Victoria Bridge Club – 21/07/2014 - ♠ - ♣ - ♥ - ♦ - Grahame Weir. NT – Openers – Responders & Overcalls

Opening NT Bids – Usually 4333 – 4432 – 5332 shapes -  best to bid suits with 5422

1NT –                                                                                12 –14pts balanced

1 of suit – ( partner bids at 1 level ) rebid            (1NT) = 15-16pts  balanced

1 of suit – ( partner bids at 1 level   rebid            (2NT) = 17-18pts  balanced  (Jump Bid) use stop card

1 of suit – ( partner bids at 1 level  rebid             (3NT) = 19pts balanced        (Jump Bid) use stop card

1 of suit – ( partner bids at 2 level ) rebid            (2NT) = 15-17pts  balanced

1 of suit – ( partner bids at 1 level   rebid            (3NT) = 18-19pts  balanced  (Jump Bid) use stop card

2NT                                                                                                  20 -22pts balanced   (Jump Bid) use stop card

2C = 23+pts – if balanced a rebid of 2NT shows                              23-24  rebid of

                                                         3NT shows               25-26pts

No Trump responses to 1 of a suit openers –

Your partner opens 1 of a suit and you have a balanced hand e.g 3334 shape OR a hand which does not have 10pts or 9pts with solid suit

With 0 – 5 pts Pass ( occasionally you will bid with 5pts if you have a good major ) – If you have a 4 card fit with partner you can use Losing trick count

- you can also raise with very weak hands such as 4+ pts

6 – 9 pts = 1NT ( do not hide a 4 card major )  can be unbalanced hand if you have no fit for partner? You can have singleton in partners opened suit.

10 – 12 pts = 2NT  ( do not hide a 4 card major ) (Jump Bid) use stop card

13 – 15 pts = 3NT  ( do not hide a 4 card major   (Jump Bid) use stop card

If you have 16 or more just bid your 4 card suit and wait for partner to bid again so you can judge whether you might have a slam and you can judge the best contract to play in.

Note: If your hand is not balanced e.g. it contains a singleton or void you should try and bid a suit – remember the above responses are only for balanced hands whenever possible

No trump Overcalls to 1 of a suit openers –

Your opposition opens 1 of a suit and you have a balanced hand and a stop in their suit ( a stop is a holding which may win a trick  ( AK – Kxx – QJx )

2^nd  Position – e.g 1 Heart – 1NT                                       15 – 18pts – this is called the direct position

4^th  Position – e.g. 1 Heart – p – p – 1NT                          10 – 14pts ( can be 10 – 16pts) this is with partnership agreement.

With NT overcalls we usually play – system on – this means you can use transfers and stayman etc

Remember with NT bidding in auctions you can bid to the level of your points – 1C – p – 1H – p – 1S – 1NT ( 6 – 9 with diamond stop )

                                                                                                                                             2NT (10 – 12 with diamond stop )

                                                                                                                                             3NT ( 13 – 15 with diamons stop )

Jump No Trump Overcalls

Your opposition opens 1 of a suit and you have a very strong balanced hand and a stop in their suit  ( 19 -21 ) ( a stop is a holding which may win a trick  ( AK – Kxx – QJx )

2^nd  Position – e.g 1 Heart – 2NT – This is usually played as a Michaels cue bid showing 5/5 in the two lowest suits.

If you have 19+ balanced in 2^nd position you should DOUBLE and then bid NT at your next turn.

4^th Position – e.g. 1 Heart – p – p – 2NT – (19 -21 ) balanced

Victoria Bridge Club – 02/06/2014 - ♠ - ♣ - ♥ - ♦ - Grahame Weir. Responding to overcalls

In this Lesson we will try to give you an idea of what to do when partner has made an OVERCALL ( not an opening bid ) there is a big difference. Are your bids forcing or non-forcing (this means are you required to bid again as the over caller?)

An overcall can start at about 8+ points at the 1 level – so responding is different from that of an opening bid. Overcalled suits are usually at least 5 cards and always 5+ at 2 level or above?

All Non Vulnerable

North is Dealer and opens 1♦  - Your partner EAST overcalls  1♠  and south passes. Should you bid? and if you do what does it mean?   This continuation sequences are very common. You need to have some understanding and structure in place or you will often under or over bid

                        North                           As west you could bid many things or pass?  Here are some examples:

                        1♦                   

West ?                                     East 1♠      a) 1NT                  b) 2♣               c) 2♦*              d) 2♥ 

                                                                  e) 2♠                      f) 2NT             g) 3♠

                        South                          

                        Pass

A) 1NT =        8 – 11pts ( not 6 – 9pts ) non forcing & Diamond stop! (not 3 spades )

B)  2♣₌            10+pts  ( good five/six card suit ) not 3 spades ( probably 2 ) forcing

C)  2♦* ₌          This type of bid is called a UCB or unassuming cue bid ( when you bid the openers suit )

                        It does not show DIAMONDS! – It asks your partner to describe their hand further?

                        Your hand could be very strong with your own suit or have good raise in Spades. forcing

D)  2♥ ₌           10+pts  ( good five card suit ) not 3 spades ( probably 2 ) forcing

E)  2♠ =           Weak non forcing – 0 – 7pts  at least 3+♠ the weaker the hand the more shape & ♠’s

                        ( this type of bid is a barrage or sacrificial type )

F) 2NT =         12 – 15pts ( not 10 – 12pts) non forcing & Diamond stop! (not 3 spades )

G) 3♠  =           non forcing – 8 + pts  at least 3+♠’s the weaker the hand the more shape & ♠’s

                        ( this type of bid is also barrage or sacrificial type ) although partner can raise to game with a               maximum hands

Looking at the above information what would you bids with these hands as WEST?

