The best bridge advice I was ever given

The day before my first congress I was lucky enough to bump into the club expert in the supermarket. I wanted to be sure I was fully prepared so I thought I would take the opportunity to check a few points with her.

“My partner and I have always played a weak no trump,” I confided. “But I wonder whether this is the best approach. Would we be safer using a variable no trump? Or should we be ultra-safe and play a strong no trump all the time?”

The expert pursed her lips.

“Maybe you’re right. We should be more aggressive. We could play a mini no trump not vulnerable. Or some combination of all these?”

The expert raised her eyebrows. Before she could say any more and confuse me I continued, “There again, I think we ought to consider our strategy on overcalling. We play strong jump overcalls at the moment, but perhaps weak would be better at a congress. Or even strong and weak, depending on vulnerability?”

“Or….” began the expert.

“Or depending on the level of the overcall,” I agreed hastily. “Of course, if we do play weak jump overcalls, we should keep things consistent and open with weak twos.”

“I…..”

“I see what you mean, of course,” I said, pleased with the expert’s ready acceptance of my ideas. “Acol may not be the best system to play at a congress. I shall have to discuss alternatives with my partner. We should have a few minutes before the congress starts.”

“But…..”

“Oh I do so agree,” I continued. “We should think about carding methods too. We play ace from ace king, fourth highest and McKenney discards. Perhaps revolving would be better. Or vary according to whether it is a suit contract or no trumps.”

I fell silent and the expert looked slightly stunned.

“Do you have any final thoughts,” I asked earnestly. “It’s my first congress and I am really grateful for your advice.”

The expert regarded me thoughtfully as I waited expectantly for her words of wisdom.

“Stick to what you understand and wear comfortable clothes,” she said, and departed in the direction of the meat counter.