Tip 685

INTERMEDIATES TIP 704

Defenders should also concentrate on their long suits and contracts will go down especially in No Trumps, thats why you lead from you longest suit.

ADVANCED TIP 704

ª

Don't put all your eggs in one basket when playing out a hand. Check and see if you play one way and a finesse doesn't work will you have a back up play to still get home?

NOVICES TIP 705

The main leads against a No Trump contract in order of preference are:-

a) Partner’s suit if partner has bid during the auction

b) TOP of a sequence in your longest sui

c) 4^th one down in longest suit with no sequence in it

d) 2nd one down from bad suits nothing higher than a Nine (so if needs be partner will know to SWITCH

INTERMEDIATES TIP 705

When considering your OVERCALL DON’T THINK IN TERMS of CREDIT CARD Bidding BUT maybe say to yourself I WILL HAVE TO MAKE 8 TRICKS if I JOIN IN and overcall in my lower ranking suit at the two level- you might think again J

ADVANCED TIP 705

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With A1097 opposite Q542 play the Queen and assume split honours and if King is won by 4^th player now come back to the 542 side and finesse up to remaining A10 that is left - 75% chance of success now (Unless the bidding suggests 4th player has both honours - then lead up to the A107 from the Q542 side.

NOVICES TIP 706

Be aware of all your entries (Access cards to your hand and dummy) at trick 1 while you are planning - Hang onto them and don't waste them

INTERMEDIATES TIP 706

Once you have counted your winners and losers and know what to do to generate the extra tricks NOW GO TO WORK and maybe establish a suit or take a finesse – BUT WORK

ADVANCED TIP 706

ª

DON'T BID again after making any sort of preemptive bid - PARTNER IS IN CHARGE

NOVICES TIP 707

If you try and play in tempo - not quickly- you will be able to count more easily 4 8 12 etc and so on rather than just going into a daze.

INTERMEDIATES TIP 707

1. Partner opens 1♣ or 1♦ and you are weak and balanced YOU MUST bid YOUR FOUR CARD MAJOR if you have one – this is known as not denying a Major and will enable the partnership to find a Major fit if the Opener has a major as he other suit..

ADVANCED TIP 707

ª

To open 2♣ you need

not only any 23+ point

BUT ANY GAME GOING HAND 10 tricks maybe in Spades or Hearts

NOVICES TIP 708

Before leading RECAP the AUCTION and try and visualise what your partner the other defender might have

INTERMEDIATES TIP 708

1. After 2NT opener 3♣ is STAYMAN convention and is asks partner if she has a FOUR CARD MAJOR in exacly the same way that 2♣ reply to 1NT opener is Stayman looking for a Major suit fit..

ADVANCED TIP 708

ª

Don't come in with a second by yourself suit opposite Passed partner unless you have a very good hand indeed as you are on your own especially vulnerable and competing for NINE TRICKS aren't you??

NOVICES TIP 709

A lot of the time the Saying "ONE TWO THAT WILL DO" is applicable BUT if you open 1♠ with 18/19 points and partner replies 2♠ it certainly won't do now DO, just rebid 4♠ straight away.

INTERMEDIATES TIP 709

If dummy has a shortage and 3 trumps this usually is a sign not to draw trumps straight away as you will need have any trumps left in that hand, the short hand to do the necessary ruffing will you?

ADVANCED TIP 709

ª

If your partner balances in 4th seat and the opposition now bid onto the 3 level DO NOT BID NOW. Partner's bid has forced the opposition to the three level and now hopefully they might go one down, now that they might be out of their comfort zone.

NOVICES TIP 710

Make bids that sound like your hand so make sure you rebid 3♥ with a 6 card suit and 16+ points as you have 3 more than you would have needed for a minimum opener.

INTERMEDIATES TIP 710

To Open 1NT you do not need an honour in every suit – SHAPE IS IMPORTANT so with

♠ AK76

♥ AK4 2 suits here with no honours BUT 1NT is perfect.

♦ 432

♣ 432

ADVANCED TIP 710

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After Passing partner opens light in 3rd Seat- Don't now bid on and punish him for bidding light and bidding on- be pleased to have pushed the opposition to the 3 level.

NOVICES TIP 711

1. It is all well and good knowing you lead top of sequence but you need to know why as follows

a) Partner knows you have very good holding such as KQJ9 when you lead that Queen

b) You don't want to be a cheap skate and let declarer win first trick wiith the Ten in above example

INTERMEDIATES TIP 711

If you reply 1NT after 2^nd person overcalls you must have King or Queen or better in the overcaller's suit.

ADVANCED TIP 711

ª

If partner opens and next player overcalls 1NT if you now have 8/9+ points MAKE A PENALTY DOUBLE in same way you would make a Penalty Double over their 1NT opening bid.

NOVICES TIP 712

To Reply to partner’s Opening bid of One of a Suit you need SIX OR MORE – the term 6-9 only applies when replying two of same suit or 1NT.

INTERMEDIATES TIP 712

Be an unfriendly opponent and bid to Level of Fit as follows knowing overcaller has at least FIVE CARD SUIT

a) With 3 CARD SUPPORT raise to 2 level

b) With 3 CARD SUPPORT raise to 3 level

c) With 3 CARD SUPPORT raise to 4 level

ADVANCED TIP 712

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When you make a Michaels Cue bid over their 1♣ or 1♦ bid you are now showing AT LEAST 55 shape in BOTH MAJORS

NOVICES TIP 713

An Informative Double is an OVERCALL and it is the overcall when no other overcall is available i. e. when you cannot overcall in a suit or in No Trumps or make any sort of Jump Overcall.