a)   ♠  QJ98     ♥  AKQ65    ♦  43                    ♣K5                 ____2D______

b)   ♠  KJ986               ♥  KQ65          ♦  4                  ♣654               _____3S_____

c)   ♠  J4          ♥  A65             ♦  KQ43           ♣6532             ____1NT______

d)   ♠  J9765   ♥  Q532           ♦  4                  ♣876               _____2S_____

e)   ♠  Q3         ♥  AKQ65       ♦  43                            ♣J65                ______2H____         

f)   ♠  6            ♥  KQJ76         ♦  432                          ♣9654            _____Pass_____

g)  ♠  K10        ♥  AQ6            ♦  A43             ♣J9876            ____2NT______

h)  ♠  98           ♥  A32             ♦  K3               ♣KQJ654        ____2C______

Lastly remember to support partner with 3+ cards ( and bids of new suits should be 5 in major or 6 in minor)

Victoria Bridge Club – 28/04/2014 - ♠ - ♣ - ♥ - ♦ - Grahame Weir. Basic Bidding Theory – weak hands

In this Lesson we will try to lift the lid on how to show minimum hands when you have opened and partner responds ( minimum hands refer to hands with 11 – 15 points ) Remember during any bidding sequence the strength of your hand can alter due to how well or badly it fits with your partner.

For example you open 1♥ with      ♠  KJ987

                                                            ♥  AKQ654

                                                            ♦  43 

                                                            ♣ 

If partner responds  2♣ what would you bid?   If partner responds 1♠ what would you bid?

Weak or minimum sequences are as follows: Remember rebidding opened suit promises 5 but no extra values – agreeing partners suit is also a weak or non forcing bid.

Here is an example of possible rebids over 1 simple sequence – but many of the rules apply to most sequences ( although there are always exceptions )

North                                South                       Norths Rebid

1♣                                1♦                    1♥ / 1♠ NO extra values ( however can be strong         

                                                            1NT – 15-16 bal    (no major usually ) (limit bid ) ( south in control now )

                                                            2♣ min 5♣’s  ( no major )    

                                                            2♦ min ( 4 ♦’s )

                                                            2♥/♠ = second suit ( Jump Reverse bid  ) Game forcing ( Very Strong )

                                                            2NT = 17 – 18pts bal

                                                            3♣  16+ pts with long clubs usually 6 +

                                                            3♦   16+ pts with 4 card support in diamonds

                                                            3♥/♠ = splinters – showing either singleton or void – agreeing ♦’s ( 4 cards )

                                                            3NT = 19 balanced

                                                            4♣  16+ pts with long clubs usually 7 + (game force)

                                                            4♦   16+ pts with 4 card support in diamonds (game force)

                                                            4♥/♠ = maybe Exclusion Key Card Blackwood (cues) – agreeing ♦’s (4 cards)

                                                            4NT = Blackwood or RKCB

                                                            5♣  16+ pts with long clubs usually 7 + ( probably diamonds )

                                                            5♦   16+ pts with 4 card support in diamonds & long clubs

                                                            5♥/♠  doesn’t really exist – but maybe Grand slam Force

                                                            5NT = Grand Slam Force

                                                            6♣  to play

                                                            6♦   to play

                                                            Other higher bids to play.

Your partnerships may have your own agreements – but this is a rough guide.

You do not need to know all these bids – but have a general concept of what is a

weak or non forcing bid

and what is a strong or forcing bid…..

Remember rebbiding your opened suit is a good way to show a minimum opening

Jumping in your opened suit or another suit shows 16+ and is strong forcing

NT rebids all have specific point counts

Victoria Bridge Club – 28/04/2014 - ♠ - ♣ - ♥ - ♦ - Grahame Weir. Defending – Discard Systems

Defending is a very difficult aspect of bridge, however you can improve your chances by using a DISCARD system. The first card you discard when you are not following suit should be of significance to your partner and should try to help the defence. Also if partner leads an ace you can place a high or low card to encourage or discourage depending on your system.

 There are many different systems. Here are some examples of discard systems you could try.

Dodds – Even cards encourage in that suit – odd cards discourage that suit

Mckinney or Mckenny  - A card in a suit is discouraging -

If it’s a High card 7 – 10 it asks for the higher of the other suits excluding the trump suit.

If it’s a low card 2 – 6 it asks for the lowest suit available excluding the trump suit.

Held – High cards encourage – Low cards Discourage

Reverse – Low encourages – High Discourages

Italian – Odd cards Encourage – even cards are Mckinney

Contract 4 spades – Lead J♥                                  ♠  J10732 

                                                            ♥  98

                                                            ♦  KJ10 

                                                            ♣ KJ10

         ♠  A56                                                                           ♠  4

         ♥ J10653 2                                                                             ♥ 74

         ♦  98                                                                                       ♦  AQ765 

         ♣ 98                                                                               ♣ 76542

                                                            ♠  KQ98 

                                                            ♥  AKQ

                                                            ♦  432 

                                                            ♣ AQ3

On the above example you lead J♥ declarer wins the ace♥ and plays the K♠ you decide to duck the King on the first round – but at trick 3 declarer leads the Q♠ you take your ace and now - East has the chance to make a discard – which suit does east want you to play?

What cards could East discard to encourage diamonds if he/she is playing the following systems

Dodds

Mckinney

Reverse

Held

Italian

Victoria Bridge Club – 10/03/2014 – Lesson 24 - ♠ - ♣ - ♥ - ♦ - Grahame Weir. Michaels Cue Bids & Unusual NT

These are BOTH conventional bids which have specific meanings: They are a fabulous way to show overcalling hands with a distribution of at least 5/5 in unbid suits. (Suits may be longer 5/6  - 6/6 – 6/7)

To use these bids you should 8+ pts and be overcalling once the opposition have opened 1 of a suit.

