, I only open a 4 card major with a good 16+ points - read why.

48      At King Arthur’s Court –  Whirlwind, the hunting hawk.

          A Minor Suit Fit?

          Negative free bids are not standard.

          A Good Slam Missed by Nearly Everybody.

          Don’t pre-empt with an outside 4-card major.

          Two(!)  Chinese Finesses.

          Worth a Vulnerable Pre-empt?

          Is It Forcing? – Reverses, Jump responses and rebids etc.

          Bid Your Hand Just Once.

          An Endplay.

49      An Interesting Hand All Round.

          Raise 1 to 2 or 3 holding  10753 KQ4 J94 A75 ?

          Discards in Defence - Lavinthal (aka McKenney).

          A Silly NT contract (two weak doubletons).

          Preference.

          Raising Partner’s Pre-empt – what is 3 - 5?

          Garbage Stayman.

50      At King Arthur’s Court – the pet goldfish.

          The Power of the good 4-4 Fit (can be better than 5-4).

          Inviting after partner opens with a Weak Two (Ogust).

          When LHO Redoubles.

          How Many Points for Stayman?

          bid 1NT or 2 when patner opens 1 and you have 965 Q93 K964 A53 ?

          Overcall or Double or What? (bid 1NT).

51      Bid over partner’s 1 opening if you possibly can.

          How many ’s?

          A dificult slam to Bbid? – play splinters.

          The Law of Total Tricks.

          Outgunned 5-1? – Maybe, but I’m not down and out! 1 - 1 - 3 - 3 is forcing!

52      At King Arthur’s Court – what colour hat?

          Devalue a hand with a void in partner’s suit.

          Jump rebids show good six card suits.

53      At King Arthur’s Court – two black pebbles.

          Unauthorised Information.

          Bid Your Hand Just Once.

          Balancing.

          Pass partner with a singleton?

          Raising partner’s 3 pre-empt to 4 is not ace-asking!

54      At King Arthur’s Court – which door?

          Raising Partner’s Pre-empt.

          7 good cards – bid 4 opposite partner’s opener.

          1 - 2 - 3 - 3 is invitational (3-card support) unless you play 2/1.

          Inviting to game in competition.

          Occasionally a 5-3 fit is better than 4-4 (when you can ruff with the short trump hand).

          When NT is better than a 5-3 Fit.

55      Passed Hand Bidding.

          Don’t pass partner’s 1 with shortage.

          Your next bid after transferring.

          1NT response must have a stopper in all the unbid suits??

          A new suit by a limited hand is weak.

          At King Arthur’s Court – he’s my son.

          Don’t bid 4 and why 4 failed.

56      Bidding Game With No Support?

          Take advantage of the possession of the suit.

          When you know that the opponents are in an inferior contract, do not double.

          When RHO bids Your Suit.

          Your opening 1NT  MUST  be within your allotted range +-1 (and NO singleton).

          Raising Partner’s Pre-empt.

57      Once is Enough – don’t bid your hand twice.

          Twice, OK. But three times?      

          Your Rebid Having Transferred.

          About Super-Accepts.

          Splinters really are worth mastering.

          When Partner Doubles.

          Raising Partner’s Pre-empt.

58      Find a forcing bid.

          A take-out double needs to be playable in the other three suits.

          3NT is usually better than 5 of a minor.

          A two-level response after an intervening double (it’s weak).

          A two-level response after an intervening double.

          Passing Partner’s Better Minor?

          Transfer with a weak hand?

59      6NT scores more than 6 of a minor.

          One does not have to rebid if RHO intervenes.

          Stayman etc when RHO intervenes?

          Defending against RHO’s take-out double.

          Opener is 5-4 and partner responds 1NT.

          You don’t always have to bid as high as ‘The Law’ allows.

60      That Law Again.

          All the Aces and all the Kingsmen.

          The strip and throw-in.

          Splinters really do work.

          Five of a Minor is rarely the best contract.

          1- 1NT - 3is forcing.

61            The 2 opening.

The jump in partner’s major when he negative doubles.

          Double with 6 top ‘trumps’? No!

          The Strong Jump Overcall (playing traditional Acol).

          The Strong 2/ (playing traditional Acol).

62        Responding to Partner’s Negative Double.

            Double for Penalties? – With AJxx sitting over the bidder, double!

            A new suit response at the two level is a good 10+ points.

            Responding 2 to partner’s 1 opening.

            A Pre-emptive opener? – what do you open with 106 98 6 AKJ108643 ?

            An Opening Bid? – points in the long suits are good.

            An Opening Bid in 4th seat?      (rule of 15).

            A Bad Hand for the Weak NT?

            A Poor 6NT – to make 6NT you generally need about 33 points.

63        Is it Strong, Weak, Forcing or whatever? – a few sequences to test you.

            Double 1NT? – it’s for penalties, generally 15-18.

            A Solid Overcall! – don’t simply overcall with a two-loser hand.

            What’s Your rebid? – you can lie in ’s if you can support partner’s ’s.

            1 - 1 - 3 is game forcing – opener had  - KQ9852 AQ987 A8

            Game with 20 points? – a good 4-4 is better than 6-3.

            Pass partner’s opening 1¨? Not me with 2 small ’s and 5 points.

            What is that 4 bid? – a cue bid (showing 1st round control).

            What is that 4 bid again? – this time it’s confusion.

            Trust partner? – if opponents bid and partner bids NT, then he has a stop(s).

            A re-opening Double? – a nice penalty playing negative doubles.

            Fast arrival – a jump to game in a game forcing auction is weak.

64                Just doin’ my ‘job’? – the cavemen think not too well.

      Questions and Alerts – what’s alertable or not at this club.        

            Calling me a liar! Don’t say I’ve lied when others can back me up.

            That Law again – my nemesis says I should explain – but he ignores it anyway!

            Explaining What I Say! – why a 2 response to a 1 opening promises 5 ’s.

            Responding to Partner’s Double – bidding the opponent’s suit is not natural.

            A Mis-fit – with 2 A AK98764 J1062 pass partner’s 2 opening.

            Another Mis-fit? – don’t open 2 with two-suiters.

            Don’t open 1NT way out of range – 19 pts, 22(!) pts, seems one member has no clue.

            Stayman, transfers etc after a 2NT opening? – play the same after 2 - 2 - 2NT.

65-78   The Beginner’s Page (Basic Standard American)

65        If you don’t open 1NT… then rebid 1NT?

            Never deny a Four Card Major.

            Support with Support (1 - 1 - 2) with 3 ’s?

Hand Evaluation ‘good’ 15 counts and ‘bad’ 15 counts.

How do you play the suit? – make the opponents play it! (an end-play)

            Virtually always re-open with a double when playing negative doubles.

            Who should bid? – Balancing, or protection.

            Finding a fit? – you can play in 5/ with a singleton each!

66        Support with just 3 cards? – the jump to 3 is normally 5 cards(1 - 1 - 3?).

            1NT - 4NT = quantitative.

            A Tangled Web – when you don’t play inverted minors.

            The 3NT rebid – usually a good long minor.

            If you really want to play 4-card majors, the open 1 when 4-4 (up the line).

            Nice Bidding – a good 5-2 fit is playable and is preferable to NT if a suit is wide open.

            A Word About the Scoring – when you sit out you get your average (not 50%).

            How do you bid slam? – Splinters really are worth mastering.

            Overcalls are 5 card suits – and if partner bids it’s not forcing.

67        Stayman with a flat hand? – 1NT – 3NT with a 4 card major?

            How many points for a Stayman? – Garbage Stayman promises no points.

            How many points for a negative double? – only enough to compete to the next level.

            When not to play in the 4-4 fit – with a weak suit in slam.

            A word about Qx – it’s better in declarer’s hand.

            A terrible pre-empt pre-empts are 7 card suits.

            A slam with a void – exclusion Blackwood.

After an intervening double, redouble with 9 or more points and a mis-fit for partner.

Responding to partner’s take-out double – usually  bid your cheapest 4 card suit.

Rebid another suit or pass partner’s 1NT response? – with 5-4, bid.

Rebid a 5 card suit? do not pass 1NT with an unsuitable shape.

A tricky 2nd bid? 2NT by responder is 11-12 points.

68        A Tactical Double – KJ103 sitting over the bidder in an invitational auction.

            Don’t open two-suiters with 2 open 1 withAKQ65 QJ10865 KQ -          

            Invitational (+) values for Stayman – unless is ‘Garbage’ shape (short ’s).

            Don’t double/overcall with rubbish – keep quiet with  A974 J73 3 K9832

            Enough for Slam? – You need 33+ points for 6NT but just 31 with a good 4-4 fit.

            The Forcing Pass – do not pass a forcing pass!

            4 scores more than 5 – the 6-2 fit scores more than the 6-4 fit.

            Super-Accept of a transfer – showing a non-min and 4 trumps.

69                Splinters – 3 pages of explanations.

            An Easy Top – deduct a point for a completely flat (4333 type) shape.

            You then need 11 points for a new suit at the two level or for 2NT.

            Bad Bidding from Books? – play books frequently have bad bidding!

            A Double of 1NT is penalties - you need 15 + points (or a good long suit).

70                Void in partner’s weak two! Pass partner’s 2 holding  - Q10864 AQ1085 KQ9.

            A tricky bid – preference by partner may easily be just two cards.

            Systems on, Systems off.

            3¨ after Stayman? – it has to be agreed with your partner.

            Trust Partner – do not remove partner’s  penalty double because you have overbid.

            A one-level penalty double? – don’t bid 2NT if you can penalise them.

            Pre-empt Just Once - having pre-empted, never bid again unless partner invites.           

            Tea and Cucumber sandwiches (a flat 11 enough to raise a weak 1NT to 2NT?)

            A 5-3 fit or 3NT? – with points outside, go for 3NT.

            Raising partner’s major directly to 4 is weak – it is most certainly not a slam invitation.

71        Obey The Law – be content with having pushed them up.

            A 5-3 fit or 3NT? if it’s a close decision think about who is declarer and the opening lead.

            1 or slam! – don’t pass partner’s opening with 6 points.

            Responding to Partner’s 1/ Opening (1NT does not promise a balanced hand).

            A word about the weak NT – with Acol you can respond at the 2-level with 8 points.

            Overcall or double? – A simple overcall is often best in preference to a double.

            Worth a raise? – partner overcalls 2 and you have: J10964 J98 Q10943 -.      

            A 2 opener or what? – balanced 25 point hand, then Benji works.

            The 3NT opener (either directly or via 2) with 25+ points sucks.

            A 2NT opener or what? A7 K8 KQ2 AKQ984    is too good for 2NT.

            Good enough for slam?  the jump suit response shows a good long suit.

            Good enough for slam?  – 16 opposite a minimum hand is not enough.

72                About Bulls and China Shops   (1 - 2 - 2 - 6NT).   

            Raise 1NT to 2NT? – deduct a point for totally flat (4333 type) shape.

            Raise 1NT to 2NT? – not with 7 points, especially if the opponents compete.

            Benjamin Twos – a couple of pages.

            The Problem with Playing Tricks.

            A Jump to 3 after a Benjamin 2? – some play it as 9 playing tricks.

            A Straightforward Benjamin Two  AKQ986 K32 3 AK7 is not worth 2.          

            A poor pre-empt:  - A75432 J10965 A3 opened 4!

            Worst bid of the year? Bid 5 over 4 with: AJ7 10 AK42 QJ1075 !

            A 6-2 major suit fit is fine.

            Support partner or 1NT? – 1NT with 4 card support for partner’s major is silly.

            When the 4-4 fit is not best – when it’s weak and there’s an 8-2 fit!

            What is a 3 level opening in 4th seat?

            When Partner Pauses and Passes – the most popular director call!

73        The two-level response – the strength of your opening NT has repercussions elsewhere.

            A 4 Opening? – I prefer Namyats.

            A 4 Opening? – If you think that the 5 level is a good bet then open five.

            Quacks – 4 queens and two jacks are not worth 10 points.

            Go to Jail, do not pass Go – deduct a point for totally flat 4333 type hands.