INTERMEDIATES TIP 713

A Reopening Double by Opener is still part of Opening Bid strategy confirming a good Opening bid of 1 of a Suit and still 13+ points.

ADVANCED TIP 713

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If opener rebids 3♥ after the bidding has gone 1♥ - 2♥ this should be PRE-EMPTIVE stopping the last person from balancing and joining the auction

NOVICES TIP 714

When you play 2C Stayman you EITHER need :-

a) 54 in Majors and nil Points and basically it is same as weak take-out OR

b) 11+ points and two four card suits one of which should be a major and basically it is same as a minimum 2NT response when you would have needed 11+ points

INTERMEDIATES TIP 714

With AK106 opposite J543 play the Jack and if they don’t cover then go up with AK and hop for doubleton Queen offside. People often cover when they should not do so so do use this psychology to finds doubleton Queens that cannot be seen. Use Zia Tip Roll over Houdini https://www.haroldschogger.com/ziamahmood.htm

ADVANCED TIP 714

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If you have made a rebid in No Trumps and partner then bids onto 4NT this is NOT BLACKWOOD – it is AN INVITATION to 6NT

NOVICES TIP 715

If you try and play more quickly it is easier to count HOW MANY HAVE GONE and then you can easily identify after you have counted 4, 8, 12 that the last card left must have become a winner.

INTERMEDIATES TIP 715

Playing Weak No Trump then standard rebids in No Trump now works as follows 1NT 15/16, 2NT 17/18 and 3NT 19/poor20 - all going up in TWOS so just remember 12-14 and work out the rest

ADVANCED TIP 715

One of the worst leads in bridge is a singleton trump as it exposes partner's possible Queen 3 card suit and immediately gives away a free finesse to declarer - so avoid singleton trump lead like the plague!!

NOVICES TIP 716

When they double your partner's Opening Bid of 1 of a Suit REDOUBLE says we have balance of Power 8+ points

INTERMEDIATES TIP 716

When you OVERCALL in a SUIT this is UNLIMITED from about 8/9 up to 16/17.

ADVANCED TIP 716

A fairly "simple" artificial method to play after they double your partner's 1NT Opening bid is to play All Systems on and redouble says please bid 2♣ and it works like this

a) 2♣ is still Stayman

b) 2♥ is still transfer to 2♥

c) 2♥ is still transfer to 2♠

d) If you have five card Minor reply Redouble and partner now HAS TO BID 2♣ and if Clubs is your suit you Pass and if Diamonds is your suit you now bid 2♦ and partner better now Pass or find a new partner.

NOVICES TIP 717

3rd Person plays high enough to make declarer work hard for the current trick- don't be a cheap skate.

INTERMEDIATES TIP 717

Everybody seems to think the main led against No Trump is 4^th highest of longest suit but this is third choice. Here are the choices in order

a) Partner’s suit- Lets hope partner overcalled on good quality suit.

b) Top of Sequence in your longest suit

c) 4^th one from top in longest suit

d) Lead from shortage with only 1 or 2 points and "TAFP" Try And Find Partner.

ADVANCED TIP 717

With a very strong hand BUT NO FIT and NO SELF SUPPORTING SUIT just reply in a new suit and use the valuable bidding space to exchange information to get to the best final contract- initially you have no idea where the hand is going do you?? Give PARTNER A CHANCE TO REBID

NOVICES TIP 718

Bridge is a partnership Game so when partner replies 2♣ to your 1♠ opener and you have six spades and 4 clubs, now support the clubs rather than repeating your Spade suit. YOU HAVE SUPPORT for the clubs don't you??

INTERMEDIATES TIP 718

Please go to work and BUILD TRICKS- you might need the high cards in your good suit for entries late

ADVANCED TIP 718

If you have magnificent shape – 6 5 come alive J

NOVICES TIP 719

If your longest suit is just 8 high and you are 4333 with 15-19 points you have no choice but to open that suit ready to rebid in No Trumps next- also the opponents are now not likely to lead that suit J

INTERMEDIATES TIP 719

If partner offers you two suits do REMEMBER TO GIVE PREFERENCE back to first suit if you have two cards in each suit and opener’s fist suit will be longer- you want to play in the 5:2 fit not the 4:2 fit.

ADVANCED TIP 719

You can Open 2NT with 5422 shape if your two doubletons are in the Majors with a AX or KX in each Doubleton

NOVICES TIP 720

Take out one suit from a pack of cards and practise basic finesse positions https://www.haroldschogger.com/videos.htm ONLY examples 1 2 3 until fully understood

INTERMEDIATES TIP 720

If you have a minimum hand you cannot show your other suit if its higher ranking and partner would need to go to the Three level to show preference as that would now be a Reverse so with

ª ª

♠	K 6 having opened 1♦ partner replies 1♠ or 2♣ now
♥	A Q 9 5 rebid a very reluctant 2♦
♦	K J 762 as you are not strong enough to rebid 2♥
♣	42

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ADVANCED TIP 720

If you drop an unusually high card in third seat you either have no more left or more importantly you are telling partner that you have the card beneath it and it is now very safe to continue the suit in situations like this

7

KQ654 J1083 when partner leads the King against their No Trump contract don't be afraid to play the Jack

A92

NOVICES TIP 721

With KQJ4 opposite 652 you MUST WORK and play off that King and then you build two tricks- in bridge terms this is SUIT ESTABLISHMENT.

