Greetings from Medellin, Columbia.

This week I had the privilege to help out at Paul Mendelson’s Competitive Bidding Seminar which was attended by more than fifty members.

Following on from that it occurred to me, it might be useful to notice any hands from Thursday games where our players might put their freshly acquired skills into practice.

Thursday 19^th – Certainly the above hand matched Paul’s claim to not let the opponents play at the two level. In a competitive auction high card points cede importance to our shape and chances for tricks. West is the dealer. With eight losers and less than an opening hand, West is correct to pass and think about what to do if the auction is contested. North should pass, and whether East opens 1C (playing strong NT) or 1NT, it’s likely South will be unable to help themselves, and will introduce their spades at the lowest level available. Now West can bid ♥ comfortable that East will not get excited, knowing partner is a passed hand.

I happened to spot the bidding at one table (hovering for slow play), the auction careered out of control when after two passes East opened 1NT and followed it up with 3C when partner passed 2S slowly – Developing Paul Mendelson’s  Competitive Bidding tactics will get you to good spots legally!

Happy competitive bridging!

Nicole