A Cue Bid means bidding the opponents suit e.g.  North opens 1♥ and East bids 2♥

                                                ♠  Q3 

                                                ♥ AK1064

                                                ♦  43 

                                                ♣ AQ43

                                                                                    ♠  AK765

                                                                                    ♥  9

                                                                                    ♦  AQJ62 

                                                                                    ♣ J10

On the above layout North opens 1♥: East could overcall 1♠ however a bid of 2♥! Would show 5/5 in the highest unbid suits (Spades & Diamonds)

Therefore a cue bid (bidding openers suit) shows 5/5 in the HIGHEST TWO suits available!

e.g. 1♣ - 2♣ overcall = 5/5 ♠ / ♥        e.g. 1♦ - 2♦ overcall = 5/5 ♠ / ♥

e.g. 1♥ - 2♥ overcall = 5/5 ♠ / ♦         e.g. 1♠ - 2♠ overcall = 5/5  ♥ / ♦

Michaels can be used in 4^th seat as well e.g. North opens 1♥ it goes pass – pass - 2 ♥ by west

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The UNUSUAL No Trump convention is exactly the same EXCEPT you overcall 2NT

The UNUSUAL NT shows at least 5/5 in the LOWEST SUITS AVAILABLE

                                                ♠  AQ3 

                                                ♥ AK1064

                                                ♦  43 

                                                ♣ 543

                                                                                    ♠  87

                                                                                    ♥  9

                                                                                    ♦  AQJ62 

                                                                                    ♣ AQJ108

On the above layout North opens 1♥: East could overcall 2♣ or 2♦ however a bid of 2NT would show 5/5 in the LOWEST unbid suits ( Clubs & Diamonds ) Better chance of finding a fit and describing hand….!

e.g. 1♣ - 2NT overcall = 5/5 ♦ / ♥      e.g. 1♦ - 2NT overcall = 5/5 ♣ / ♥

e.g. 1♥ - 2NT overcall = 5/5 ♣ / ♦      e.g. 1♠ - 2NT overcall = 5/5   ♣/ ♦

The Unusual NT is not used in 4^th seat - 1♠ - pass – pass – 2NT (this bid would show a balanced 19-21pts)

However on a sequence of 1♠ - p - 2♠ - 2NT this would show 5/5 in minors (complex I Know?)These bids are very useful and very common among club players. They are very descriptive and help find good sacrifices and better fits. Subsequent biding by partner is natural (usually best fit at best level)

Victoria Bridge Club – 010/02/2014 – Lesson 20 - ♠ - ♣ - ♥ - ♦ - Grahame Weir. Gambling 3NT

OPENING BID 3NT  in 1^st/2^ND/3^rd seat. It can be bid in forth seat but should have an outside ACE. (strong type ) REMEMBER you need to agree the system with your partner.

The bidder should have a Solid 7/8 card MINOR ( not major ) with no more than  Q or J’s.outside ( you can agree K’s )

The Minor suit should be solid AKQJ543 – However AKQ10987 is ok or AKQ65432

The rest of the hand must be weak and not have an A or K or a 4 card major.

This type of bid was modified by Terence Reese and is commonly used (Gambling ). There is a stronger version which is not used very much these days. The bid is Pre-emptive and very descriptive. It also forces opposition to bid at the four level.

The bid essentially hopes partner can run 7/8 tricks in a minor and pick up a couple of tricks outside.

Here are some GOOD examples of hands that should open 3NT

♠43  ♥Q5  ♦98 ♣AKQJ876  /   ♠4  ♥Q53  ♦98 ♣AKQ10876   /  ♠43  ♥Q5  ♦AKQ9876 ♣J

( Nothing higher than a queen outside and NO 4 card major )

Here are some BAD examples: These hands should not open 3NT

a) ♠43  ♥AQ5  ♦9 ♣AKQJ876  /    b) ♥J953  ♦98 ♣AKQ10876   /  c) ♠KQ3  ♥K5  ♦AKQ9876 ♣J

d) ♠KQ3  ♥Q5  ♦AKQ9876 ♣J      e) ♠Q3  ♥75  ♦AQJ9876 ♣J3

A= to strong! -  open 1Club    B= Has a 4 card Major  - open 1 Club   C= To strong Kings outside open 1 Diamond

D= Again to strong open 1 Diamond   E= To weak suit must be headed by AKQ always! -  open 3 Diamonds.

What does Partner bid?

If you have 2 stoppers in outside suits and at least 1 club or diamond you can PASS

Here are some GOOD examples of hands that could pass an opening of 3NT

♠A432  ♥KQ5  ♦J10987 ♣3       /   ♠KJ4  ♥AQ53  ♦QJ98 ♣87  /               ♠A43  ♥A765  ♦6 ♣Q8543

Here are some BAD examples – You should bid 4♣’s with these ( partner will pass or correct )

♠43  ♥A7865  ♦1098 ♣876 /       ♠J94  ♥QJ53  ♦98654 ♣87   /                ♠AQ43  ♥AJ105  ♦AK762 ♣ void

The Gambling 3NT is over used – so it’s best to have NO Aces or Kings or a slam can be missed!

the full responses to a weak 3NT opening:  Pass ( 2 stoppers in outside suit & entry for both minors )

4/5♣ pass or correct                  /           4♠ /  ♥ to play               4NT slam Invite

4 ♦ asks partner to bid a singleton in major ( 4NT = no major singleton )

Victoria Bridge Club – 03/02/2014 – Lesson 18 - ♠ - ♣ - ♥ - ♦ - Grahame Weir. Bidding & Reverse

With all 4441 shapes open the lowest – with 5/5 or 6/6 open the highest – with 5/4 open the highest ( you must not rebid the 4 card suit if it is higher than the original suit UNLESS you have 16+pts ) This is called a reverse. You can bid the 4 card suit if it is lower ranked with any opening hand. Eg 1♠ - 2♣ - 2♦       You must have 16+ for this sequence 1♦ - 2♣ - 2♥

REVERSE BIDS DO NOT APPLY AT THE 1 LEVEL e.g  1 ♣ -1♥- 1♠ ( you can have 11+pts )

NORTH  HAND 1.               DEALER                                            SOUTH  HAND 1.              Try to work out the correct bidding &

♠AK432                                                                       ♠98                             Contract for these hands.