INTERMEDIATES TIP 721

Once a suit has been agreed then if you bid new suit most of the time it will be a CUE BID showing control in that suit

i.e i.e. first round control being Ace or Void and second round control being King or Singleton.

ª

ADVANCED TIP 721

R Redoubling their Double shows 8/9+ points and balance of Power and very little interest in partner's suit

NOVICES TIP 722

Having made an bidding bid of 1 of a Suit do remember you PROMISED A REBID and you have to make your second bid when its your turn (unless player on your right joins in and now you are off the hook and are allowed to Pass with minimum hands.

INTERMEDIATES TIP 722

If responder rebids her suit at lowest possible level this shows six card suit and absolute minimum 6-8 points only – IT SOUNDS WEAK.

i.e 1♣ 1♦

1♥ 2♦ here absolutely minimum with six.

If responder jumps in her original suit this ONLY SHOWS- 10 – 12 points and six card suit i.e.

1♣ 1♦

1♥ 3♦ now shows ONLY 10-12 points semi encouragingª

ADVANCED TIP 722

R If you balance in 4th seat and manage to push the opponents to the 3 level you or your partner should not bid again. Hopefully you have pushed them out of their comfort zone.

NOVICES TIP 723

Please claim early once you know all the rest of the tricks are yours – if you play one card at a time when you have 3 obvious winners in your last 3 cards it is not nice as it is intimidating and you should claim quickly.

INTERMEDIATES TIP 723

a) Informative Double is AN OVERCALL when you are stuck for any other available overcall.

b) There are only 14 points left once there has been an Opening Bid and a Double.

c) I prefer the term Informative Double because the Doubler is GIVING INFORMATION

d) The partner now REACTS to this to the Information.

ADVANCED TIP 723

R If you open with any source of pre-emptive bid of Two or Three you do NOT BID AGAIN. A pre-empt is a LIMIT BID and now partner makes all the important decisions NOT YOU.

NOVICES TIP 724

Please don’t deny a 4 card Major when responding even if you are balanced and even if your highest card is only the 9

INTERMEDIATES TIP 724

When discarding on declarer's long suit make sure you and your partner don't discard from the same suit otherwise declarer might be able to establish a trick in that suit late on

ADVANCED TIP 724

R With a slam going hand and a void do not deploy Blackwood – initiate Cue sequence bid instead.

NOVICES TIP 725

To Open with a pre-empt yes you have to have seven card suit but also 7- 10 points so don’t open 3♠ if your highest card is just the Jack or 10. All your honours should really be concentrated in that seven card suit with no outside values.

INTERMEDIATES TIP 725

65 Come Alive - if you have a six card suit and a five card suit never be scared to join in even if you do not have may points....

ADVANCED TIP 725

R With good hands and 2 suits bid slowly to find the best possible fit. Only old people die NOT AUCTIONS

NOVICES TIP 726

With two five card suits please bid the higher one first even if the other looks much better

INTERMEDIATES TIP 726

If you do bid the suits the wrong way round i.e. u open 1♥ and then rebid 2♠ this is now REVERSE showing 15/16 points or more and FIVE FOUR SHAPE or better.

ADVANCED TIP 726

If you want to bid on BUT do not want partner to convert a double you might make, then bid on in a new suit or just bid what you wish to end up in.

Do Not risk partner doing a conversion job because the Double might be misconstrued.

NOVICES TIP 727

Rebidding with a Jump in your long suit shows 15/16 Honour points and six card suit - more importantly 6/7 playing tricks

INTERMEDIATES TIP 727

If your partner overcalls and you have 3 or more card support now BID TO THE LEVEL of the FIT as follows (Partner has promised 5 or more)

3 card support total trumps are 8 so you can raise to 2 level- 8

4 card support total trumps are 9 so you can raise to 3 level- 9

5 card support total trumps are 9 so you can raise to 4 level- 10

ADVANCED TIP 727

If no suit has been agreed then 4NT should be Quantitive in a situation like this

N S

1♥ 2♦

4 2NT 4NT 4NT should be Quantitive inviting partner to now bid 6NT with a Maximum hand for the 2NT rebid.

NOVICES TIP 728

To pre-empt 2 of a suit or 3 of a suit you need 6- 10 honour points more importantly LESS THAN OPENING BID VALUES.

INTERMEDIATES TIP 728

To overcall 1NT you need 16-18 points and a stopper in opener's suit or a really very good 15 and a half. Without a stopper it is best to just Pass.

ADVANCED TIP 728

If the opposition uses a Michaels Cue Bid or an UNT Bid and you the responder wish to make an Unassuming Cue Bid now bid overcaller's KNOWN SUIT

so

N E S

1♥ 2♥ 2♠¹

1. (East is known to hold Spades from his Michaels Cue Bid

so 2♠would now be an Unassuming Cue bid showing 10+ and Hearts support

NOVICES TIP 729

It is not a good idea to lead a suit that they bid especially in a No Trump Contract

INTERMEDIATES TIP 729

Rebidding original suit shows 6 card suit and usually 15/16+ points BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY it should show 6/7 PLAYING TRICKS almost an Acol Strong Two bid

ADVANCED TIP 729

Do Weak Stayman with 54 hands in the Majors

However with strong hands in the Majors and 54 shape best to use transfers

NOVICES TIP 730

1. Against Weak No Trump Opponents with ANY 15 POINT HAND do remember to double their weak No Trump promising only 12-14- It is always 1 more than their maximum.