            Another deal which is just another example of how badly flat 4333 type hands play.

            After partner’s 1NT opening has been overcalled double is 100% for penalties.

74        Responding to 1/ with 5 ’s and 4 ’s – Checkback or NMF.

            A 1NT opener? – two doubletons, fine if they are Qx or better.

            When an opponent bids your suit…it’s usually best to pass.

            Too strong for a 1 opener? - a 3514  21 count.

            A 3NT rebid? – do not lie about your points with either your NT opening or NT rebid.

            A 3NT rebid? – the jump to 2NT shows 18-19 points so don’t bid 3NT.

            4 Card Majors – Dutch Acol is not Acol.

            Respond with 6 points! Don’t pass partner’s 1-level suit opening when you have 6 points.

            ‘I would object’! – If you play complex/non-standard conventions then you must alert.

75                A nice sequence – a free bid promises values (about 6-9, could be less with good shape).

            When they interfere with our big bid – pass unless you have something definite to say.

            Bid game or double? – AK of the opponent’s suit are good cards, declaring or defending.        

            Beware of favourable vulnerability? Don’t sacrifice against contracts that are not making.

            Perfect partners? Be sensible and upgrade for long major suits, singletons, aces etc. etc.   

            The sequence 1x – 1NT – 2NT shows 17-18 points. This is true whatever system you play

            A poor Pre-empt – do not pre-empt with a 4 card major.

            An Easy Game Missed – don’t make an invitational bid with a game-going hand.

76        Does the 2nd  bid in these sequences show extra values (i.e. is it a reverse)?

            Using 4th suit forcing – raising partner or rebidding one’s own suit after 4th suit is forcing.

            Bid that 4 card major – do not go past 3NT without due thought.

            Don’t rebid a 2 card suit – Jeff psyching again.

            Sense and (Non)sensibility – do not overcall with 4 card suits.

            Do not generally overcall with 4 card suits, remember the 1NT overcall (15-18 points).

            Don’t bid your hand twice – bidding your hand twice makes it easy for the opponents.

            Return to Disneyland (what Chuck thinks I should do).

            Bidding the Fourth Suit (after LHO opponent’s overcall) – is it a reverse?

            For those inexperienced ears – is it a reverse?

            That 3NT rebid yet again – it a good long minor.

77        Humble pie – is 3 in the sequence 1 - 1 - 3 - forcing?

            Don’t hit me with those negative waves - (Finding and) losing a 4-4 fit.

            4-4 is better than 5-3 – because you get discards on the 5-card suit.

            How much is an honour worth? – a few Marty Bergen tips on hand evaluation.

            Overcall with a big hand? – A 4/ overcall is a weak bid.

            How many points for a negative double of 1? - 4 or more ’s and 6 or more points.

            When an opponent bids your suit… it’s usually best to pass.

            Be wary of doubling opponents with length and strength in partner’s suit.

            Pass partner’s take-out double? – QJ96 in trumps is nowhere near good enough.

            Bid again with a distributional hand: 1 - 1NT- pass with AJ65 KQ82 KQ864 -

            The 5-3 fit is usually better than NT.

            Raising partner’s overcall – cue bid the opponents suit to show a limit raise or better.

The Reverse – for those inexperienced ears  – ‘read and weep’

            Cucumber Sandwiches (Good?) old fashioned Acol.

            Body Language – doubling a 1 opening with just 3 ’s?

            A Poor Slam – you need 11 points for a new suit at the two level.

78        No idea about pre-empts – with a strong hand make a strong bid!

      ‘The ideal pre-empt is topless with a good body’ – Marty Bergen.

            The Big Guns Disagree – Hans and Chuck at odds over Jeff’s atrocious bidding.      

            That 3NT rebid yet again – the 3NT rebid is a good hand with a long (semi) solid suit.

            Is 4NT over partner’s 3NT natural or Blackwood?

            A Moysian Fit. A 4-3 fit is fine if you can ruff in the hand with short trumps.

79        Nobody finds the 4-4 fit – everybody in a hopeless game and not even in the 4-4 fit.

            That 3NT rebid – don’t make a non-forcing (2NT or 3¨) rebid with 8 tricks in hand!

            No Sensible bid? – open 1NT and you have no rebid problems.

            No Sensible bid? – open 1NT with Ş96 AKQ8 764 AK75?

            5-3 fit or NT? 3NT if most of  the points are outside the suit.

            Splinters – an easy 6 missed because of no splinter.

            Worth a jump raise? 1 - 1 - 3  – 12 points from opener is not enough.

            Bid a 3 card suit when partner doubles for take-out? – it’s usually not a good idea.

80        Deny a 4 card major? – respond with a 4-card major in preference to 1NT.

            Deny a 4 card major? – Stayman applies over 2NT as well as 1NT openings.

            The Gambling 3NT.

            A strong opener? – open 2 if one trick short of game.

            Don’t open 1NT out-of-range - A74 KQ9 K9 KQJ95 is far too good for 1NT.

            Is 4NT natural or ace-ask? –  Gerber, Blackwood or quantitative 4NT?

            3NT is usually better than 5 of a minor.

            Overcall or double? – don’t double 1 holding – KQ1092 Q10 J6 KQ32

            NT bids are limit bids – 2NT by responder is virtually always 11-12 points.

            Obey the Law – with 9 combined trumps, compete to the 3 level.

            When the 5-3 fit is better than NT – 3 trumps and a singleton.

            When NT is better than the 5-3 fit – 3334 with points outside ‘trumps’.

            You don’t need support with a self-sufficient suit.

            Defenders can finesse! – an honour in dummy.

            Don’t pass partner’s take-out double (without an excellent defensive hand).

81                Hans defends Jeff’s atrocious bidding, psyches etc.

            What’s the rebid?  1 - 1 - 3 is game forcing.

            Blackwood with a weak suit? -don’t use Blackwood with a void or weak suit (no A,K)

            Does it show 4 or 5 cards? – play CBS or NMF.

            Bidding in the balancing seat – no such thing as a weak bid in the pass-out seat.

            Opening twos in 4th seat – they are strong.

            A Comfortable Slam Missed – 1 - 4 is weak.

            Lead top of a (near) sequence. Against NT lead the J from AJ108.

            Transfer with a weak hand and a 5 card major.

            Count your cards before you look at them.

            Over the top – playing Acol I only open a 4 card major with 17+ points.

82                Too high after opening 1NT Quacks are bad cards, 5 quacks are 5 bad cards.

            An Opener? – for 4th seat openers apply the rule of 15 – points + length. 

            An Opener? – deduct a point for 4333 type shape.

            Raising Partner’s Weak Two – RONF, Raise is the Only Non Forcing bid.      

            How high should you go? – Obey The Law, you need 11 trumps for the 5 level.

            Stop ASAP with a mis-fit – and win the competition.

            You need a good 8 or 9 points to invite partner’s 1NT opening.

            Two Pairs Too High – a void in partner’s suit is not an asset.

            Six-Five come alive, so what about Six-Six?

If you pause it’s best to bid – partner cannot bid after your pass unless it’s obvious.

            5-4 (or 4-5) in the Majors opposite 1NT.     

            Nice one, Dave – a certain trump loser disappears.

            With a long minor, think 3NT.

            The best  slam? – 5-4 fits play better than 5-3 fits.        

83        John Gavens defends his rudeness and so bites the dust.

            Be polite to partner – sometimes you have to lead into dummy’s tenace.

A take out double? 1 - pass – 1NT – dbl is take-out of ’s.

A 4 level pre-empt? 108 AKQ8632 - AJ95 is too good for 4.

            5-4 (or 4-5) in the Majors opposite 1NT.     

            Balance in 4th seat? – there is no such thing as a weak bid in the pass-out seat.

            Acol Bidding Quiz – Open a 4 card major when playing Acol?

            A rebid in a lower ranking suit promises 5 of the 1st suit.

            No Jacks – Jacks are the most over-rated cards in the deck.

            Nobody bids game! – A reverse is forcing in Standard American.

84        Obey the Law – when you overcall with a 5 card suit don’t bid again if partner raises.  

            Obey the Law – in competitive situations points are not the point.

            Support Doubles – they help with The Law (showing how many support cards).

            Pass out – apply the rule of 20 in 1st or 2nd seat.

            Raise a 2NT opener? – add on for intermediates.

            Double and bid again shows a big hand.

            2NT is too high – if you have a balanced hand within your NT range, open 1NT.

A reverse promises greater length in the 1st bid suit.

            The play’s the thing  – get losers away as quickly as possible.

            The play’s the thing  – don’t go down in 4 with 11 cold tricks!

All NT responses to partner’s opening are Limit bids.

            4th suit forcing? – use 4th suit forcing if you are doubtful about a stop for NT.

            When you have the balance of points and they bid NT, Double!

            Weak or Forcing? – 3 cannot be both weak and strong, play Lebensohl.

85        A Moysian Fit – great when you have a void and 3 card support for partner.

            After partner redoubles any pass is forcing.

            Don’t open a weak two with 12 points and a rubbish suit.

            A con-trick?

            RONF (Raise Only Non-Forcing).

            A Competitive Deal? Support partner with 4 cards, even if your opening was light.

A Negative Double – and K10973 is worth more than 3 points.

            Play in a 4-3 fit? don’t go out of your way to play in Moysian fits, especially in /

            Nine cards in the majors opposite 1NT – 4504 shape is very powerful.

            An easy slam? – you do not necessarily need an ace yourself to bid Blackwood.

            Dig up a minor – very occasionally you may have to invent a 3 level bid in a minor.

86        Locating a specific king with RKCB.

            Is it forcing? – 1 - 1 - 2NT - 3?

            Is it forcing? – 1 - 1 - 2NT - 3?

            Is it forcing? – 1 - 2(overcall) - 3?

            When 1NT is doubled – the only strong bid by responder is redouble.

            Obey the LAW – with 4 cards opposite an overcall, compete to the 3 level.

            Worth a go at slam? – 30 or 31 points is usually only enough for slam if there is a fit.

87        The play’s the thing – if dummy has a 6 card suit, think about setting it up.

            Way too high – A singleton king in the opponent’s suit may well be worthless.

            Raise partner’s major to 4 with 5 card support.

            What’s best, a 5-2 or 4-3 fit? – a 5-2 fit is usually better than a 4-3 fit.

88        Which is the best slam? 6NT or 6? - 56% may be better than 82% at pairs scoring.

            The play’s the thing – a safety play.

            What’s Your Rebid? – 1 - 1NT - 3 is invitational but non-forcing.

            What’s Your Rebid? – 1 - 1 - 1NT - 3 is invitational but non-forcing.

            A 2 opener is 22+ points or one trick short of game. So  A8 AJ AQJ108753 K?

89        How many pts for slam? - with 2 balanced hands you need a combined 33 for 6NT.

            An unusual Unusual NT (1147).

            The prize has gone! – a classic Michaels Cue bid.

            Asking for a stop (bid the opponent’s suit).

            Who should bid NT? – It is fine to by-pass a 4 card major to overcall 1NT.

            Only double a freely bid game if you have a surprise for the opponents.

            If 3NT is an option, bid it! – Long minor suit(s) usually play well in NT.

            A jump to 3NT means that you want to play there!

            Shortage in partner’s suit is bad - half the players (literally) in the club overbid!

90        Bid Stayman? – K107 9863 QJ54 107

            A sound pre-empt. I opened 3 in 1st seat with QJ10987

            That unusual Unusual NT again – don’t abuse the UNT and Michaels conventions.

            Open 2/ with a 5 card major and a 4 card minor – Dutch style?

91        The Devil’s Advocate (Chuck) – Don’t open 3 in 1st seat with QJ10987

            4NT quantitative – 4NT after partner’s 3NT is always quantitative.

            A reasonable slam – If you’re playing in ’s (gone past 3NT), then bid slam!

            A Moysian Fit - Moysian fits play well when it is the short hand that gets the ruffs.

92        The Devil’s Advocate (Chuck) – 3/ over partner’s 1NT to show 5-5 in the minors.

            Good enough for slam? – with no fit you usually need 33 points for 6NT.