♥QJ87                                                                         ♥K954

♦Q98                                                                           ♦K4                            

♣3                                                                               ♣AQJ87                     

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NORTH  HAND 2.               DEALER                                            SOUTH  HAND 2.

♠AKJ6                                                                         ♠987

♥AQ987                                                                      ♥K95

♦43                                                                              ♦J6                            

♣KJ                                                                             ♣AQJ87                     

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NORTH  HAND 3.               DEALER                                            SOUTH  HAND 3.

♠K43                                                                           ♠Q9

♥98763                                                                       ♥AJ42

♦AKQ5                                                                        ♦42                             

♣4                                                                               ♣AQJ76                                 

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NORTH  HAND 4.               DEALER                                                           SOUTH  HAND 4.

♠AK42                                                                         ♠QJ98

♥QJ872                                                                       ♥32

♦Q42                                                                           ♦AJ                            

♣2                                                                               ♣AJ987

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NORTH HAND 4                 DEALER                                                            SOUTH  HAND 5.

♠AK6343                                                                     ♠Q2

♥QJ87                                                                         ♥K

♦2                                                                                ♦KQ9543                   

♣A2                                                                             ♣Q983                       

With 6/4 hands you usually bid the 6 card suit twice and then the 4 card suit – if partner bids strongly.

With 5/5 open the highest and then bid the other twice – Reverse rules do apply!!

RULE OF 11 -  Useful tool for both defender and declarer – when using 4^th highest leads.

Remember subtract Spot card value from 11 ( e.g ) 11 – 7 = 4 cards higher ( in other three hands )

In bridge, the rule of 11 is applied when the opening lead is the fourth best from the defender's suit. By subtracting the rank of the card led from 11, a defender can figure out how many cards are higher than the card partner has led. The rule works because the defender is known to have three and exactly three cards higher than the card led.

When West leads the ♠7 East applies the rule of 11. This shows that there are 4 cards higher than the ♠7 that dummy, declarer and East hold. East can see four cards higher than the 7: The ♠Q8 on the board and the ♠A10 in his hand. Knowing that declarer does not have any cards above the ♠7 (As out of the 4 cards East, dummy and declarer have, all 4 are in possession of dummy and East himself, leaving none for the declarer), if the dummy covers with the 8, East knows he can win the trick cheaply with the 10.

However, the declarer can apply the rule of 11, too.

When West leads the ♠7 South can see the four higher cards in his hand and on the board. Accordingly he knows that the play of the 8 from the board will win the trick cheaply.

Since the rule of 11 helps the declarer more often than the defenders some people have begun experimenting with leads other than the fourth-best. (Some suggest this is not really the case. In the present example, defender's partner knows that all 4 cards above the 7 are with declarer. After the first trick, the only cards out are AKQ or AQ10. In either case, an early lead of the opener's lead will set up at least one, maybe two tricks for defender. Defender has as much to gain as declarer, by this reasoning.)

Lead 7 spades                   

                                             K52

QJ87                                                                  A1093

                                             64

Declarer sees the 7 of Spades, and assumes it is the fourth down from the longest and strongest suit. Declarer subtracts 7 from 11 and counts 4 higher cards than the 7 of Spades. Declarer counts only 1 card in his hand and dummy higher than the 7 of Spades. This spells trouble for the declarer.

The partner of the leader also assumes that the 7 of Spades is fourth down from the longest and strongest suit of his partner. East also arrives at 4 cards higher than the 7 of Spades. East can see all of these 4 cards: King of Spades in the dummy, Ace-10-9 in his own hand. If declarer calls for the King of Spades, East plays the Ace of Spades and returns a Spade. With this lead, East-West win 4 Spade tricks and the setting trick is the Ace of Clubs.

If declarer decides to play low on the first trick, East lets the 7 of Spades ride, because he knows that there is no higher Spade than the 7 of Spades in the hand of the declarer. West continues to play the 8 of Spades, and declarer plays low, as does East. There is no way that declarer will take one Spade trick. East-West set the contract by applying the Rule of Eleven.

The Rule of Eleven has a lot of merit and can be used effectively. Each partner must be attuned to recognize when it is appropriate to use it, or even to consider it. The Rule of Eleven has its most application against a No Trump contract since it is generally accepted practice that the leader plays the fourth card down from his longest and strongest suit. The Rule of Eleven can also be effectively employed against a suit contract.

Opening Leads: Against Suits contracts & NT’s.

There is a required lead from every holding – which you can fill in on your Convention Card? The reason we have standard leads is to help our partner determine the best line of defence. Also it helps to not give away ( ruff & discards etc ) It is always important to listen to the opposition bidding to gain clues about what to lead? If partner bids a suit by way of overcalling you have a good suit to lead. You could also try to get a set up a ruff or trumping situation - Lead a singleton or doubleton ( in order to gain a ruff).  You can however lead what you like? Sometimes breaking rules will confuse Declarer?

Here are the standard leads :  The system of leads that we are going to use are called Standard or 2^nd & 4^th

^{We also lead top of touching honours ( including Interior sequences )}

REMEMBER the 10 is not counted as an honour unless in an interior sequence e.g. Q1095 lead 10

So with 10952 we lead the 9…

Doubletons: Always lead top of a doubleton 97     (9)                                unless (AK) then lead K then A

Trebletons:  Unusually we break a rule here?  With 3 to an honour we lead third highest

 e.g. K7(2) we lead the 2 – ( remember small from an honour )  If we hold 987 we lead the 8 ( 2^nd from rubbish )

From  AK3 we lead A – top of touching honours – With KJ10 we lead the J  top of touching honours (interior sequence)

Four or More: Top of an honour sequence KQJ98 (K)   - 2^nd for poor suits 9876 (lead 8) 

4^th from Honour Q873 – lead 3   -   KJ106 we lead the J  top of touching honours (interior sequence).