INTERMEDIATES TIP 730

Negative Doubling is all about RESPONDING and usually promises the two other suits (that have not so far been bid by Opener or Overcaller). and 6+ points when right hand opponent intervenes

ADVANCED TIP 730

In 3^rd seat you can Open light as you no longer need a rebid ready and you should do so especially if your five or six card suit is Spades

NOVICES TIP 731

Leading against No Trump Contracts:

When partner has NOT BID i.e BLIND LEAD

a) Top of a sequence in LONGEST SUIT

b) 4^th one down with a suit with at least one honour

c) 2^nd one down from BAD SUITS

INTERMEDIATES TIP 731

Always lead partner's suit BUT which one? as follows :-

a) Top of a Doubleton.

b) 2^nd from Bad Suits them MUD- Middle Up Down

c) Top of a Doubleton

d) With 3 or 4 headed by an honour Lead a low one and partner will know you have an entry later.

e) Top of a sequence – you should be so lucky

ADVANCED TIP 731

Use OGUST enquiry after partner opens weak 2 and it works like this

2NT is now an enquiry and partner clarifies her original 2♥ bid as follows

3♣ -- BAD POINTS BAD QUALITY SUIT

3♦ -- BAD POINTS GOOD QUALITY SUIT

3♥ -- GOOD POINTS BAD QUALITY SUIT

3♠ -- GOOD POINTS and GOOD QUALITY SUIT

3NT -- AKQ 6 card suit

NOVICES TIP 732

When dummy comes down red black red black, declarer needs to line her cards up parallel and then its much easier to count winners (and losers).

INTERMEDIATES TIP 732

It is so important to realize

a) Informative Double is PART OF OVERCALLING THEORY

b) Negative Double is PART OF REPLYING THEORY

c) REOPENING DOUBLE by Opener is PART OF OPENING BID THEORY

ALL THESE DOUBLES SHOULD NO JUST BE DOUBLES- this of them as the three above and it should make a lot more sense “hopefully”

ADVANCED TIP 732

If you have the same suit as opposition just Pass. This manifests where responder has SPADES and the TAKE-OUT DOUBLER must have SPADES TOO so responder NEEDS TO WAIT

NOVICES TIP 734

When you LEAD you lead top of sequences

nb When you FOLLOW SUIT you do the opposite and follow with the lowest of touching cards

INTERMEDIATES TIP 734

WAKE UP PARTNER

w with AKX lead Ace with AKX follow suit with King BUT

with AK Doubleton LEAD King then Ace - partner was not expecting the Ace so it must be WAKE UP CALL to tell partner to signal what to play next

with AK FOLLOW SUIT With Ace then King - partner was not expecting the King so it must be WAKE UP CALL to tell partner to signal what to play next

ADVANCED TIP 734

1. Some people use Rule of 19 instead of 20 on borderline hands. A further check would be to use the losing trick Count, so if you have a 7 loser hand

then you just go for it and Open 1 of a suit.

NOVICES TIP 735

A limit bid is any a bid that gives EXACT information in terms of POINTS and SHAPE.

Once you make a limit bid PARTNER IS IN CHARGE.

You can only bid gain if FORCED to do so or INVITED

INTERMEDIATES TIP 735

If somebody leads 2 of their suit against your No Trump contract you immediately know that player has led from a four card suit as there is nothing lower than the 2 so you immediately know the layout of that suit (like an expert)

ADVANCED TIP 735

I If you SMELL a MIS-FITTING HAND then try not to get too high. If partner opens a suit in which you have a Void then the smell should be quite strong L

NOVICES TIP 736

To open 2♣, the strongest opening bid in most systems you need 23 or more points or TEN PLAYING TRICKS in Spade or Hearts i.e. Game in your own hand.

INTERMEDIATES TIP 736

To do Stayman you need either

a) 5:4 in the Majors ready to do WEAK TAKE-OUT - Zero+ points needed OR

b) 11+ points 4432 shape and at least one four card Major- you need 11+ so you can control the auction and return to 2NT if partner will not oblige you and bids the wrong Major,

ADVANCED TIP 736

If partner passes and converts your informative Double into a PENALTY DOUBLE - you should now LEAD A TRUMP.

Presumably, You like the other three suits and, as a defender, you need to start drawing trumps so you can enjoy the winners in your three suits.

NOVICES TIP 737

THINK OPENING BID, THINK REPLY. THINK OVERCALL and stop using bid as it MEANS NOTHING.