            Suit quality (important for pre-empts) – KJ7653 is very poor, QJ10987 is excellent.

            With a long solid minor, think 3NT – learn inverted minors – 1 - 3 is not forcing.

            Sound Defence – try to help partner.

93                The Devil’s Advocate (Chuck) –  1 - 2 - 3NT  = how many points?

            Ping-pong (His Master’s Voice) – answering the Devil.

            How many ’s? 1 - 2NT - 3 - 3NT - 6?  How many ’s does 6 show?

            Obey the LAW – with a weak hand, get to the level quickly.

            That abused UNT again – the UNT is 5-5 in the minors, 0454 is ridiculous.

            A Weak two opener? – by West and North at the same table!

94        The Devil’s Advocate (Chuck) – transfer with zero points.

            Chuck is finally chucked out.

            Chuck’s final shot – what he really thinks of Terry.

            Who’s an expert? A Chuck quote from an ‘expert’ who had no idea!

            Don’t jump straight into Blackwood – and don’t lie with your responses.

            Explore other options before resorting to the Moysian fit.

            Thinking in defence – cut communication with dummy?

            Bidding after a 2NT opening – Stayman and transfers still apply after a 2NT opening.

            Help Suit game Try after a Jacoby Transfer – 1NT - 2 - 2 - 2NT - 3/?

            Balanced hand bidding – you can jump rebid 2NT even if it ‘denies’ a 4 card major.

95        Separating fact from fiction (the Chuck – Terry conflict).

            Benjamin Twos – a detailed page.

            Is Hans right? Play in 3 with A62 QJ10962 QJ Q3 when partner opens 1!

            Too good for a pre-empt? 3 with A43 QJ106543 K Q8?

            Stayman after 2NT – Stayman and transfers still apply after a 2NT opener.

            A reverse? – a reverse shows a big hand (16+).

            A 3 opener with a 6 card suit? J K10 J1072 QJ9876?

            A 2opener? Don’t pass with K65432 K62 2 A73 – it’s either 1 or 3.

            Add up the points! RHO opens 2NT, with 73 AKQ532 K KQ85 pass!

96        How do you make a non-forcing bid forcing? – go via 4th suit forcing.

            Transfer and bid a new suit – it’s natural and game forcing.

            Pass partner’s 1 opening? – I won’t with 109762 QJ92 J 1052

            A grand slam on a repeating squeeze? – watch partner’s discards.

            Who wants to play in 5? – If 3NT is a sensible option, it is usually better than 5.

            Who wants to play in 5? – a 5-5 fit is nice, but a 4-4 major suit fit scores more.

Who wants to play in 5? – with  Q9854 opposite AJ32 3NT is still better!

Who wants to play in 5? – with  a freak distributional hand I will.

A Negative double – is unlimited in strength and promises 4 cards in the unbid major.

Bid 1NT or raise partner’s minor? – only support partner’s 1/ with 5+ card support.

            Big hand bidding – it’s best to always relay over 2/ playing Benjamin.

            Obey the LAW – once you have said your hand, that’s it.

            Double and bid again – a hand that is too strong for a simple overcall.   

97        Responding up the line? – respond respond 1 or 1 to a 1 opening when 3442?

            Open 1NT and keep the opposition quiet.

            The play’s the thing – keep the dangerous hand out.

The play’s the thing – Try all your options, play on your long suits first.

Who wants to play in a minor (instead of 3NT)?

Multi misunderstandings – East has AK8432 and N-S play in 4!

Multi misunderstandings – 3NT with a singleton in each hand

The power of the weak two opener – great when opponent’s points are split 13-13!

98        Finding the 5-3 fit (after a 1NT rebid): Checkback Stayman or New Minor Forcing.

            Worth a 1NT overcall? – not if both opponents have bid, you’ll give a huge penalty.

            A quickie, 4333 shape – A32 KQ3 Q973 A92 is not worth a strong 1NT.

            Poor slam bidding – 28-30 may be enough for a small slam if you have a fit.

            Poor slam bidding – Raising partner’s 1/ opening directly to 4/ is a weak bid.

            Poor slam bidding – Aces and kings are good cards, quacks are not.

            Cuebid the enemy suit to show a sound raise.

Pre-empt with 6 ’s? – K85 4 J95 AQ9765?

            Don’t bid again after pre-empting unless invited

99          A Quickie – AK4 J108 K7 AQJ73 is much too good for 1NT.

            Stayman or transfer with weak 5-4’s? – 1NT - 2 - 2 - 2/   are weak bids.

            Discards and signals etc in defence: leads, HELD, Lavinthal.     

            Good enough for an invitation? 82 Q1052 Q8654 A9 opposite 1NT?

            Nobody in slam Everybody was in 4 and everybody made 13 tricks.

Pairs tactics – Be wary of competing with a flat hand when vulnerable.

            4th Suit Forcing is forcing, whether by a passed hand or not.

100      3 by whom?   – West and South are both in 3!

            5-3 is better than 6-2? – a 5-3 fit is better than a 6-2 fit if the 6 card suit is solid.

            Responding to 1NT with a shortage play 3/// as splinters? most people don’t.

            Responding to 1NT with a shortage bid Stayman and then splinter over 2/.

About our club and how I bend the rules? - Not everybody in this club is an expert.

Strong Hand Bidding 1 - 1 - 3 is not forcing, 1 - 1- 4 is strong.

Strong Hand Bidding 2 - 2 - 2 is game forcing.

Strong Hand Bidding 1 1 pass pass 1NT is strong (18-19).

Strong Hand Bidding 1 - 1NT - 2NT is a good 16+

            Strong Hand Bidding – 1 - 2 - 2 - 3, responder may have ‘dug up’ the ’s.

            A plug for 2/1 – Strong hand bidding is easy as it’s game forcing after 1 - 2

            Strong Hand Bidding – do not bid Blackwood with a wide open suit.

            Pass a take-out double? KQ8752 should be good enough.

            A weak sequence – 1 - 1 - 1NT is 12-14, A10 KJ4 109653 AQ10 is too good.

            Raising the pre-empt Raise partner’s pre-empt with 3 (or more) card support.           

            1 passed out? - do not bid in 4th seat over with a mediocre balanced hand.

101      Way too high? – The sequence 1x – 1NT – 2NT  shows 17-18 points.

            Way too high? – 2NT in response to an overcall is much more than 11-12.

Third hand plays high – with no high card in dummy 3rd player plays high.

Who should bid? – You need a decent 15+ points to double a 1NT opening.

            28 points enough for slam? – you can play splinters after Stayman has found a fit.

            If partner doesn’t like 1NT, he won’t like 2NT 1 - 1NT - 2 - 2NT is silly.

Opener’s 2NT rebid – it’s 12-14 and a jump is 18-19.

102      Unauthorised Information – hesitation by partner or partner’s explanation of questions

            Rebidding a suit is not forcing – you can often go via the 4th suit.

            Does opener always need to rebid? – not if RHO interferes.

            Points for Stayman? – you need invitational values unless it’s ‘Garbage Stayman’.

            Bid 1NT or support partner’s minor? – always opening 1 when 3-3 in the minors.

            Bid 1NT or support partner’s minor? – 2245, 1345 or 3145 is problematic over 1.

            Worth a 2NT invitation? deduct a point for 4333 type shape.

            Stayman or Transfer? – with 5-4 or 4-5 in the majors, bid Stayman.

            Counting Points – 36 points is enough for 7NT if there’s no ace missing.

            A big hand – but how big? AJ9632 AQ53 K AK is not good enough for 2.

103      Slam played in 1 twice! KQ743 AKQJ AJ102 -   is worth a 2 opener.

            Increasing the odds – by inducing an inexperienced player into making a mistake.

            Responding to partner’s take-out double – 3 deals where it went wrong.

            Overcalling 1NT with one (or both) majors is acceptable.

            Don’t deny a 4 card major – bid a major in preference to 1NT when partner doubles.

            A weak jump shift? – if you play this KQxxxxx is far too good.

            Pre-empt only once pre-empt to the limit 1st go.

            4-4 or 5-4? (a good 4-4 fit may well be better).

            The Jump shift explained – Strong or weak, you choose.

104      A World Champion’s opinion of my 3 opening with QJ10987…

            … and what they think of Chuck’s 4 raise.

            Don’t bid your hand twiceonce you have pre-empted then do not bid again.

            Who should make the effort?be aware of balancing.

105      You can overcall at the two level with 11-17 points.

            You must do something (double) when holding four aces.

Bidding the opponent’s suit – when partner opens 1NT it’s Stayman.

            Pre-empt to the limit (and then keep quiet).

            Worth a raising partner’s 1 opening to 3?  843 KJ QJ986 K32 is not.

            Worth an invitation? – invite with  Q2 J652 J10963 A4  opposite 1NT?

106      Overcall or Double, which is the stronger bid? – Time for a Terry lecture.

            Overcall  or double? – if you have a 5 card major, then overcall.

            Overcall  or double? – with a fairly balanced 15-18 points, overcall 1NT.

            Bidding worth waking me up for? – know how to stop in 4NT after Blackwood.

            Stay low with a mis-fit – if partner does not like 1NT, then he won’t like 2NT.

            Stay low with a mis-fit – bail out ASAP with mis-fits.

            Sticking your neck out if you open and LHO bids 1NT then he has the power.

            Don’t pre-empt your own side! – 9 Q7 AQJ108753 K5 opposite a 1 opener.

            The help-suit game try – after 1/ - 2/, any non jump is a game try.

            What do you open? Pass or 1 or 2? I open 1 with K82 KQ10654 J1065 -

            Namyats (4 and 4 openings).

107      The re-double - a re-double does not show strength in partner’s suit.    

            Worth a Jump Shift rebid? 1 - 1 - 2 is game forcing and typically about 18+

            A 2-level major suit response is 5+ cards 1 2(overcall) 2    promises 5 ’s.

            A new suit at the 3 level is a good hand 1 2(overcall) 3    is a big hand.

            Preference with a singleton! – preference does not promise support.

            Alerting Stayman? – maybe it’s different in France?

108            Understanding Blackwood and Gerber – a few notes on quantitative, cue bid etc.

            When you have used 4§ as the ace ask, 4NT is to play.

            Partscore or slam? – downgrade a hand with just 3 card trump support.

            If 3NT is a sensible option – then bid it.

109      Understanding Gerber even more.

            Lonely queens – is Q63 AKQ7 Q52 Q98 worth a 1NT opener?

            About Qxx.it’s bad, touching honours are good.

            Points Smoints KQxxxx is worth far more than 5 points.

            Don’t bid again after pre-empting partner is the captain.

            3NT is too high deduct a point for the totally flat 4333 type shape.

            Bid a Two card suit? it’s our dynamic Belgian psyching again.

            Understanding Gerber responses to Gerber – 0/4 – 1 – 2 – 3

            Count Your Cards (face down) – or get a zero.

110      Michaels abused again – 2 over 1 with KQJ754 3 K5 K952

Responding to partner’s take out double - a jump shows an invitational hand.

That 4333 shape again – When equal length in the minors (33 or 44) open 1.

Lead a Trump – With solid trumps (1098763), lead them.

Bid game with 12 trumps? – if it doesn’t make then it’s a good save.

Cheating? – Alex and Jeff at it again.

A Sign-off – simple preference is not support.

Our 1NT opening is overcalled, stolen bid – Systems on after dbl, 2, even 2?

111      Passing Partner’s take-out double – KQJ75 may not be good enough.

            Truscott 2NT – 1/  dbl  2NT = sound raise to 3/

            Bid their suit to ask for a stop – in many/most auctions, the cue bid asks for a stop.

            A 4 level opener – with an 8 card major and a weakish hand, open at the 4 level.

            Don’t penalty double a freely bid game with no surprise.

            Is a reverse forcing? – Generally yes, but up to you after a 1-level response.

            Don’t psyche a reverse if partner may pass it – Jeff theatrics from news-sheet 110.

            5-5, bid the higher ranking – bid the lower ranking with 4-4.

            Pass 1? – don’t pass partner’s 1§ opening with shortage if you can ‘dig up’ a bid.