Longer suits are the same: K9642 lead the 4  or 97652 lead the 7             2^nd  & 4ths

Remember: that leading away from an ACE against a suit contract is dangerous and to be avoided most of the time as an initial lead – Therefore with A786 it is best to lead the A – rather than the 6.

Against NT contracts it is OK to underlead the ACE so you would lead the 6 from A786

Another tip to remember when leading top of honour sequences against suit contracts

KQxx can give vital tricks away. Its always better to hold KQJx or QJ10x.

It does help to have the 10 with KQ106 or the 9 with QJ9x.

What would you lead from these holdings against a suit contract

54                    Q982                10943               K76532             AQ675              KQ106              QJ32

7632                 KQ5                 KJ1053             J1065               K9                    AJ10                 A654

What would you lead from these holdings against a No Trump contract

54                    Q982                10943               K76532             AQ675              KQ106              QJ32

7632                 KQ5                 KJ1053             J1065               K9                    AJ10                 A654

Victoria Bridge Club – 06/01/2014 – Term 2 – L1 – RKCB  ♠ - ♣ - ♥ - ♦ -

Slams are difficult to bid as committing your partnership to 12 or 13 tricks can be risky – for newer players they can be seen as the territory of the expert. However slams are far more common than you would think!.

When we are looking for slam, having the right number of Aces is crucial, of course.  But almost as big as an Ace in these situations is the King of the trump suit.  Hence the term “Key Card”, of which there are five … four Aces and that trump King.  From that thought developed Key Card Blackwood, whereby the responses encompassed 5 Key Cards, not just 4 Aces.  Then some Roman chap said, “Hey, what about the Queen of Trumps, that’s pretty important, too, why not throw that into the mix?”  And so was born Roman Key Card Blackwood, which has now become one of the favourite conventions of tournament players, a most valuable slam bidding tool … well, valuable when used correctly, but that comment applies to all conventions, of course.

The Responses    OK, Partner bids 4NT, it’s RKCB, these are our basic responses:

               5♣       1 or 4 Key Cards

              5♦        0 or 3 Key Cards

              5♥        2 Key Cards, without the Queen of Trumps

              5♠        2 Key Cards, with the Queen of Trumps

Opener             Responder

♠ AQT654       ♠ K732

♥ KQJ5           ♥ AT74

♦ 7                   ♦ AJ43

♣ A4                ♣ 8

   1♠                    4♣

   4NT                 5♦

   7♠                   Pass

 How about this auction?

            1♠        2♥

            3♥        4NT

Hearts have been agreed in this auction, and therefore that the K♥ is the 5^th Key Card.

In this auction?   No trump suit has been explicitly agreed at the point where we bid 4NT.  In such cases, we apply this simple rule:

            1♠        2♥

            2♠        4NT

When no suit has been agreed, the trump suit is assumed to be the last suit bid naturally.

Whenever we have 2 Key Cards, the responses also allow us to show or deny the Queen of trumps (QT).  But, when we don’t have 2 Key Cards, the presence of that QT remains a mystery.  Which is why they invented the Queen Ask:

After an RKCB response of 5♣ or 5♦, the cheapest non-signoff is the Queen Ask.

The auction goes as follows:

            1♥        4♣

            4NT     5♦

            5♠

4♣ was a Splinter, agreeing Hearts.

Then, after the 5♦ RKCB response,

 5♠ is certainly the “cheapest non-signoff”,

so it has to be the Queen Ask.

 These are the responses:

Victoria Bridge Club – 11/11/2013 – Lesson 14 - ♠ - ♣ - ♥ - ♦ - Grahame Weir. 1NT BIDDING & STAYMAN – REVISION

Opening Bids - 1NT12- 14pts-No Trumps bids (4333 – 4432 – 5332 ) but can be 5422 or 6332.A consideration is where the strength lies in the hand?

Consider opening 1NT with these hands

a) ♠K3   ♥K4        ♦Q43      ♣KQJ987              or            b) ♠9876    ♥J6543  ♦AQ   ♣AQ

Yes you can have a 6 card minor. Hand a) has a good source of tricks and is fairly balanced. Hand b) has the points in the wrong place for opening major suits.

 a) ♠43   ♥54        ♦KQ4     ♣AK9875              or            b) ♠AJ76    ♥AQ543  ♦43   ♣K3

By moving some of the points around the hands become much more suitable for opening 1 of a suit e.g.

Remember that when you open 1 of a suit you promise a rebid if partner responds in a suit – you can pass a response of 1NT (6-9)

STAYMAN  is a conventional bid of  2♣’s  over a 1NT opener ( 12-14 ).  ( a conventional bid is artificial and says nothing about clubs! )           Its primary intention is to find a major fit to play in.  It can also be used as an useful escape system for very weak hands with certain shape. Saying this 95% of the time it will have 11+pts and be looking for a major fit  ( therefore promising a 4 card major ) by the person using it.  Stayman only works in uninterrupted auctions e.g. 1NT – Pass - 2♣  ( NOT 1NT – Double - 2♣ )

Normally you will only try to use stayman with 11pts or more. When using Stayman you must have at least one 4 card major yourself. You don’t need both

Responses to Stayman sequence : 1NT – Pass  - 2♣ (announce) – pass - ?

2♦ = no 4 card major             2♥ = 4+ cards Hearts ( may have 4 ♠’s )         2♠ = 4+ cards in Spades ( do not have 4 Hearts )

The 1NT bidder MUST respond to 2♣

Once partner has responded ( answered the question ) then the final contract can be found – if partner responds 2♥ they may still have a 4 card spade suit – so if you now bid 2NT ( showing 11pts ) or 3NT ( showing 12+ ) they should bid  3 or 4 Spades respectively.