INTERMEDIATES TIP 737

4NT is ONLY BLACKWOOD if a suit has been agreed- the rest of the time it is QUANTITIVE (or invitational) so when the bidding goes

1H 1S

1NT 4NT it is now invitational

ADVANCED TIP 737

With six card suit headed ONLY BY J10 don’t double for a lead as the suit is not good enough

NOVICES TIP 738

If you open 1NT you have MADE A LIMIT BID and PARTNER is IN CHARGE and you should not bid again unless invited or forced

INTERMEDIATES TIP 738

When playing out suits DON’T BE CARELESS – adhere to the high card from short hand principle and then you will NOT GET BLOCKED

ADVANCED TIP 738

If partner Doubles an artificial bid by the opponents during the auction whether it be a transfer or Cue bid the Double should be LEAD DIRECTING

NOVICES TIP 739

Stop being a slave to points only. With six and seven card suits your hand goes through the roof even with 10/11 points

INTERMEDIATES TIP 739

4th suit forcing says TELL ME MORE ABOUT YOUR SHAPE and enables you to get to those amazing 5:3 fits for either Opener's Main suit or responder's Main suit and not to bid 3NT unilaterally

ADVANCED TIP 739

When the bidding goes 1♥ Pass Pass ? around to last player, the last player is sitting in the PROTECTIVE SEAT and doesn't need so many points to join in now. He needs to try and bid to PROTECT HIS PARTNERSHIP'S CAPABILITIES and not to sell out to 1♥- BE COMPETITIVE.

NOVICES TIP 740

Playing against weak No Trump opponents who promise 12-14 points for their 1NT opener, If you now partner overcalls 2♥ when there has been a 1NT opener you can deduce partner has at most 14 point because if partner had 15 she would have DOUBLED in the first place.

INTERMEDIATES TIP 740

For weak use of Stayman now you need BOTH MAJORS and one of them better be a FIVE CARD SUIT so you can CONTROL the AUCTION back into the five card suit at the 2 level if partner has neither four spades or 4 Hearts.

ADVANCED TIP 740

You have a very good hand with a fit BUT stuck for your next bid then USE 4th SUIT FORCING as that's a sure way to keep the auction going and of course partner will tell you more about her hand.

NOVICES TIP 741

One should not use Stayman with 4333 hands as you have no ruffing values and even if there were a fit ,9 tricks in NT might be easier than ten in the Major fit..

INTERMEDIATES TIP 741

Basically, 1NT is 6-9 points balanced. However, if you are not strong enough to reply in a lower ranking suit it is best to reply 1NT with any horrid hand-that is why its known as the DUSTBIN BID

ADVANCED TIP 741

If neither you nor partner has bid during the auction and one of you suddenly doubles the final contract and you are on lead this says PLEASE LEAD DUMMY'S FIRST BID SUIT- its known as a LIGHTNER DOUBLE

NOVICES TIP 742

After partner leads, you, in 3^rd seat, NEED TO PLAY HIGH to try to win the trick and also to make declarer work hard for the current trick...

INTERMEDIATES TIP 742

When you are overcalling and are stuck for an overcall then DOUBLE is probably the answer in these 3 situations: -

a) 13+ and liking the other suits

b) 19+ and Balanced too strong for mere 1NT overcall

c) 16/17+ points and very powerful suit of your own

ADVANCED TIP 742

If somebody transfers and then bids the suit this now shows SIX since the initial transfer showed FIVE.

NOVICES TIP 743

If you double their 1NT it ALWAYS shows 1 more point than their Maximum so over weak No trump it shows 15 and over the 15-17 No trump it shows 18 or more

INTERMEDIATES TIP 743

Please practice Klingers’ exercise and stand in front of a mirror and go “I MUST PASS” so you can see what it looks

ADVANCED TIP 743

If you bid to 5♦ and you think you are going to get a bad board because all the other EWs will be in 3NT with overtricks you might as well take a chance and bid 6♦ JUST GO FOR IT

NOVICES TIP 744

With doubleton Spade and 3 hearts prefer to reply 2♥ when partner opens 1♥ rather than 1NT even though you do not have 4 card support as you have ruffing values in your Doubleton suit.

Even in Acol most hands that are opened 1♥ the opener will more often than not have 5 card suit

INTERMEDIATES TIP 744

It is occasionally OK to overcall 1NT with 4441 and singleton Ace if Double isn’t going to work out.

ADVANCED TIP 744

If you only have one suit with no outside values but a good 10 points- then either opens 2S or 3S and then partner will know that’s the suit that HAS TO BE TRUMPS.

NOVICES TIP 745

When defending please LOOK AT DUMMY (LAD) before playing your next card UGH

INTERMEDIATES TIP 745

A reverse is any second bid by opener that makes responder have to give preference at the 3 level so if the bidding goes

N S

1♦ 1♠

2♥ 2♥ is a reverse because if South prefers Diamonds he will now have to go back to 3♦, Therefore North should only bid like this with good 16+ points

ADVANCED TIP 745

Don't be timid when competing- if you want suit led then bid it

NOVICES TIP 746

If you ruff in long hand you do not get extra tricks

If you ruff in short hand (mainly dummy) then you do get extra tricks as you have not deplete your trump length in the long hand.

INTERMEDIATES TIP 746

Don't wait for Stayman to come to you CONSIDER IT AN OPTION EVERY TIME PARTNER OPENS 1NT. The same as you would always consider taking out an umbrella on a sunny day

ADVANCED TIP 746

If you open and they intervene and partner passes and you now DOUBLE this is a REOPENING DOUBLE saying FOR GOODNESS SAKE BID SOMETHING PARTNER- its not a penalty double

NOVICES TIP 747

Top of sequence overrides 4^th highest IN YOUR LONGEST SUIT if you are lucky enough to have a sequence in that suit.