            Against the odds? who need maths – sometimes the 50% line fails & 10% line works

            Don’t pre-empt and then bid again – not 4 then 5 with  4 4 AQJ106532 A73

            How to penalise the opponents when playing negative doubles. 

112      Never deny a 4 card major? – an overcall does not deny a 4 card major.

            Don’t pre-empt and then bid again – 4/  are poor pre-empts,  play Namyats.

            Regular psyching? another Thorlief psyche, or did he pull the wrong card?

            Cheating again? – Alex took a strange view opposite Thorlief’s ‘psyche’.

            An Easy game missed – use Jacoby 2NT as a forcing raise of 1/.

            Jacoby 2NT explained.

            2 by whom? – don’t bid Garbage Stayman with 9863 K1094 83 Q96.

            Is a reverse forcing? 1 - 1 - 2 is surely forcing?

113      Look for the 4-4 fit – 1 is natural in  1 - 1 - 1 - 1 unless you agree it’s 4th suit.

            Support Doubles – differentiate between 3 and 4 card support.

            Double is still take-out by a passed hand.

114      How big a hand (what does 1NT show here)? 1 - pass – pass - 1 - 1NT?

How much of a stop for 1NT after partner’s take-out double?

An advanced sacrifice? – don’t bid 5 if 3NT is an option.

1NT difficult to reach?

3NT by South whatever? – get the right hand as declarer

3NT or a 5-3 major suit fit?

Play in a major? When 5-5 in the majors a major suit contract is usually best, but …

N-S made it easy for E-W? open a shapely hand with points in the long suits.

Compressed transfers (what a silly convention).

Transfers to a specific minor.

Count Your Cards – or get an adjusted score.

            Worth a weak jump overcall?

            What does it mean? – a jump to 3/ opposite partner’s 1NT opening.

114            Cheating yet again?

Should I give an adjusted score? – not if you make a silly bid over their silly bid.

            How many points for game? – 5 deals illustrating different aspects of hand evaluation.

            Intervening over a strong 2opener.

            The direct raise to 4/ is weak.

            The Law of Total Tricks.

            Look for the 4-4 major suit fit – 3 deals illustrating a 4/ playing better than 3NT.

116      Club Championship results for 2004

Alex answers back – a load of twaddle.

Is that double of 3 for penalty? – obviously if you slam it down hard!

Don't double with length in the suit opened.

A much more sensible double – an example of a textbook take-out double

Who overbid? A singleton (even a queen) in partner’s 5 card suit is a miserable holding.

3NT is usually better than 5 of a minor

            An amusing remark from Chuck - ‘Gee, Austin, you’re sure hard on your partners’.

            How to stop short of an unmakable game – be wary when LHO overcalls 1NT.

            How to stop short of an unmakable game – deduct a point for 4333 type shape.

Play ‘Systems on’ after a 1NT overcall.

With a good hand, take it slowly in a game-forcing sequence.

117      Chuck and Thorlief are let back in (on probation).

A well bid slam – cue bid and then use RKCB

Bad timing – You cannot pre-empt over a pre-empt

Bad timing – Pre-empt to the limit at the first opportunity.

3NT is usually better than 5 of a minor

            What’s a 2 overcall over a 1 opening? – typical Alex/Jeff theatrics

            A ridiculous 5 bid? – why, it’s Thorlief ‘cheating’.

            A Game Forcing Auction?  2 - 2 - 2♠ ….

            That flat 4333 type shape again – deduct a point

118            A sound overcall? – a great 18 count is too good for a simple overcall.

A Sound Sacrifice? – 1700 away – more Alex/Jeff theatrics.

Totally automatic? – With a balanced hand in the 12-14 point range, rebid 1NT.

How to bid the grand? – Kickback in conjunction with Double RKCB!

An automatic Squeeze – even if you’re not a squeeze expert, play out your winners.

            A few words about The Mult-2

            Defending against the multi

An outright psyche (the tables are turned on Chuck).

            That 4-4 fit again Look for the 4-4 major suit fit.

119      What went wrong? – same as always, deduct a point for the 4333 type shape.

What went wrong? – 1 - 2 - 3 shows a big hand unless otherwise agreed.

What went wrong? – understand balancing.

What went wrong? – once you have opened 2§ there is no need to leap off to game.

What went wrong? – deduct a point for the totally flat 4333 type shape.

The SOS redouble

Only pass partner’s take-out double with excellent trumps.

            A pairs double  – look for the ‘magic’ 200 at pairs scoring.

            What’s it all about …? – More Jeff theatratics.

120            What went wrong? – KQJxxx is worth far more than 6 points.

Look for the 4-4 fit, even in a minor if you envisage slam.

Doubling a 1NT overcall (9+ pts)

            That Multi 2 again

            Don’t be greedy - Don’t double the opponents if they have somewhere to run to.

            A Silly Take-out Double? - 8 points is not usually enough for a take-out double.

            Who should bid on? After 1 - 1 - 2 - … 9 pts is worth another noise.

            That 4333 type shape again

121      An opening 2NT? – With a balanced 18-19 points, open a suit and then jump in NT.

Cover an honour with an honour?

The dog that did not bark in the night.

            Don’t open at the two level (2NT or whatever) with a flat 19 count.

            5-4 in the majors opposite a 1NT opening.

            6NT scores more than 6 - With 12 (or 13) top tricks, NT scores more than a suit.

            The Unusual NT (UNT)

            How about a pass? – no have a ‘gap’ between two openings and a one level opening.

            Chechback Stayman (or New Minor Forcing).

            Is it forcing? – 1 - 1 - 1NT - 2? 2 is not forcing unless it’s NMF.

            Don’t pass partner’s 1 opening if you can possibly muster up a bid.

            A change of partnership – what is Terry*2? - an amusing couple of sets.

            5-5 is worth a noise? – 5-5 in the majors is good.

            Simple Preference.

            Bid your hand 3 times??? – Bid your hand just once, three times really is excessive.

            Responding to partner’s take-out double and raise.

122            The 8 table Mitchell is just 24 boards, so I’ve devised a 27 (or 30) movement.

Play Stayman (and transfers) over 2NT

            So how do you bid slam? – finding a minor suit slam after a 2NT opening.        

Understanding Stayman.

The dog should not bark!

The 1NT rebid after partner does not respond.

A one-level overcall is around 7-16 points.

An easy game missed – 4144 is great when partner bids a major.

Way overboard - Deduct a point for the totally flat 4333 type shape.

Stronger than a normal reverse – a reverse after partner has passed.

A 2NT response after RHO has overcalled promises a stop in the overcalled suit.

Which finesse? – don’t take an unnecessary finesse.

Watch your partner’s discards, and keep a guard in the suit that partner is discarding.

5-5 majors opposite 1NT

Redouble is for Blood.

Play a convention over the opponent’s 1NT, but don’t play DONT.

Converting a take-out double into penalties

Sheep? – Missing (what should be) an excellent slam.

123            That 4333 type shape yet again

Don’t let the opponents bully you into 2NT when you have the values for just 1NT.

            Transfer to a minor?

            Pre-empt in the pass-out seat?

            Bidding in the pass-out seat in 4th position.

            Your hand improves – a double fit with partner improves your hand.

            Your hand improves (for offence) if the opponents bid a suit in which you are short.

            When the opponents have bid two suits, then a double shows the other two.

            Aces are for taking kings

            AQJxxx is worth far more than 7 points, (especially if partner has the king!)

            So what does double mean? – three appalling doubles in a row!

            When your NT sequence is interfered with – don’t play in 3NT with no stop.

124      Lead partner’s presumed suit (if declarer has yours)     

A 2nd double is also take-out

With 9 cards in a suit missing the queen, it’s usually best to play for the drop

Which ace? – cue bidding is the way.

Nice One Dave! – don’t get yourself end-played.

4441 type shape is a problem – Roman 2is a possibility.

Roman 2¨ or Mini Roman 2¨? – use the same range as your 1NT opening!

What to do with a monster when the opponents open?

Everyone sacrificing in a slam!

A 2 opener? – In Standard American a 2 opening should be within 1 trick of game.

125      Unless you have a good reason to do otherwise, return partner’s suit.

Good technique – it is often best to duck a round early if you have a certain loser.

The negative double – promise 4 cards in the unbid major.

Beware of mis-fits – downgrade your hand if partner bids suits that you are short in.

Beware of mis-fits – play mis-fits in a suit, not NT, unless you have loads of points.

Highly Invitational – 3 of a major having bid the suit earlier is invitational.

The Law (of Total Tricks) - in a very simplified form.

Open 1? – A 1 opening is not forcing (but rarely passed).

Coffee Housing? – only think if you have something to think about.

126            So that explains it – they got too high because of a 2NT opener with just 19 pts.

Have a good look before you complain – it wasn’t coffee housing.

            Going bananas – raise partner’s pre-empt just once and at the first go.  

Pass opponent's 1NT with a flat hand

127      If you know that one opponent has a particular card, then don’t play his partner for it!

            It’s not forcing – you can use 4th suit forcing to set up a forcing situation.

            Overbidding? – deduct a point for the totally flat 4333 type shape.

Pass opponent’s 1NT with a flat hand – another example

            When they interfere with Blackwood – DOPI (Double 0 Pass 1)

A little agro – Don’t ask silly questions.

Unsportsmanlike behaviour – at our club ask an opponent if you know he’s revoked.

128      Reaction to the unsportsmanlike behaviour article

            Don’t pre-empt twice – having pre-empted do not bid again unless partner asks.

            A signal is sometimes very important.

            Don’t be bullied into 2NT        

            Count your cards – some ‘experienced’ players are incapable of obeying this rule.

            Natural or transfer? If partner doubles after you open 1NT it’s penalty.       

            5-5 in the majors opposite partner’s 1NT – repeated yet again.

            Two amusing contracts (3-2 fits!) – don’t bid Stayman if you can’t cope with 2.

            3NT of course, but how do you bid it? – a decent minor suit

            Don’t remove 3NT to 5/!!

            5-3 fit or 3NT  ? sometimes correct to play in NT (get the correct hand as declarer).

            Not enough for slam - 15 points opposite partner’s 1NT is not enough to bid slam.

            Quantitative, Normal Blackwood, RKCB, Gerber, Splinter or what?

            With a 5-4 fit you don’t need the usual 25 points to make game in a major.

            Nice one Monte! – put the pressure on opponents.

129      Who's running the club? – seems someone else wants to take over?

            What should be in the news-sheets? – seems some people disagree with me.

130            Don’t pass partner’s 1 opening with a singleton

Bid the higher ranking of two 5 card suits in most situations.

            Why no slam? – deduct a point for the totally flat 4333 type shape.

            Standard Responses to Gerber and Blackwood.

            Discarding – Suit preference.    Lavinthal (aka McKenney)

            What’s going on? – When RHO bids your suit, pass is usually the best bid.

            Obey the Law  – and if the opponents are too high, you can double them!

131      Nice ‘n Easy – don’t overbid when partner responds in your 4 card major.

Raise partner if RHO doubles – it can be weaker than usual.

The Michaels cuebid and the UNT.

            A Penalty double! – don’t double if you don’t know what it means

            A 10 is sometimes worth a lot !

132      The ‘committee’ does not work and is disbanded.

Raise partner's pre-empt to the limit - at once.

A 1NT response to a 1/ opening followed by a new suit at the two level is weak

            Transfers really make life easy … also over 2NT.

            When they overcall our 1NT opening… play Lebensohl.

            Don’t miss that 4-4 fit - Stayman followed by 3NT promises a 4 card major.

            The jump rebid to 2NT shows 18-19 points and does not deny a 4 card major.

            No rebid? – When you have a monster, don’t make a weak (passable) bid.

133            If you don’t want to lead your suit, then lead partner’s.

A 1NT response to a 1/ opening followed by a new suit is weak

            The 2NT response = 11-12 (at least that’s what most play)

Raise 1NT to 3NT with ‘just’ 7 points?

5-3 fit or NT? – with 3 card support and a doubleton, support partner’s major.

Penalty pass when playing negative doubles

            A Jump rebid shows a good long suit.

