The board was played 8 times, two tables passed it out, three Wests overbid to 3S and 4S scoring 0,6 or 9 from a possible 14, with two N/S playing in 2H or 3H scoring 10 and 12.
Care needs to be taken when making an opening bid – in Acol this can be between 11 and 20 points. Partners are quick to assume you are at the better end, so when you open consider the following:
- How many losers do you have
- Are your points in your long suits
- Will you be happy to see partner lead your suit if you end up defending
- Will you get a chance to bid on the next round (indicating you were not quite good enough to bid first time around)
- Do you have good shape
- Does the vulnerability favour you
Taking board 5, North has 8.5 losers (I generally count half a loser for AQ doubleton) but being vulnerable in first position I pass on this 10 point hand. East fails my test to open on counts 1,2,3 & 5 above, so again pass. South however passes most tests, and knowing that North has passed, will bid 1C and pass thereafter.
If West wishes to be obstructive, 1S will meet most of the tests, and deprive N/S of showing their red suits on weak hands. North, having passed previously can support Clubs or even bid 2H, knowing that he can retreat to 3C. East can happily support his partners Spades, but should be aware that he has just 3 tricks and very poor shape.
This flurry of second round bids should guide all players into concluding that all four hands are in the range 8-12 points. Bidding game is unlikely to be successful.
Scoring – For making a major suit partscore contract 110, 140
For making a minor suit partscore contract 90, 110, 130
For failing by one or two tricks Vul -100, -200 Not Vul -50, -100
If Doubled -200, -500, -100, -300
Considering the possible scores might be the final determiner as to whether you bid on.
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