INTERMEDIATES TIP 747

When you FOLLOW SUIT with sequential cards you now play your lowest of the sequence so partner can see that declarer had to use the Ace to beat your Ten and with KQJ10 now follow suit with the TEN

ADVANCED TIP 747

Once you make any limit bid and partner is in charge and you do not bid again in a competitive auction - partner might want to Double their contract

eg

N E S W

2♥ 2♠ 3♥ 3♠

? you are North JUST PASS however difficult it is for you L

NOVICES TIP 748

Once your partner has opened 1NT YOU ARE IN CHARGE as partner made the limit bid

INTERMEDIATES TIP 748

When you make a transfer bid you MUST know what your next bid will be

a) Will you bid 2NT and show balanced hand 11/12 points with the Major?

b) Will you bid 3NT and show balanced hand 11/12 points with the Major?

c) Will you Pass (weak take-out)?

d) Will you bid another suit?

e) Will you repeat suit to show SIX?

ADVANCED TIP 748

If partner transfers (promising 5 or more) you can break the transfer with 3 card support (to bring total to the Magic 8 card fit)

NOVICES TIP 749

If your partner opens 1♦ or 1♣ and you are balanced but have a FOUR CARD MAJOR reply 1 of a that Major. NEVER DENY A FOUR CARD Major when responding (at the 1 level)

INTERMEDIATES TIP 749

a) After partner makes an Informative Double you just bid your best suit t lowest level with 0-7 points.

b) If you have or more now jump in best suit.

ADVANCED TIP 749

You can bid quickly with good hands ONLY when you know where the hand is going- you have found your fit. If you are not sure bid slowly and if need be USE 4^th SUIT FORCING to find out more

NOVICES TIP 750

When the bidding goes 1♦ -2♦ reply from partner and you have good balanced 18 points just bid 3NT – we don’t like the Minors do we. Its easier to make 9 tricks than 11.

INTERMEDIATES TIP 750

If you have the choice between a limit bid and an unlimited THERE IS NO CHOICE you always make the LIMIT BID and then you have said it all on one go so with

ª ª

♠	A 7 6 playing weak NO Trump open 1NT straight away and do not fall in love with those Clubs ☺☺
♥	5 4 3
♦	7 6 5
♣	A K Q 7

ª

ADVANCED TIP 750

The only way to remember to use Stayman is to CONSIDER IT EVERY TIME partner OPENS 1NT or 2NT- then you do not need to remember it

NOVICES TIP 751

Partner opens 1NT (12-14) and you have 12 points you cannot go straight to 3NT. However you can reply 2NT INVITING partner to go onto 3NT with maximum hand or a good 13 count- maybe some tens or a five card suit

INTERMEDIATES TIP 751

90% of the time you lead from you longest suit always against a No trump contract as you want to build tricks in that suit however

a) With a sequence in the suit lead top card lead the Queen with QJ1065 SO PARTNER KNOWS when you lead Queen you have Jack Ten to follow

b) Without a sequence then lead 4^th one down so now with Q7643 play the 4

ADVANCED TIP 751

I think that most of the time in 3^rd seat Open 1♠ with a five card suit rather than 1NT as you no longer need a rebid opposite a deceased partner (oops sorry Passed Partner) ☻

NOVICES TIP 752

If your partner has overcalled during the auction remember to lead the suit partner Bid (ALPS-Always Lead Partner’s Suit). (Don't divorce the bidding from the card play)

INTERMEDIATES TIP 752

If you need to ruff twice in dummy then this is usually a clear indicator to delay drawing trumps

ADVANCED TIP 752

Partner opens the bidding and you have 8 playing tricks you probably need to be in a slam

NOVICES TIP 753

When you defend DON’T JUST CASH ACES- Aces are mean to beat declarer’s Kings and Queens

INTERMEDIATES TIP 753

If you have 2 doubleton Queens they are really worthless so do not apply rule of 20 under those circumstances

ADVANCED TIP 753

With 5422 with 5:4 in the Minors and 16-8 points and values in your two doubletons overcall 1NT rather than Double – we don’t like Minors

eg

♠ A Q here overcall 1NT when they open 1♥ or 1♠

♥ A K

♦ Q J 10 4 3

♣ J 7 5 4

eg

NOVICES TIP 754

1. Generally it is a good idea to Return your partner's suit if you obtain the lead, i.e. whatever he led initially- comeback the same suit especially if they have led a singleton then they want a ruff ARYPS Always Return your partner’s suit.

INTERMEDIATES TIP 754

You cover and honour with an Honour to try and promote something for your self or something possibly for partner - you put a King on their Queen hoping partner has the Jack or even the Ten if you do not have eiter of those cards. If you see the Ace in dummy DO NOT BE INTIMIDATED BY IT !!

ADVANCED TIP 754

Go through these finesse positions with the actual cards

AQ opposite 54 finesse once from the 54 side

AQJ opposite 543 finesse twice from the 543 side

K4 opposite 32 finesse once from the 32 side

KQ4 opposite 762 finesse twice from the 762 side

AQ10 opposite 543 finesse twice from the 543 side

Trying the Ten and hoping for 3 tricks

NOVICES TIP 755

When there is a choice between Opening 1 of a Suit and 1NT there is NO CHOICE you Open 1NT the LIMIT BID

             so with

♠

A Q J 6                open 1NT here (12-14points)

♥
K Q J 2

♦
5 4

♣
7 6 5

NB ALL REBID PROBLEMS OCCUR BECAUSE SOMEBODY FORGOT TO OPNE 1NT IN THE FIRST PLACE

INTERMEDIATES TIP 755

Not sure what to reply to partner's Opening bid after an intervening bid the NEGATIVE DOUBLE comes to the rescue most of the time

e.g.