134      Raising partner’s 1NT response to 2NT (a good 16-17).

            A Reverse shows a strong hand

            Raise partner’s 2/ to 4/ with a singleton?

            Ogust – asking how good partner’s weak two opening is.

            Does partner have 3 or 4 card support? (Support Double)

            The negative double

135            Our bridge club is licensed, affiliated to the CBLT and is legal

The bid of the opponent’s suit generally asks for a stop (sometimes a ˝ stop).

What’s your discard? - plan out your play and preserve entries.

Enough is Enough. Abusive/rude players will find they have no partner!

Return partner's suit – not always, but usually best.

            Raise Partner’s Pre-empt – first go and to the limit.                   

136      A one-level penalty double? – look for the ‘golden 200’ at pairs scoring.

            Don't use Blackwood to gauge strength

            How many times should one bid one’s hand?    

            Intermediates count – combinations like 109 or 987  in long suits are good.

            Intermediates count - Jacks are poor cards but decent when backed up by 10’s and 9’s.

            If you double and bid again then that shows a good hand wherever you are sitting.

            If you play Stayman and transfers over 2NT then it’s the same after 2 - 2 - 2NT

            Overcall or double with a 4 card major and a 5 card major?

            The rule of 7 – how many times to hold up.

137      Don't double (take-out) with a flat hand

Responding to a take-out double

Bid a new suit or rebid a 6-carder?

            Is opener’s rebid of his major always a 6 card suit?

How many ’s? – bidding after a 2NT(18-19) jump rebid

A word about Qx.

A 2-level overcall is close to an opening hand.

138      The Price of Bridge is going up  - membership fees etc.

You don’t need to rebid if RHO bids.

Upgrade a hand with AKQxxx

Game try or just competing?

You need 11 points to respond at the two level (playing a strong NT)

Stayman after intervention.       

Opening in 4th seat – the rule of 15.

Bidding in the pass-out seat (balancing) and 4th seat openers.

3NT or the Moysian fit?

Raising responder’s major with just 3 card support

139      You overcalled, so I assumed you had an opening hand – correct?

Multi 2 - one pretty good variation.

Namyats (4 or 4 to show sound 4/ openers)

That Moysian fit again.

A possible Moysian fit again?

Simple preference.

Simply giving preference shows a minimal hand and does not promise a fit.

A Pre-emptive jump raise? – jump to 4/ over partner’s 1/ opener.

140      4th suit by opener natural or 4th suit forcing?

            A take-out double is playable in the other 3 suits.

            Don’t bid again having pre-empted.

            Sportsmanlike behaviour.

            That Moysian fit yet again.

            Redouble is for blood.

            If 3NT is an option – then bid it!                                              

141      That 4333 type shape again

            Open a 4 card major?

            Vulnerability and ‘The Law’.

6-5 is excellent shape and has great trick making potential.

No natural 4 opener (because of Namyats)

142      The direct raise 4/ is pre-emptive.

            If 4 is a poor contract, what about 6?

Game tries in competition – a bid of your agreed suit is simply competing.

            Still look for the fit after a 2NT jump (CBS or NMF).

            How was slam bid? – a splinter agrees partner’s last suit (usually a major).

            Only one down? – because it was mis-boarded!

143      That infamous Unusual 2NT (UNT) again.

Who should bid 1NT? – deduct a point for the 4333 type shape.

            Another easy 3NT missed – with stops, overcall in NT rather that a minor.

            How to get a penalty when playing negative doubles – go for the vulnerable penalty.

144            That infamous Unusual 2NT (or Michaels) yet again – they are pre-empts, not 13 pts.

Look for the 4-4 major fit after partner’s 2NT jump

3NT is usually better than 5/

4th suit forcing – asks partner to define his hand further, with showing a stop 1st.

Pass and/or double need to be alerted?? - sometimes, if they are conventional.

Balancing 1 – ‘borrow a king from partner’.

Balancing 2 – so deduct 3 points from you hand when partner balances.

145      Is 4NT Blackwood? – not over partner’s 2NT bid.

A lucky hand for the system – a 6-card 3 pre-empt because they play strong twos.

Don't double with 2-suiters – double and bid again shows a good hand.

How to bid slam? – Open a 10 playing trick hand with 2, not 2NT.

When partner's 2 opening is overcalled.

Incorrectly criticise me?... then expect to get it back

When you open (or overcall) 1NT you have said it all.

The Final Straw – don’t call me stupid.

146      Namyats (4 or 4) means you say your hand.

Off to slam again – 4NT in quantitative over partner’s 2NT rebid.

The 2NT rebid if RHO chips in with a 2-level overcall over partner’s 1-level response

There’s no such animal as a pre-empt in 4th seat

            What does the 2 bid mean? : -1NT - 2 - 2 - 2

The 4-4 fit is best – locating the 4-4 // fit is what all bidding systems are all about.

Playing neg doubles if opener bids rather than the ‘automatic’ double it’s shapely.

Crowhurst, NMF or CBS?

An Adjusted Score? – if partner doubles Stayman – then lead §’s!!

A Jump after a two level response is forcing – play 2/1 and you don’t have to jump!

Don’t deny a 4-card major

147      Play 4th suit forcing as a game force – it’s easiest.

1NT or a negative double?

Garbage Stayman. – weak 4441 type hands with short ’s or 54xx or 45xx hands.

Bid first time or later? – support partner’s pre-empt 1st time or not at all.

Double with a flat hand? – when you can double 3/ with just 3 in the other major.

A jump response to a take-out double is around 8-10 points.

148      Who bid too high? – deduct a point for the 4333 type shape

Lucrative Low level doubles – take the money.

            Lucrative Low level doubles – remember the ‘magic 200 (and 500)’ at pairs scoring.

If your hand is too strong to simply overcall, then double first.

Don’t be bullied into 2NT if you can double the opponents

A defence against Michaels/UNT.

What to do with a long minor and a 4 card major opposite a 1NT opener.

            Sometimes you can still compete without over-bidding (play negative doubles).

149            Don't abuse the reverse.

Be wary if LHO bids NT.

Points in the suit – deduct a point for any 4333 type shape.

Knock off a point? – same again.

Bidding After Partner’s 1NT rebid. (NMF/CBS)

Which is best – Checkback Stayman or New Minor Forcing?

150      Take-out or penalty double?

            No need to jump in a game-forcing sequence.

Open 1NT and you’ve said it all!

A help-suit game try.

The power of aces – Aces are good cards.

False preference - false preference to a major suit usually only shows 2 card support.

A void – your hand improves every time the oppents bid your void.

Roman 2 - what range?

Always Transfer - always transfer with a 5 card major, regardless of strength.

Balanced hand Bidding – a summary using Strandard American.

            Rules - Don’t open 1NT way out of range, count your cards.

151            Don’t pre-empt then bid again! – pre-empt to the limit first go.

Don’t double with flat hands  – unless very strong.

Don’t double with flat hands  – a double should be playable in the other 3 suits.

            Don’t double with the wrong shape  – double and then bid NT is a strong (19+) hand.

            Bidding the opponent’s suit – it can mean different things in different situations.

            A 50% chance is 100% better than a 0% chance – keep your guard     

            The Negative Double – shows 4 cards in the unbid major and an unlimited point count.

152      The Police Raid – no problem, we’re totally legal and do not gamble.

            3NT from the right side! If you have the (double) stop in the opponent’s suit, bid NT.

            Don’t Deny a 4-card major – it’s the same old story …

            Don’t double with just one suit! – unless it’s very strong.

            The 2 opener; seems to be getting weaker and weaker?

            Time to move on to Benji?

            Contacting Others – contact details for members are on the web.

153      The police raid – I’ve been assured that there will be no future problem.

            Contacting Others – ask me if you want your contact details known.

            Don’t Bid Blackwood with a weak doubleton.

            Baby Blackwood – a rather uncommon convention but perhaps useful.

            A cold slam played in a partscore (4 times)! – 1 - 1NT - 3 is game forcing.

            A dubious double? If the opps have taken you out of a good spot, then double them.          

            The UNT – the UNT promises 5-5 in the two lowest unbid suits.

            The UNT – a UNT over a 1 opening promises ’s and ’s, even if 1 may be short.

            A balanced 26+ hand? 3NT sucks – only Benji works. 

154      Bidding in the pass-out seat – a typical scheme.

            Giving Count.

            No such thing as a pre-empt over a pre-empt – a jump over a pre-empt is strong.

            Invite with a good 11 or 12 – Intermediates count

            Penalising the opponents when you can’t penalty double.

            3rd hand high – unless there’s a finessable honour in dummy

            How do you reach 6NT – AKQxx is more than 9 points!

            Combining chances – try to set up a suit before resorting to a finesse.

            Who should bid Blackwood? – the captain!

            Raise partner’s pre-empt with 3 card support

            (Usually) don’t rebid a 5-card suit

            Force partner to do the right thing – make him ruff by not leading the master.

Overtake partner if you need the lead – make life easy for partner if you can.

155            About our clubs – I run Mon/Fri and Dave runs Wed.

            A comedy of errors? - bidding after a 1NT opening has been overcalled.

            Who’s the dick-head? – nobody will lead A fro AQX when RHO has opened 1NT!

            A word (or two) about upside-down Attitude

            The Trump promotion – and Look at partner’s signals.

            Don’t Pre-empt then bid again!

            A 2 opener? – with 4441 type shape your rebid will be tricky!

            Responses to the 2 opening (2 waiting, 2 negative).

            Partner may be bust! – raising partner’s minimal response having doubled

            The 2nd double is also take-out.

            3rd hand plays high – three(!) examples from one week where they got it wrong.

            Benjamin is the way (strong 2/ openers).

            Walking the dog.

            The jump to four is weak – You need a monster for 4NT here: 1 - 4 - 4NT.

156            Benji is the way (again).

A 2 opener? – I don’t consider any 13 point hand worth 2 in Standard American.

A real 2 opener? – is A8 AJ AQJ108753 K worth a 2 opener?

There’s no negative double over a 1NT overcall.

A re-opening double is ‘automatic’ when playing negative doubles.

When not to re-open with the double.

Don’t leap off when it’s game forcing anyway.

Bidding after partner balances.

KISS – Keep It Simple, Stupid.

‘Dig up’ a minor.

A ‘limit raise or better’ over partner’s 1/ overcall – three examples from this week.

157      So what do those bids mean? – splinter and cue bid? – Dunno.

1NT or support with 3 cards? partner opens 1 , you have  54 A85 AK5 QJ753

            A poor slam? for small slam you generally need about 33 points with no fit.

            5-5 Come Alive – AJ1076 K8643 - J73 is worth a move opposite a 1 opener.

            Strong vs Weak NT – you get the 15/16 point rebid problem less playing a strong NT.

            Don’t put Qx’s on table! – try to be declarer.

            The 2/ and the 2/ overcall of 1NT using Cappelletti/Multi Landy.

            Don’t bid 4/ if 3NT is a viable contract!

As an aside – when opponent bids Michaels over 1/, is a or bid asking or telling?

Michaels Again! – Michaels is (nearly always) a pre-empt.

A Word about Michaels and UNT – a few pointers on suit length.

Pick a major – bidding the opponent’s suit is not natural, even if they play a short .

Pick a major – 5-5 in the majors opposite 1NT.

Mobile phones – turn them off please!

Our Friendly Club – everybody was asleep?

A negative double after partner pre-empts? – I don’t think so.

A weak two opener? –  J109874 86 AQ7 K2

Responding to partner’s negative double – 1  2  dbl  pass 2NT  is a good hand. Contacting Others – there’s a secure page on the web.

158            With a balanced 15-17, open 1NT!   J862 A85 K4 AK32 is a 1NT opener.

When the opponent’s bid and support a suit then dbl is usually for take-out.

Got no stop? – sometimes you simply have to gamble.

Redouble is for blood! – look for the penalty when partner redoubles.

Responding with (sub)minimal values – 1 - 1NT - 3 is still game forcing.

Don’t make a weak bid with game-forcing values.

‘Denying’ a 4 card major – 1 - 2 - 3NT - 4. –  what is 4, is it forcing?