These hands would use stayman over 1NT:

a) ♠KJ43              ♥K4                       ♦QJ43                   ♣KQJ9   

b) ♠9876              ♥J6543                  ♦AQ                      ♣AQ

c) ♠KJ432AK42Q♣AQJ

d) ♠9876               ♥J6                        ♦AQJ987               ♣A

These hands would NOT use stayman over 1NT  

a)♠KJ4                  ♥KJ4                     ♦QJ43                   ♣KQJ      

b) ♠987                  ♥J65                     ♦AQ4                    ♣AQ43

c) ♠9876                 ♥J65                     ♦AQ4                    ♣AQ4  ( This hand has a 4 card major* why doesn’t it use stayman? )

Finally for the missing 5% of the time – consider using stayman with very weak 3 suited hands with ♦  ♥  ♠’s

e.g. ♠J432   ♥98764  ♦QJ43              or     ♠J432  ♥9876  ♦QJ43  ♣void   or  ♠9432  ♥9876  ♦QJ432  ♣void

With these hands you intend to pass any response from partner. You hope it will play better than 1NT and it may even escape being doubled. You also have a much better chance of finding a fit. If partner bids diamonds at least you have 4 /5 card support.

Victoria Bridge Club – 11/11/2013 – Lesson 13 - ♠ - ♣ - ♥ - ♦ - Grahame Weir.

 Simple Overcalling  - Revision–  An overcall is a bid made when the auction has already been opened by the opposition.

What do you need to overcall?  Well you need different things according to vulnerability – however here is a quick guide.

1 Level Suit Overcall NV -  e.g. 1♦  -  1♥  ( Most of the time you should have a good 5 card suit & 8 to 16pts ) You can overcall on a 4 card suit ONLY at the one level – ( The suit must be very good e.g. ♠AQJ10 or ♠AK109 or ♠KQJ9

NOT  ♠A765 or ♠QJ65 ) remember if you don’t win the auction partner will possibly lead your suit!

2 Level Suit Overcall NV -  e.g.   1♥  -  2♣’s    ( you will have a good 5 card suit & 10  to 16pts ) You should not overcall with a 4 card suit at the 2 level. Vulnerable overcalls should have good suit quality e.g. ♠AQJ104 or ♠AQ1095 or ♠KQJ32     NOT  ♠K7652 or ♠Q9653  -  Non Vul you have a bit more scope – but remember partner may lead the suit if you lose the auction?

Jump Overcalls are either weak, strong or pre-emptive– We will visit this topic in another lesson.

If you have 17+pts make a take out double and then bid your suit at your next turn.

e.g  You hold  ♠AQJ98 ♥AKQ7 ♦5 ♣J95  LHO opens 1♦ you should DOUBLE  ( if you play strong jump overcalls you may want to bid 2♠ however I would recommend doubling first.)  Here is a possible auction.

N          E          S          W         N          E      

1♦     Double    pass -     2♣ -    pass –    2♠*    Because you doubled first you now show 17+pts

Bidding a new suit over partners overcall is FORCING and should only be done with a good 5 + suit and 8+pts.

e.g.      N         E          S          W     

            1♦        2♣ -    pass –     2♠ *   YES on these hands        ♠AQJ98 ♥A65 ♦542 ♣J9  or ♠AJ9876 ♥A6 ♦54 ♣J95

                                                            NOT     ♠AQ98 ♥J865 ♦542 ♣65           or      ♠A9843 ♥J865 ♦Q432 ♣void

If you bid new suits with two few points and / or no support for partner you will make things worse as bids are forcing!!

It is always best if you are going to make a suit change that you have some support ( at least 2 ) of partner overcalled suit.  Raises in partners suit are non-forcing and normally barrage bids.

N          E          S          W     

1♦        2♣ -    pass –     3♣  *

 1 Level NT Overcall  -  e.g. 1♦  -  1NT  in 2^nd position this will be 15 – 18 pts!!!  NOT 12-14 ( that is not enough )

1NT overcalls should be balanced hands and should have a stopper in the opened suit if possible.

1 Level NT Overcall -  e.g. 1♦  - pass – pass - 1NT  in 4^nd position this will be 11 – 14pts pts

After making an 1NT overcall – Stayman & Transfers still apply – and 2NT is a limit raise.

So you would bid 2NT with 8pts if partner overcalled 1NT in 2^nd position.   

So you would bid 2NT with 12pts if partner overcalled 1NT in 4^nd position.   

Victoria Bridge Club – 11/11/2013 – Lesson 12 - ♠ - ♣ - ♥ - ♦ - Grahame Weir.

 Weak 2 Openers – We are going to play 3 weak twos – These will be in ♠ / ♥/ ♦ /    NOT in  ♣’s  2 ♣ will be very strong either 23+pts or 9 playing tricks or Game force. We will use a 6-10 point range.

A weak two should ALWAYS  have at least ONE of the top 3 honours ( AKQ )  remember suit quality!

♠AQJ984 ♥876 ♦5 ♣J95  - Yes!             ♠J98754 ♥A76 ♦5 ♣Q95  - No!

Once partner opens a weak two you are in charge: You can enquire about partners points and suit quality using 2NT*

The bid of 2NT is conventional and should be alerted by your partner, You should have at least 14 HCPs to look for a possible game.  Any other bid you make is NON – forcing ( In bridge parlance this term refers to a bid which can be passed )  e.g. 2♠ - 3♠ or 2♠ - 3♥ ( sometimes barrage bids )

A simple raise of partners weak 2 openers must be passed!   e.g.  2♠ - 3♠ - PASS!

So if you want to know more about your partners weak TWO hand you bid 2NT. Partner will use OGUST responses or sometimes referred to as blue club responses

At LOVE all ( all non vul )   Your partner opens 2♥’s  RHO passes: What do you bid with the following hands and why?