♠	7 6 Partner opens 1♦ and next player overcall 1♠ so now you are a bit stuck your 6 points
♥	K 7 6 2 so just say Double - I have the ability to reply with my 6+ points and I also do
♦	A 5 4 have a four card Heart suit.
♣	7 6 5 2

ADVANCED TIP 755

Once you Open 1♥ or 1♠ and partner replies 2 of same suit and you have good 15+points and want to INVITE GAME then use a TRIAL BID and bid a suit where you need to help to make tht elusive 10th trick should the contract end up in 4♥ or 4♠

e.g.

ª ª

♠	A Q 7 6 5 after partner replies 2♠ to your 1♠ opener now make
♥	K 7 6 TRIAL BID of 3♣ or 3♥
♦	2
♣	A Q 5 4

ª

NOVICES TIP 756

When talking about hands USE THE CORRECT TERM - DO NOT use Opening all the time

SAY OPEN REPLY and OVERCALL

avoid using just the word Bid and then it will eventually all make more sense

INTERMEDIATES TIP 756

What makes a good 13 points when partner invites you to 3NT

Do you have 10s and 9s rather than 4s and 2sin your suits ? Upgrade and accept

Do you have good sequences in your suits such as KQJ9 Upgrade and accept

Do you have a 5 card suit? Upgrade and accept

Are you 4333 shape? No upgrade here so refuse

Everybody loves upgrades and prefers to turn left.

ADVANCED TIP 756

If you have made two strong bids already and partner keeps passing NOW PASS even with your 19 points. Partner cannot have anything e.g

♠	A K Q N E S W
♥	J 9 7 6 2 1♣ DBL 2♠ Pass
♦	A K Q Pass 3♥ 3♠ Pass
♣	7 6 Pass ???? NOW PASS partner can't have anything

(This hand comes from a game and my partner was East and Doubled and they made 9 tricks UGH)

ª

NOVICES TIP 757

Line your cards up the same as dummy and then you can always think in straight lines provided that dummy lays the cards down Red/Black/Red Black and when you adjust your cards in the closed hand do it surreptitiously or everybody (watching you UGH) will work out your shape.

INTERMEDIATES TIP 757

Once dummy comes down count dummy's points, your points and take the total away from 40 and now you can start to work out how many points the opponents have and if one of the opponent opened then you know that opponent has at least 13 and can start building up a picture of each of the opponent's hands.

ADVANCED TIP 757

If you have a very good hand and want to make overtures to a slam then make NO COST BIDS on the way to 4♠ or 4♥ by making a CUE BID on the way- its called a no cost cue bid because if partner is not interested you have not gone past 4♠ or 4♥ yet.

e.g

	WEST EAST
♠	A Q J 8 7 1♠ 3♠
♥	K Q 5 4 4♣
♦	5 4♣ is now a no cost cue bid
♣	A3 2

ª

NOVICES TIP 758

If Right Hand Opponent opens 1 of a suit and you are next player (the overcaller) and you have balanced 13/14 points then you PASS. There is no legitimate bid to make in this position. You are asking for trouble if you overcall!!

INTERMEDIATES TIP 758

If you have 19 points and you get a response from partner promising at least 6 points then it is ok to rebid 3NT since you have enough points between you to do so, assuming you are balanced.

ADVANCED TIP 758

Non Vulnerable versus Vulnerable go for that Save against their confidently bid 4♥ contract and bid 4♠ or even 5 of a Minor- going 3 down now is good bridge especially if they can easily make that 4♥ contract - Losing 500 is better than losing 620 isn't it?

NOVICES TIP 759

Once the auction is underway both opener and responder bid up the line if either has two four card suits when responding. This means they would bid the first suit available

ª

♠	K Q J 6	♠	A K Q 4
♥	J 6 5 4	♥	J 8 7 6
♦	8 7	♦	7
♣	9 5 4	♣	K Q 7 6
	Now reply 1♥ when partner opens 1♦		Having opened 1♣ (suit below singleton partner replies 1♦ now you rebid 1♥` - first available suit up the line

INTERMEDIATES TIP 759

Once you partner makes an Informative double you have to REACT

1. as follows:-

a) With 0-7 just bid your best suit.

b) With 8 or more make sure YOU JUMP in BEST SUIT.

ADVANCED TIP 759

1. The informative double comes in the following 3 sizes

a) 13+ points and liking the other three suits What is the common theme here??

b) 19+ and balanced too strong for 1NT overcall You are STUCK for any other possible Overcall

17+ and very strong one suited hand to strong for mere overcall in

NOVICES TIP 760

The reason 3^rd person (the defender) plays high is to make declarer work hard for the current trick- don't be a cheap skate and just play a low one

INTERMEDIATES TIP 760

Playing with a weak NT partner 12-14 With 4333 and 11 points Pass when partner opens 1NT as with balanced hands its hard to eke out a 9^th trick with such a balanced hand even though you might have 25 points between you.