Open 1NT and you’ve said it all – after 1NT - 2 - 2 - 2, pass is mandatory.

Being sandwiched – bidding NT between two bidding opponents.

The Sandwich NT –  Don’t play 1NT in the sandwich position as a balanced 15-18.

159            Pre-empt in 5th seat? – Pre-empt to the limit first go and do not bid again later.

No super-accept available? You should not super-accept playing a weak NT.

A cold slam – A 26 point slam, reached only if you play splinters.

Obey the Law – raise partner’s 1 overcall to 3 with  873 A874 8653 92

The Gambling 3NT – open 3NT with:  J 7 973 AKQJ10532

            With a balanced hand, open 1NT:  J10 KJ92 AKQ10 J42

160            Rudeness – it’s unacceptable at this club.

      Unblock – throw your winner(s) away if you know that you will be end-played.

Aces are for taking kings – do not waste an ace on thin air if it can take a king next go.

Opposite partner’s balancing double, 1NT is about 10-12.  AQ6 K52 Q875 965

Blame me for your blunder – John Gavens demonstrates what a pratt he is.

Shape is more important than pts – don’t defend 4 holding AK10952 - KJ8732 4

Being devious – lie about your shape to get a good lead.

Pass for penalties? A two-way double.

That 4333 type shape again – pass partner’s 1NT holding 986 J86 J62 KQJ4

161      The ASEAN Teams Sham – Henrik demonstrates what an arrogant selfish person he is.

The jump rebid is not forcing – 1 - 1 - 2 - 3 - pass

Which card do you play? – up with the ace or finesse dummy’s jack?

A Jump Rebid? – open 1NT or jump rebid with Q5 A92 KJ763 K10 ?

Unauthorised Information – overcall 1NT and then bid 2NT is silly

A Psyche? – answering 3 to partner’s Jacoby 2NT with AQ AJ1084 7 AKQ97

Know your splinters, cue bids etc.

162      The jump shift, 1 - 2 , is strong unless agreed to the contrary.

Who should make the effort? Is J98432 AQ9 75 76 worth an effort opposite 1NT?

Who should make the effort? 1NT - 2, is KQ105 J64 K92 AQ10 a super-accept?

A strong two (or Benji 2)opener? 86 AKQ1073 A K1062, I think so.

The Competitive double. LHO opens, partner overcalls, RHO raises; dbl is take-out.

Which slam? AKQ84 A732 - 9743 opposite 75 KQ84 AJ AQJ86 bid 6.

How do you find a minor suit slam after Stayman? – SARS. 

163      Suitable for Jacoby 2NT? – part 1 – KQ965 J KQ K9853 opposite a 1 opener?

Suitable for Jacoby 2NT? – part 2 – J10943 A4 AQJ96 J  opposite a 1 opener?

Play strong jump shifts - opposite a 1 opener, bid 3 with A9 QJ10972 K765 K

Strong or weak?  play Lebensohl when partner’s 1NT is interfered with.

A 2 opener (or 2 playing Benji)? – AKQ43 7 KJ54 AKQ – I think so.

Respond 2NT (not 2) to 1 opening with K6 AK8 1083 J9643

A poor 2NT opener? – What do you open with AKQ J76 AK95 K54 ?

Ignoring the 4-4 major suit fit? –  4(!) articles where this was or was not a good idea!

4th suit forcing – A hand which prompted me to write up the 4th suit forcing convention.

The SOS redouble – 1 dbl pass pass redbl(SOS).

164      4-4 better than 5-4? – certainly when the 4-4 is a major and 5-4 a minor.

            When a double of NT is take-out – 1 pass 1NT dbl is take-out of ’s.

How high is double for take-out? – a dbl of 4 is TO, a dbl of 4 is penalty (4NT is TO)

Bid again after responding 1NT? – if you respond 1NT and later bid a suit, it’s weak.

Worth a Reverse? - 1 - 2 - 2 with A653 AK976 6 A32 ?

Play in the 5-3 fit with a (very!) weak outside suit – use CBS or NMF to find a fit.

Rebid 1NT or support ? 1 - 1 - then 1NT or 2 with A98 53 KQ64 A642 ?

Who should make the effort? 1NT - 2, is AJ83 J3 KQ6 A983 a super-accept?

Double and bid again? – only with a big hand.

Fiddling about? – make up your mind before pulling out a bidding card.

165      The 2005 championship results.

            The Club Library.

Raise partner’s pre-empt to the limit immediately.

A splinter agreeing a minor   2 - 2 - 3 - 4.

A big UNT/Michaels hand   AQ1073 J7 AQJ953 K.

Play in the 6-3 major suit fit, it’s best to play 1 - 1 - 2NT - 3 as forcing.

Bid what you can make? How many points for 3NT here: - 1 - 2 - 3NT? 18-19?

With 5-4, don’t play in NT – with AJ1076 J3 AJ94 A8 It’s 1 - 1NT - 2.

Too strong for 2NT – with  A732 A AKQJ104 K10 open 2 (or Benji 2).

A word about 2 negative. 2 negative (and 2 waiting) do not apply playing Benjamin

Cue bid or Blackwood – do not bid Blackwood with a void.

Roman Key Card Blackwood void responses – showing a void over partner’s RKCB bid

A new suit over partner’s pre-empt is forcing –  2 - 2, forcing. RONF.

166      Don’t draw trumps if you need ruffs.

The Dummy Reversal.

Talking Garbage – the sequence 1NT - 2 - 2 - 2/ is not alertable.

Sandwich NT – 1NT can be the UNT if between two bidding opponents.

What’s alertable? Some club rules and what’s alertable at this club.

A nice pre-empt – take suit ‘body’ and vulnerability into account.

An Inverted Minor – with 953 104 A98 QJ1098 raise 1 to 3.

Garbage Stayman – with A982 Q108 76432 7 bid 2 over partner’s 1NT.

A nice negative double sequence – A J85432 987 653: 1 2(overcall) dbl.

Passed out twice – 75 AJ86 Q105 AQ97 (5NT is making).

A forcing pass –if your side open 2 and the opponents intervene, then pass is forcing.

Not a 2 opener? K AJ7653 AK10 AQ7 is not worth 2 followed by a bid.

167      Adjusted scores – if you play a hand with 14 cards you will score zero

A ‘Short’ – or a psyche? Don’t open 1 with K1062 AJ5 AJ984 10

‘Afraid’ of the ‘short’ ? In response to 4th suit show a stopper with NT rather than length.

Can I rebid a 5 card major? – sometimes.

1 - 1 - 3, 3 is a splinter agreeing ’s, is it game forcing or not?

Total Garbage – don’t bid Staymam with Q9 AJ32 10652 962

2 - 2 - 3, 3 is a solid suit. It sets trumps and asks partner to cue bid.

Partner opens 1 and RHO overcalls 1. You have AQJ84 1054 852 32 – pass!

168      With a stop in the opponent’s suit, bid NT!

Balancing. 1 pass pass to you with – Q64 J964 AQ10 1076

169      Obey the Law – raise partner’s 2 opening to 4 with J64 10873 A432 Q4

            Who should bid 4? 1 - 1NT - 3 - ? with A5 9732 J54 A543

Pass partner’s 1 with a singleton? – 5 97532 1093 A762

The problems with the sequence 1 - 1NT - 2NT (and how to avoid them).

RONF – A raise to the three level of partner’s weak 2/ is weak.

Overcall a 1 opening with 1NT holding KQ54 QJ5 AQJ73 3 – I like it.

‘Afraid’ of partner’s ‘short’ ? K6 98 AQ843 10984 –  p,  p,  1♣, 2, ?

Rebid a 5 card suit? AKQJ8 is certainly rebidable.

170      Go for the penalty -  playing negative doubles pass and partner will double.

            Don’t bid your hand 3 times – with 95 AJ652 84 AK94 overcall 1 then pass.

Double of 1 shows ’s. Do not double 1 with 42 5 AK652 AKQ95

Hold up – three examples of hold up play (by declarer and defender).

When partner does not re-open with a double – 1 dbl pass pass 3 is a very big hand.

Respond up-the-line or Walsh? 1 - 1 - 2NT may be a problem if you don’t play Walsh.

Which slam – with 30 points and a 5-4 fit, think about 6 (not 6NT).

Which slam – 1 - 1 - 4 is a huge hand. It is not shut-out or fast arrival.

No need to think – if you have a signalling system. HELD or upside down attitude.

171      Open 1NT with a 5 card major? pt 1 –  AK954 K43 AQ6 J3

Which slam? pt 1 – with just 30 pts a 5-4 fit is better than 6NT.

Which slam? pt 2 – 1 - 1 - 4 shows a huge hand.

With a long minor – AQJ109763 – think (or get partner to think) 3NT.

The automatic re-opening double - 1 2 pass pass ? with Q109853 42 J10 AKQ.

A 2 opener? With AQ10965 - - KQ109873 what do you open?

Respond to 2NT? Partner opens 2NT and you have 983 J1075 Q9874 5.

Open 1NT with a 5 card major? pt 2 –  J8 AQJ53 QJ4 A83.

172      What sort of jump shift? –  A7 K104 KJ654Q6 K92 is not worth 2 opposite 1.

Bid 3NT opposite a (1) 1NT overcall with Q98 7 107 AQJ964.

What’s Standard? – Look it up at www.audreygrant.com.

Spot the sensible bidder – two players biding 3 card suits!

The sequence 1 - 1. Can 1 be 3 card? Is it alertable?

A splinter? Part 1 – 1NT - 2 - 2 - 4?

A splinter? Part 2 – 1 - 1 - 3 with 4 AKQ2 J52 AKQ109.

A Competitive double – 1 2(overcall) 2 dbl with AQ104 5 6 AQJ9763.

A Negative double – 1 2(overcall) dbl with 873 KQJ8 A873 97.

My treatment for negative doubles – promise the unbid major and values to compete.

What is 4? 1NT - 2 - 2 - 4 is Gerber.

173      A safety play – how to play AK873 opposite J7 for four tricks.

Bidding opener’s suit. A 1 opening may be short, but it is unwise to assume that it is.

Stay low on misfits – don’t go slamming with A9853 7 AK9742 7 opposite 1.

Redouble = the balance of power – don’t bid unnecessarily if LHO has redoubled you.

A splinter? – part 1. 1 - 3 is a splinter.

A splinter? – part 2. 1 - 1NT - 3 is a splinter?

A splinter? – part 3. With KQ10982 - J10752 73 simply bid 4 opposite 1.

Gambling 3NT? A9 5 K52 AKQ10942 is too strong in most people’s style.

Worth a reverse? With K4 A7 QJ42 AJ1043 I would open 1NT and not reverse.

4NT quantitative? 1 - 4NT is (RKC)Blackwood unless you have agreed something else.

174      The devil’s Advocate. Chuck says that you don’t need Ogust if you are disciplined.

(Penalty) double with the unexpected, with an ace and J1098 of trumps, double a slam.

Don’t double with flat hands. RHO opens 1 and you have J109 A764 KJ2 AJ2.

A reverse guarantees 4-5 or better shape, even if playing 4-card majors.

A bit pathetic?9 A3 J762 K98632 is worth 3NT opposite 1NT.

Like a bull in a china shop? 1 - 2 - 2 - 6NT, down 1 with 7 making.

A 2 opener? 6 AK87543 AQJ76 - , I prefer 1.

175      The Blackwood bidder is in charge.

Blackwood (or RKCB) when a minor suit is trumps.

John Gavens has excelled himself in rudeness and is thrown out for good.

4 card majors? – with J AQ42 AJ1042 Q64 open 1 playing Acol.

3NT missed. AJ108 Q964 3 10986 is worth an invite (or game) opposite 1NT.

Mention the minor opposite 1NT? AJ4 543 6 KJ10872

Mention the minor opposite 1NT? 10 AQ1063 5 K109862

Is 26 points enough for game? – you need more for 5/

176      Bidding Sequences – A negative double summary.

The direct jump to game (4/) is weak.

Another ‘Negative Double’ penalty missed.