(a) ♠A987 ♥87642 ♦5 ♣J9       Choose from         2♠                3 ♥             4 ♥            Pass

(a) ♠AK3 ♥83 ♦AK5 ♣J1098    Choose from         2NT             3 ♥              3NT         4 ♥

(a) ♠A943 ♥876 ♦KJ5 ♣K94    Choose from         2♠                Pass            3 ♥             4 ♥

(a) ♠AKJ987 ♥8 ♦A32 ♣J92    Choose from         2♠                3♠                3 ♥             2NT

(a) ♠AKJ ♥J108 ♦AKJ32 ♣AK  Choose from        4NT             3♦                4 ♥             2NT

Remember to try and build a picture of what you need for part score / game or slam

Remember to make life difficult for the Opposition.

Victoria Bridge Club – 02/09/2013 – Lesson 3 - ♠ - ♣ - ♥ - ♦ - Grahame Weir.

Transfers are played ONLY OVER OPENING BIDS OF 1NT & 2NT          1NT = 12-14pts                      2NT = 20-22pts

YOU ONLY use a Transfer for a 5 CARD MAJOR or 6 CARD MINOR

Other bids over 1NT -  2♣ is still stayman – 4 card major enquiry ( normally has 11+ pts )

                                             2♦*    is a   Transfer to     2♥  - Partner must bid 2♥  e.g  1NT – P - 2♦ - P - 2♥ - P - ?

                                             2♥*   is a    Transfer to     2♠ - Partner must bid 2♠  e.g  1NT – P -  2♥ - P - 2♠   - P - ?

                                             2♠*   is a    Transfer to     3♣ - Partner must bid 3♣   e.g  1NT – P -  2♠ - P - 3♣ - P - ?

                                             2NT = equals 11pts balanced or a bad 12pts balanced.

                                             3 Level suit  bids are strong slam trys – 4 level major bids are sacrificial in nature.

                                             3NT = to play ( normally 12 – 19 pts balanced – no 4 card major ( except 3334 shape )

So WHY? Do we use transfers – The first reason is to keep the Strong hand covered and not as dummy. The general consensus is that if the strong hand is not dummy , if will be harder for the defence to work out what to do.

There are also other benefits, such as showing exact hand strength ( weak – invitational – game and slam hands )

For example here are several sequences which can all be agreed by your partnership?

N            E             S             W            N            E             S             W

1NT         P            2♦           P             2♥            P             P            P             North-12-14          South has 5+♥’s and a weak hand

N            E             S             W            N            E             S             W

1NT         P            2♦           P             2♥            P             3♥          P             North-12-14          South has 5+♥’s and a GameTry  Hand

N            E             S             W            N            E             S             W

1NT         P            2♦           P             2♥            P             2NT       P             North-12-14          South has 5+♥’s and  11pts

N            E             S             W            N            E             S             W

1NT         P            2♦           P             2♥            P             4♥          P             North-12-14          South has 5+♥’s and a that wants    to play in 4♥ - but has no ambitions for Slam

N            E             S             W            N            E             S             W

1NT         P            2♦           P             2♥            P             2♠          P             North-12-14    South has 5+♥’s and 4♠’s  North has no ambitions for game and is offering a  choice of part scores ( 2♠ - 2NT - 3♥ )

N            E             S             W            N            E             S             W

1NT         P            2♦           P             2♥            P             3♠          P             North-12-14          South has 5+♥’s and 4♠’s    North wants to play in Game and is asking for you  to choose the correct contract

N            E             S             W            N            E             S             W

1NT         P            2♦           P             2♥            P            3NT        P             South has 5+♥’s and wants to play in ether 3NT or     4H with 3 card support in ♥’s bid 4♥’s )

There are lots of bidding sequences which can be looked at and discussed in your partnership……. Transfers give you options to describe many more hand type – ( defining both shape and points )

THE LOSING TRICK COUNT OR RULE OF 18

The Losing Trick Count is a method based on the laws of total tricks!  The losing trick count is a system used in order to bid to the correct level when you have an eight card fit with partner. When partner opens one of a suit and you have a fit a small calculation will give you the correct level to bid to. It is not always full proof but as a general guide it is incredibly accurate, as opposed to the old style Milton point count. Firstly you have to count your losers in any bridge hand - all hands have a number of losers. You can work this out by using the rules below. ( THE LOSING TRICK COUNT IS NOT USED IN NO TRUMP )

1. You cannot have more than 3 losers in a suit
2. Aces, Kings and Queens count as winners in a suit. A King must not be singleton to count as a winner
3. A queen must not be a doubleton to count as a winner.
4. Doubletons are 2 losers ( unless they have a king or ace in them ) Singletons are 1 loser (unless A)

A void = 0 losing tricks.      A singleton other than an A = 1 losing trick.

A doubleton AK = 0;              Ax or Kx = 1;              xx = 2 losing tricks. (Also Qx = 2 losers )

A three card suit AKQ = 0;    AKx, AQx or KQx = 1 losing trick.

A three card suit Axx, Kxx or Qxx = 2;         xxx = 3 losing tricks.

Examples

♠AK43    ♥QJ8           ♦J9     ♣A863           = 7 losers ( 1♠ - 2♥ - 2♦ - 2♣ )

♠AKQ43   ♥Q8            ♦J      ♣AK863         = 4 losers ( 0♠ - 2♥ - 1♦ - 1♣ )

♠A         ♥QJ8543     ♦K      ♣AJ863         = 5 losers ( 0♠ - 2♥ - 1♦ - 2♣ )

♠K432     ♥QJ8           ♦J94   ♣J86             = 10 losers ( 2♠ - 2♥ - 3♦ - 3♣ )

Now you can count losers in any hand: When your partner opens a suit and you have an 8 card fit you can work out what level you can bid at.

