Tips for less experienced team players

 

Sue Rankin prepared these tips some years ago and we hope that they will be of use to our current team members.  They are listed below under Do and Do Not Headings.

 

A. Do

 

1. Stop bidding as soon as you can when you discover you have a misfit – your opponents will be lurking hoping to double.

 

2. Use competitive doubles if in doubt as to what to bid.

 

3. Always find out the strength of your opponents No Trump range before starting to play.

 

4. Make an opening lead that is not going to give a trick if possible.  A trump lead is often good.

 

5. Make your contract if you can see it – overtricks are a bonus but not worth taking a chance for.

 

B. Do Not

 

1. Miss game – particularly when vulnerable.

 

2. Compete when the opponents have a misfit – you may get yourselves into a worse mess.  Rather defend and watch them squirm.

 

3. If you are going down in your contract – settle for one off – don’t go down more trying to make it.

 

4. Double your opponents when your tricks are in partner’s suit – your opponents will be short.

 

5. Overcall in 2^nd position (unless strong) when vulnerable and against non-vulnerable opponents. Wait for your partner to protect.

 

6. Double your opponents into game.

 

 

Please Note – Listed below are some of the most common reasons for big swings in teams competitions.

 

1. Slams missed.

 

2. Playing in 5 of a minor when 3 No Trumps is a better and makeable contract.

 

3. Similarly 3 No Trumps sometimes makes when 4 Hearts or Spades will not and vice versa.