When you do not re-open with a double playing negative doubles.

Just pushin’ ‘em up part 1 – in a competitive auction, 3 of your suit is not a game try.

Just pushin’ ‘em up part 2 – when partner balances, he is bidding your hand.

177      No psyches please.  Psyching against lees experienced players is unsportsmanlike.

12 off the top – AJ8 KJ4 AKJ105 Q9 is worth a 2NT opener.

Don’t deny a 4 card major – with A964 643 AKQ6 Q2 respond 1 to 1.

A splinter – generally one above the (natural) forcing bid.

4th suit forcing part 1 – If you have the 4th suit, then bid NT.

4th suit forcing part 2 – If you weak jump shifts then use 4th suit to force to game.

Would you open? –  KQJ32 43 Q75 K94.

178      No psyches please – you cannot overcall 2 over 1 with 7 K98632 32 Q642

Zero Tolerance – Bad language and behaviour will not be tolerated at this club.

A high reverse? – part 1 – 1 1 1NT 2 3

A high reverse? – part 2 – 1  p  1NT 2 3

A reverse guarantees 5+ in the first suit bid.

Raising the 4th suit – if it’s a major then it’s natural.

A penalty missed again – the sequence 1 dbl redbl pass 1NT is nonsense.

Editorial – check out the guest map on the web site.

6-2 better than 4-4? – No!

Balancing – Partner is bidding your hand, so don’t raise him.

179      Hanging partner – partner is bidding your hand when he balances.

A 4 opener, but what if you play Namyats? –  - Q10876542 109 AK9

Negative double – or you’re fixed! – 1 2 ? with A532 9 9863 QJ65

A 2NT opener?AQ8 AK1032 A102 Q3

A long pause and pass fixes partner.

A 3 opener?KQJ10953 Q98 8 K5.

A 2 opener?Q AQ8743 J65 Q76.

An easy slam missed by most AKJ109832 3 9 AK6 is a moose.

Don’t splinter with a singleton ace – 1 - 1 - 4 is a strong bid.

Pass out or try for game. After 1 - 2   KJ985 K4 J KJ1097 is worth 3.

Partscore or slam? QJ9 - AK9542 AK42 is not a 2 opener.

Too high – open 1NT with K4 Q76 AKJ103 Q54.

180      Open 1NT with a 5 card major/ With a weak doubleton? With both?

A grand slam bid missing to aces. A RKCB cock-up?

Unauthorised information – don’t fid an unusual lead when partner has paused.

More problems – it’s usually best to make a bid if you have paused for a while.

Splinter or reverse? A reverse denies 4 card support for partner’s major.

With a good holding in RHO’s suit – pass.

Open 2NT with a singleton ace? OK, but not with AK KQ964 A KJ976

2320 is too much. Don’t pass after 1 dbl redbl pass pass ?

A perfect ‘negative double’ penalty pass – pass and await partner’s re-opening double

Support with support. A new suit opposite partner’s overcall is not forcing.

181      Values for 3NT, so bid it? Not if you have a more descriptive bid.

A grand slam bid missing to aces. A RKCB cock-up?

A Psyche? p p p 1NT p 2 2 with 73 1076 QJ1098 1052.

Can 5NT be a sensible contract? – protect the AQ of LHO’s suit.

How do you reach 4? 1 1(LHO) 1(partner) is forcing.

Don’t pre-empt with a 4 card major. 2 is bad holding 3 10753 KQ9742 J3

182      RHO opens 1, so overcall 1 or 1NT holding A7 AK10 KQ432 852 ?

What do you lead against 3NT from 952 K109 102 AK1075 ?

What do you responnd to partner’s 1NT holding A109 73 10765 A973 ?

Don’t bid your hand twice – A Cappelletti 2 already shows 5 ’s and 5 of a minor.

Too high – what do you open with AQ4 KJ4 642 AKJ4 ?

Open 1NT or get in a mess – do not reverse with A94 AK52 10985 A4

Too high – 1- 1NT - 2 - 2 is a weak sequence and opener should usually pass.

183      In a mess? 108 10985 KQ8 QJ87 is easily enough to respond to 1NT.

Missing slam. Do not pass after 2 - 2 - 2 holding 985 Q1094 Q10742 5

There’s no such thing as a pre-empt over a pre-empt, any jump is strong.

Deny a 4-card major? Holding J952 Q AKJ103 Q103 respond 2 to 1.

Unlucky? With KQ97 sitting over a 2 opener it’s reasonable to go for the penalty.

How many points is 2NT. In a sequence like 1 - 2 - 2NT, 2NT shows about 18-19.

184      Weak or strong jump shift? – Strong jump shifts make life easy.

Redouble is for blood – and a subsequent double is for penalties.

What does a 2 Stayman bid promise?

A jump in partner’s overcalled suit is best played as weak.

A cuebid of opener’s suit shows a sound 3-level raise of partner’s overcall.

Grumpy at it again. Do not criticise partner and opponents, especially if you are wrong.

Raising opener to 3 of his suit is not forcing – dig up a minor if necessary.

185      It’s not unusual – 2NT is not unusual in the 4th seat (it’s natural and strong)

7 ’s and 9 pts so open 3? I would open 4 with Q AQJ10632 7 8653

A 2NT overcall over a weak two (or Multi 2) is 15-18.

Slow arrival? After 1 - 2 - 3 then 3 is strong and 4 shows a minimal 11 pts.

The ‘automatic’ re-opening double when playing negative doubles.

A negative double by opener? 1 p 1 1 dbl? does dble here show 4 ’s?

The 2NT rebid shows a big hand - 1 p 1 2 2NT is a big hand (not 12-14).

186      Try for game or bid it? After 1 - 2, AQJ97 Q AQ764 94 bid 4 or a try?

Is it forcing? 1 - 2NT. If you don’t play Jacoby or similar, then 2NT is 11-12. nf.

When responder should bid 2NT – AQ Q1062 J53 Q1086 after RHO overcalls 1.

Does a negative double show the 2 unbid suits? I play that it just shows the unbid major

187      A 1-level penalty. A favourable vul, go for the penalty rather than 3NT.

A poor bid that turned out lucky? With Axx over a pre-empt, think 3NT.

Play Benjamin two’s or Multi – a simple slam missed because of a big 3NT bid.

The Kokish relay - 2 - 2 - 2 - 2 - 2NT = a balanced 25+

The Gambling 3NT and responses.

Don’t double with a flat hand – with 542 Q1053 KQ5 AK3 pass if RHO opens 1.

When your hand improved – pt 1, K1084 K75 64 AJ87 when RHO bids ’s.

When your hand improved – pt 2, 9 Q10842 J9842 65 when partner opens 1.

Open 1NT and partner is the captain – do not remove his penalty double.

The play’s the thing – AK9 opposite 10842, play A and then K when all follow.

188      Editorial: Rudeness will not be tolerated at this club, expect to be expelled.

Never deny a 4 card major. With 10962 A106 J9 K1072 respond 1, not 1NT to 1

The Law of total tricks: you can sacrifice above the law, especially at favourable vul.

Walsh finds the 4-4 fit. 1 - 1 - 2NT - pass may miss a 4-4 major fit not playing Walsh.

Applying the Law. With Q98652 - 76 K1054 opposite partner’s 1 overcall.

Worth a jump invite? A6542 32 A4 AK73, 1 - 2 - ? Make a noise or pass?

A dummy reversal. 642 Q75 QJ8 K985 opposite - AKJ106 10965 AJ72

The 4/ rebid is a big hand. 1 - 2 - 4 shows 18+

When your 1NT opening is interfered with – play Lebensohl.

Slow arrival: 2 - 2 - 2 - 2NT - 3 - 4, 4 is interested in slam.

189      Editorial: The short (if mat be 2 cards) needs alerting.

Why bid past game? – Do not call the director just because the opponents have bid badly.

Deduct a point for 4333 shape – open 1NT with KJ63 K72 A106 AK4

Who’s the joker – it’s Chuck psyching a cue bid.

Garbage Stayman - 2 opposite 1NT with J762 KJ102 873 Q9 is simply gambling.

Psyching at our club – it is not allowed, including psychic cue bids or controls.

Never deny a 4 card major – with 8532 A103 A87 QJ6 respond 1 (not 2NT) to 1.

It’s not forcing: 1 - 1 - 1NT - 3 is not forcing in Standard American (it is in Acol).

It’s not forcing: 1 - 1 - 3 is not forcing in either system.

Balancing – after   pass, pass, pass, 1, pass, 1, pass, pass – then bid!

190      Don’t bid Blackwood with a void – splinter or Exclusion RKCB.

2/1 makes slam bidding a cinch – 1 - 2 - 2 - 3 is looking for slam.

A jump raise promises 4 card support – 1 - 3 should show 4 ’s.

Namyats does not leave partner guessing – open 4 with KQJ10973 - Q109 AK8

Double is playable in the unbid suits – both if opponents have bid two suits.

Don’t ask unless you need to know – leave questions to the end of the auction.

An ‘impossible’ response? You hold AQ2 Q94 92 AKQ94 and partner opens 1♣.

Splinter – with 6 Q1062 K96 AK1074   bid 3 when partner opens 1.

Who underbid? 1 - 1 - 1 is not forcing, so jump with 20 points.

Worth a raise to 3? Vulnerable, raise 1 to 2 with 964 Q9854 KQ3 43.

Do not open 1NT with a singleton – even a singleton ace. It is not allowed.

What is 4 after a transfer. It’s ace ask but is a cue bid if partner super-accepts.

191      Take-out double with 5 points? – maybe when balancing!

Negative double to show the other major – or you’ll have problems later.

A 5-3 fit /is not always better than 3NT – especially with 28-30 combined points.

Don’t pull partner’s run out – when being doubled, don’t bid a new suit at the 3 level.

You don’t miss the penalty when playing negative doubles.

192      KJxxxx is not 4 points when partner bids the suit!

A mini splinter – 1 - 3  is a mini splinter if you play them.

A weak jump shift – 1 - 2 is a weak jump shift if you agree to play them.

Passed out – AQ108 Q7653 J53 Q is a clear opener.

The most abused convention out there – Unusual NoTrump/Michaels.

Intermediated count – K432 is 3 points, K1098 is 4+ points, especially in No Trumps.

A comedy of errors – a new (minor) suit at the 4 level is forcing!

193      An ‘impossible’ bid – after 1 dbl redbl 1  then a 1NT bid by you is nonsense. Pass!

The three level is too high - 1 dbl 3 then don’t dbl (Responsive) with a flat 9 points.

Don’t open a vulnerable 4 in 1st seat with J1086543 unless you play Namyats.

It’s not forcing – 1 - 2 - 3 - 3 is not forcing, it shows 11-12 points and 3 ’s.

Slam missing two aces – don’t mix up Normal and Roman Keycard Blackwood.

Go for the penalty? – partner opens 1, RHo bids 1, you have KJ42 6 A87 KJ982

Muiderberg – A weak 2/♠ opening showing 5 of the major bid and a 4+ card minor.

With A10 J8532 K87 752 transfer and pass opposite partner’s 1NT opening.

Don’t pass partner’s take-out double of a pre-empt just because you have no points.

194      A two-level bid after RHO has doubled is weak.

Rudeness and bad behaviour at our club will not be tolerated – 4 players are now warned.

Don’t make gestures or talk during the auction/play.

When RHO doubles – a summary of the options for declarer.

How to find a specific king using Roman Keycard Blackwood.

A Lay-down 7NT? – a set play problem.

Defence to weak twos – parts 1,2,3

Go for the vulnerable penalty – 2 2 dbl is penalties, so pass with a flat 2 opener.

195      Not suitable for 1NT – A10754 A2 AK102 K10 is far too good for 1NT.

Suitable for 1NT? – K5 KJ1052 KJ52 K10 – I opened a strong 1NT.

Restricted choice – a complex subject but there are a couple of simple ‘rules’

8 ever, 9 never – but not when restricted Choice applies.

An interesting mis-fit – a bid in the ‘sandwich seat’ is a very good long suit.

What’s a jump to 2NT after partner has passed? – 1 pass pass 1 2NT?