The rule of 18 and relies on TNT bidding ( Law of Total Number of Tricks ) : It is very accurate method and caters for distribution as well as points. No longer do you use points to guess which level to bid at. Remember you only use it when partner opens and you have an 8 card fit. (Usually majors)

So now you count losers how do you implement the LTC – Used mostly over MAJOR opening bids ( bit can be used over minors ( if you don’t hold a major ).  WHEN PARTNER OPENS 1 of a SUIT: ALWAYS ASSUME HE/SHE HAS A 7 LOSER HAND.

Step one:          Make sure you have an 8+ card fit ( it can be more )

Step two:          Count your losers

Step Three:        Take Opener as a 7 loser hand  /  then add your losers to (7)

Step Four:        Subtract to total from 18 you now a number left  e.g. (7 +7 =14)  (18-14 = 4)

 – THIS IS THE LEVEL YOU CAN BID TO.

Examples:  Partner opens 1♥ What level can you bid to on these hands?

♠AK4     ♥QJ85          ♦J9     ♣A863 =  losers +              ( 7  ) + (7) =(14)  from 18 = L (4 )

♠A2       ♥AQJ85        ♦J       ♣AQ863 =  losers +                     (     ) + (7) =(  )  from 18 = L (   )

♠QJ4     ♥QJ85          ♦J94   ♣A86 =  losers +                (     ) + (7) =(  )  from 18 = L (   )

♠Void     ♥QJ8532       ♦void  ♣A986532 =  losers +       (     ) + (7) =(  )  from 18 = L (   )

♠KJ4      ♥QJ85          ♦KJ9   ♣Q863=  losers +              (     ) + (7) =(  )  from 18 = L (   )

♠A43      ♥QJ85          ♦A32   ♣654 =  losers +                (     ) + (7) =(  )  from 18 = L (   )

If you are playing the rule of 18 with partner – and their responses are based on TNT bidding . The opening bidder will be able to take the process further by counting the losers in their hand and re calculating whether you can bid on further. They know partner has bid  assuming they are a 7 loser, therefore if their hand is a 5/4 loser, they should be looking for a slam, as they are 2 or 3 levels than partner assumes. So bear in mind opener can bid HIGHER – this can be either to game or slam. Remember while TNT is an accurate guide you will have to judge in many cases where is the correct level……Its never that simple.

Transfers Continued  & Losing Trick Continued

Having looked at Transfers we are going to explore it a little bit further. Firstly we will look at transferring into a minor.

N          E          S          W         N          E          S          W

1NT       P         2♠        P          3♣         P         P          P

OK so transferring into clubs is straightforward – BUT WHAT IF WE WANT  TO BE IN DIAMONDS

Well all We do is rebid Diamonds after partner bids 3♣’s

N          E          S          W         N          E          S          W         N          E

1NT       P         2♠        P          3♣         P         3♦*       P          P          P

This says to partner that you actually wanted to play in 3♦’s and this is the only way of getting there…

Here are some examples of hands that want to play in 3 of a minor? Remember you must have a weak hand and 6 card minor suit that will be non-effective in No Trumps.

♠54 ♥876 ♦5 ♣QJ98765               ♠A4 ♥876 ♦5 ♣QJ9876

♠54 ♥876 ♦KJ9865 ♣QJ               ♠4 ♥Q96 ♦A98765 ♣876

The long suits will be of little help in a NO Trump contract unless partner has a very good fit. There are some ways around this which we will investigate in the future – this is called ‘breaking the transfer’ However most of the time the long suits will be of no real use unless they are THE TRUMP SUIT.

Make sure the hand is not to good – The hands below have a very good chance of producing 7 Tricks opposite a 1NT opener and although they are only 9 counts – you should think very hard about taking a take a shot at 3NT ♠4 ♥96 ♦AKQ6543 ♣876                     ♠A9 ♥96 ♦65 ♣KQ109876            ( always look for a source of tricks )

Losing Trick Count -  If partner opens and you are using the LTC and you find that you can or should bid 5/6/7 of major or 6/7 of a minor. Then you can use several methods to look for a slam.

Partner opens 1♥ and you hold  ♠A ♥QJ854 ♦KQ9876 ♣5 = 4 losers ( 0♠ - 2♥ - 1♦ - 1♣ ) = 4 losers

This LTC suggests we should be at the 7 level – However we need to check for Aces and if partner has three we could still have the King of Hearts missing? So for hands that are very strong we must use certain techniques.

The first technique we will look at is called a splinter bid – This special bid shows a singleton or void in the suit bid and is a special bid to show a suit fit and a strong hand. It can be extremely useful in bidding low point count slams.

RULES for splinter bids: 1) Your hand must be a 7 loser or better (less)

                                     2)You must have a 4 card fit with partners opening bid.                        L1     L2

                                     3) You must jump 3 Levels of bidding!!!   E.g. 1♥ - p - 4♣ ( NOT 1♥ - p - 2♣ or 3♣ )

N            E             S             W            N            E             S             W            N

1♥            P            4♣           P             4NT*        P            5♦*         P             6♥           *Blackwood           *one Ace

The above sequence may suit these hands:

North =  ♠K5 ♥AJ9632 ♦A5 ♣QJ56

South =  ♠AQJ42 ♥KQ875 ♦42 ♣8

South is a 5 loser hand and according to LTC should be looking for a slam – as you can see by using a splinter bid they can convey this information to partner and show either a singleton or void in CLUBS – North can see that if partner has an ace slam should make, so they bid blackwood and find an ace and bid the slam knowing they don’t have 2 club losers. Splinters are usually played over MAJORS and very occasionally over minors her are all the sequences:

1♣ - pass - 3♦               1♦ - pass - 3♥               1♥ - pass - 3♠               1♠ - pass - 4♣

1♣ - pass - 3♥               1♦ - pass - 3♠               1♥ - pass –4♣               1♠ - pass - 4♦

1♣ - pass - 3♠               1♦ - pass - 4♣               1♥ - pass - 4♦               1♠ - pass - 4♥

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