Super accept! When you open 2NT and partner transfers into your 4 card major.

No Trump promises a stop after 4th suit forcing

An overbid –  with  95 A832 Q2 KJ1085 bid 3 opposite a 1 opening.

An underbid – with J8 Q53 KQJ53 K93, 2NT is not enough after 1 - 1 - 1.

196      The Unassuming Cue bid – 4 examples in one week!

Hanging partner – Don’t jump to 3NT with a flat 13 when partner balances with dbl.

The jump to 3NT when partner reverses – shows about 8-11 points.

Double followed by a raise shows a good hand.

Forced to pass after partner’s hesitation? No! You simply need a clear bid.

197      Behaviour at our club – Chuck is finally chucked out for good.

Negative Doubles part 1 –  1 - 2(overcall) 2 promises 10+ points.

Negative Doubles part 2 –  1 - 2(overcall) pass pass 2 is long ’s and weak.

Some people play that a 2 opening is either the traditional strong hand or a weak 2.

Lead partner’s suit against No trump – especially if he has bid it twice and doubled!

Raising a 1NT response to 2NT shows about 17 points.

Raising a 1NT rebid (12-14) to 2NT shows about 11-12 points even in competition.

That abused Michaels again - Q1086 AK643 63 AJ don’t bid 2 over 1.

198      Double and bid again shows a big hand.

Partner’s redouble shows power and is usually looking for a penalty.

Do not double (take-out) with unsuitable hands.

199      Change of suit over partner’s overcall is non-forcing.

Overcall with a 2-suiter? – only double with a strong hand.

Don’t double to show an opening hand, and a double of 2 usually shows 4 ’s.

Don’t be bullied into bidding 2NT but prefer to defend.

200      “The definitive guide to (strong) No Trump Bidding, Stayman and Transfers” is published

Sacrifice in No Trumps? – it’s possible if you have a long suit.

Hand Evaluation part 1 – Beware of quacks and a poor trump suit.

Hand Evaluation part 2 – K5 7432 A52 J854 is not worth a noise opposite 1NT.

The play’s the thing – 3 examples of basic play technique.

You hold AQ94 AQ83 J832 10 opposite a 1NT opener – splinter!

The sequence 1NT - 2 - dbl is penalties and it’s best to play Lebensohl.

Summary after partner’s 1NT opening is overcalled.

Pass partner’s weak jump shift unless you have good support for his suit.

After 1/// - dbl – redbl all subsequent doubles by opener or responder are penalties.

Do not bid Blackwood with a void – Use Josaphine GSF if only top trumps are missing.

A double of Stayman means ’s.

201      Don’t double with length in the suit opened.

            What do you bid with  62 9 1072 KJ98742 opposite a 1NT opener?

            Over a 2 opener, consider 3NT rather than double if you have a stop.

What do you bid with  1076 AJ1075 K10532 opposite a 1NT opener?

202      The Unassuming Cue Bid keeps you low opposite a weakfish overcall.

            A two-level overcall promises opening values.

            Pre-empt to the limit at once – three separate articles from one week!

What is a 2/ opening in 4th seat?

A note on 1430 – it is only applicable to the response to 4NT and not to the king ask.

Don’t bid your hand twice – a double of 1NT already shows 15-18 points.

A bid when RHO overcalls 1NT is weak (double with a good hand).

Open 1NT with a balanced 15-17 – AJ8 Q876 AQ86 QJ.

Balancing. If partner passes an opening bid from LHO he may have 14 or so points.

203      It’s simply bad manners – continually arrive late and you won’t get a game.

That 4333 type shape again – part 1. K74 A85 AJ76 QJ3 is not worth a strong 1NT.

That 4333 type shape again – part 2. KJ64 QJ10 A85 742 is not worth a 4th seat opener.

Worth a limit raise or game? AJ10 1075 AK852 106 opposite a 1 opening.

Don’t bid again having pre-empted J10 KQ9543 10876 K is a 2 opener, that’s all.

What to do opposite a weak 2? Is 106 AQJ7 AQ97 Q42 worth an effort?

What to do opposite a weak 3? Is A104 2 KQJ32 KJ63 worth 3NT or 4?

Bid both suits when 5-4. AK987 J 8762 A85 – open 1 and rebid 2 over 1NT.

Don’t bid you hand 3 times. A8 AKJ1097 KQ3 A8 2 - 2 - 2 - 2 - 3 - 3 bid 4.

 204     It’s rarely correct to transfer to a minor – with AJ7 K92 3 Q107652 raise 1NT to 3NT

Raising partner directly to game is weak. 1 dbl 5 is a pre-emptive raise.

Play in a Moysian fit? After 1 - 1 - 1 bid 2 with 86 A98 Q532 A1054

3 on a 3-1 fit. If you really want to play Bergen raises, then remember them.

A jump raise is pre-emptive after a double.

A take-out double is short in the suits bid – with length/strength in their suits bid NoTrump

Don’t double at the 3 level without shape - K7 A86 A8542 AJ6 is not good enough.

Look for the 4-4 fit. With J9 K852 J982 642 opposite 2NT bid 3 Stayman.

205      I have finally decided to get a mobile phone - 0867445386.

Raising partner’s 1NT response to 2NT - AQJ64 106 AJ3 QJ5 is not enough.

Confused by “The Law”. Raising 1 to 3 is 11-12 points, not pre-emptive.

You need shape to overcall a string NT. Not QJ932 AJ9 J2 Q73 when vulnerable.

It’s often good to pre-empt 3/ with a good 6-card suit - QJ4 J 1092 AQJ874.

The Championship Races. Provisional positions have been calculated.

You need 12+ points (or shape) to raise partner’s 1/ to game.

A strong Michaels Cue Bid – with  AQJ876 KQJ865 - A3 bid 2 over RHO’s 1.

A double fit is good – try Stayman Super Accepts.

206      Obey the Law. With Q1082 842 A1062 A75 compete to 3 opposite a 1 overcall.

Upgrade hands with good suits. A3 K6 J874 AKQ109 is too good for 1NT.

Support partner. With 3 K94 AQ1095 KJ43 raise partner’s response.

Don’t double ’s holding 5+ ’s – with - AKQJ1075 KQ83 A3 overcall 4 over 3♠.

Be wary when the opponents play negative doubles – you may get clobbered one higher.

The take-out double – do not double 1 holding 9543 Q42 AKQ97 K.

A new suit opposite partner’s pre-empt is forcing.

An unnecessary jump is a splinter. 1 - 2 - 3 is a splinter agreeing ’s.

Don’t lead what declarer leads, even if it was partner’s initial lead.

Open a hand with a 6-card major. QJ10642 - KQ107 982 is a 2 opener.

A raise by opener only guarantees 3 cards. 1 - 1 - 2  may be 3 card support.

Don’t automatically “cover an honour with an honour”.

207      How to play in a 4-1 fit missing KQJxxx.

Keep quiet with an 18 count? 1 pass 2 2 dbl shows a good hand with 4 good ’s.

Finding a 4-4 fit after partner’s 1NT opening as been overcalled wit 2. – Lebensohl.

208      Don’t double when you can overcall. Over 1 bid 2 with  KQ108AKJ1042QJ5

Don’t double when you can overcall. Over 1 bid 2 with  J73Q1071032AKQ65

A simple play problem.

Open 1NT with a balanced 15-17, AJ72 932 KQ6 AQ6

Giving count (2 examples), especially with a long suit in dummy.

Redouble! Pard opens 1, RHO doubles, redouble with A1096 A98 K7543 10

4NT having bid 4 Gerber is to play.

Don’t pass when 5-6 in the majors. 1 p 2NT bid 3 with K10643 986542 4 7

Minor suit slams (1). You hold AJ109K84KQJ2Q2 and partner opens 1NT.

Minor suit slams (2). 2/1 really makes life easy.

Too strong for a pre-empt. Open 1 with A K6 A76 J1087543.

209      If RHO opens and LHO bids 1NT over your 1 overcall, don’t come in later with 3. 

Strange results: eight articles on silly contracts at just one table.

Negative doubles and the ‘automatic’ re-opening double – 3 articles.

210      You can underlead an ace against 3NT. 

Transfer and then bid another suit – QJ1062 A7 Q854 98 opposite 1NT.

Systems on / systems off. When a 1NT opening or overcall is interfered with.

Alert conventional bids. Multi Landy, Cappelletti etc. need alerting.

211      Bid that 7 card major – AQJ10865 53 J7 84 is far too good to pass as dealer.

A great 18 opposite a 1NT response is worth game – A86543 A10 K86 AK

Don’t bid again having pre-empted – J75 KQ9864 AJ4 2 is too strong for 2.

When your hand improves don’t open 2 with QJ7654 63 - QJ1074.

Another slam, 3 more slam deals.

Play Multi Landy. 2 Cappelletti with 5-4 in the majors sucks when pard is 2-2 or 3-3.

4 after a transfer (1NT - 2♦ - 2♥ - 4♣) asks for keycards.

Agree DOPI after Blackwood is interfered with.

212      A good hand for 2/1 – playing constructive raises keeps you low with a poor dummy.

Big balanced hands – A comparison between Benjamin and Multi 2 with 25+.

A basic end-play.

Missing the 4-4 major suit fit. Four (!) examples from one day’s play.

Giving a lesson during the play – and then going down in a cold contract!

Double having overcalled with 1NT is penalties.

Responding to take-out doubles – a non-jump is 0-8

With A108 AKQJ10653 83 - open 4 (or 4 playing Namyats)

With AK7 J1098 J1063 AQ overcall 1NT rather than double over RHO’s 3.

With AKJ Q8 KJ6 AKJ86 open 2 rather than 2NT. That suit is great.

A new suit opposite a pre-empt is forcing. RONF (raise only non-forcing).

213      A double of 1NT is for penalties

Balancing with 1NT. – a scheme for No Trump bids in the balancing seat.

Be wary of raising a minor past 3NT. 1- 1 - 3, 3 may be ‘dug up’.

5-6 in the majors is a great hand. Don’t defend 3NT with KQJ106 QJ7542 - 74

3NT or bid the ’s? When there’s no room bid 3NT with a stop in opponent’s suit.

214      That dreaded 4333 type shape yet again.

An awkward overcall? RHO opens 1 and you have A6542 A1054 A AK7

Protect that Kx – bid the opponent’s suit to ask for a stop.

The problem with Jacoby 2NT – Jacoby 2NT as 12+ and unlimited is unsatisfactory.

A 3-level weak jump overcall has to be a good suit if vulnerable.

Bid 3NT or look for a 4-4 major fit?

The help-suit game try can also be a slam try.

Be wary of a vulnerable pre-empt over a strong NoTrump.

215      Moving yet again? We will be moving as soon as we find a suitable venue.

The Unassuming Cue bid – two examples

1NT in the Sandwich seat – don’t play it as 15-18 balanced.

The Gambling 3NT scores a top - 8 Q108 AKQ10832 J9

3NT missed – 1 - 9 A43 AKQ864 AJ10 is too good for 2NT after 1 - 1

Respond 3 with a 3 card suit? If you don’t play Jacoby 2NT you may have to.

3NT missed – 2 – convert partner’s double of 3 or bid 3NT?

A comfortable slam – AKQ104 A2 KJ754 K is too good for 3NT after 1 - 2

216      The Unassuming Cue yet again

Bid 3NT or double with a 4-card major over their pre-empt?

The hold-up. Sometimes you have to disregard the rule of 7 and hold up twice.

If you show both majors over opponent’s strong NT and bid again it’s a huge hand.

Balancing – a double in the pass out seat may be as few as 8 points.

A good or bad 4 opening? - 102 K652 AQ83 A52 is not enough for slam.

How do you play your negative doubles? – does 1 2 dbl show both majors or just ’s?

217      It’s rarely correct to raise partner’s minor past 3NT

3NT or 4/ with a 5-3 fit – two articles

Overcall 1NT over 1 with two Kx’s – K2 KJ A10843 AK96 or bid 2?

Too good for 4. AJ1098543 K3 A 73 is too good unless you play 4 Namyats.

When your Stay