Playing with a strong NT partner 15-17 With 4333 and 9 points Pass when partner opens 1NT as with balanced hands it's hard to eke out a 9^th trick with such a balanced hand even though you might have 25 points between you..

ADVANCED TIP 760

If you fancy your chances of a slam, make a cue bid or splinter on the way to 4♥ or 4♠ – it's a no cost bid as you have not gone past 4♥ or 4♠ if partner has not added to the conversation and you wll still be able to stop at one of those contracts..

NOVICES TIP 761

1. Its all well and good telling people to lead their longest suit. but by doing so it produces eventually TRICKS for the DEFENDERS.

INTERMEDIATES TIP 761

Do Not open weak 2♦ if you have an outside 4 card Major as you “might” be pre-empting your own partner instead of the opposition.

ADVANCED TIP 761

In 4th seat after there has been 2 Passes you can join in with 3 points less so if the bidding goes 1♦ Pass Pass now in 4^th seat you can double with 10+ instead of 13 + (some refer to this as being able to borrow a King)

NOVICES TIP 762

In a trump contract with A5 opposite 8432 (in a non-trump suit) when counting losers here you ONLY HAVE ONE because once the second round has gone you can trump, can’t you?

INTERMEDIATES TIP 762

In a No Trump contract do not play back the suit the opposition has led- play good suits for your side not for the opponents.

ADVANCED TIP 762

Be aware of the guidelines of RESTRICTED CHOICE when finessing.

If you have adjacent honours missing then the chances of them being one each in the opponents' hands are more likely than both being in same hand so with a situation like this

A10654

Jack falls

K873

After initially playing the king ready to play for the suit to break 2:2 when the Jack falls, now play low one ready to finesse that Queen

since the cards are now more likely to be like this

A10654

Q92 Jack

K873

rather than like this

A10654

92 QJ

K873

NOVICES TIP 763

You are defending a No Trump contract and partner leads the Queen promising J10 and you have AK7 then Ace it then play the King and then last one over to partner who must be the LONG HAND and now you will not block the suit

INTERMEDIATES TIP 763

When doing a transfer think in terms of what MESSAGES you WANT TO SEND

a) I am unbalanced and weak

b) I am balanced and want to show a 5 card Major on way to 2NT

c) I am balanced and want to show a 5 card Major on way to 3NT

ADVANCED TIP 763

In In a hopeless situation THINK "All the other NS's are in the same situation" so try going LESS OFF - going two down when all the other NS's are going three down will give you a top playing Match Point Pairs..

NOVICES TIP 764

When you are playing out a hand and all the remaining tricks are yours you should claim straight away and maybe say "I claim 3 trumps and 4 diamonds" and show everybody your hand as its intimidating against your opponents not to do declare when they are so "obviously" all yours BUT only do it if you understand.

(NB also you will get more hands played)

INTERMEDIATES TIP 764

If you have a long suit where all the low cards could become winners KEEP THEM and throw from other suits

ADVANCED TIP 764

Bridge is a competitive game and you really should not let the opponents play in comfortable 2 level contract.

NOVICES TIP 765

Use a HIGH CARD to GET RID of THEIR HIGH CARD.

so with QJ1054 opposite 632 use the Queen to get out their Ace and then the Jack to get out their King. If you do not do this they will win the first trick with the NINE- Don't be a cheap skate in situations like this

632

AK9 8 7

QJ1054

INTERMEDIATES TIP 765

Please reply in your four card Major and not 1NT with a weakish hand i.e. don't deny a four card Major

ADVANCED TIP 765

If after offering 2 suits, responder insists on her suit then she MUST HAVE SIX CARD SUIT, (by only bidding 2 of same suit) and you must now respectfully Pass 99% of the time. (you would need an exceptional hand to make another bid),

e. g.

West East

1♥ 1♠

2 ♦ 2♠

Now Pass

NOVICES TIP 766

With Ace opposite KQ5 play Ace EARLY before you have blocking problems later on in the play

INTERMEDIATES TIP 766

REVERSE is when you open the bidding and make your second bid and now your partner now has to give you preference at the three level- you would only do that with a good hand 15/16+ points

e.g. W E

1♦ 1♠

2♥ 2♥ is now a reverse because partner would hve to go to 3♦ if they prefer Diamonds

So with ♠ A2

♥ KJ76

♦ KQ1076

♣ 32

You will now have to rebid 2♦ if partner were to reply 1♠ as you are not strong enough to rebid 2♥ (the reverse)

ADVANCED TIP 766

If you pass initially and come back into the auction with double its still INFORMATIVE but "of course" now shows less points, probably 10/11

NOVICES TIP 767

When dummy comes down consider the following:-

a) Count winners

b) How many more tricks do I need to find,

c) Do I need to draw trumps and then set up my other long suit

d) Do I need to delay drawing trumps so I can ruff something in dummy, the short hand whilst there are still trump in the dummy.

INTERMEDIATES TIP 767

Sometimes you have to just “BID WHAT YOU THINK YOU CAN MAKE"

ADVANCED TIP 767

If you have 5332 hand with 14 points BUT really good 14, more like a 15 count Open the 5 card suit not 1NT- Use your judgement sometimes and not be a slave to points and rules

NOVICES TIP 768

Whatever the opponents lead if you win first trick with Ace and also have the King DON'T PLAY THAT SUIT BACK- keep the king as a controlling card in their suit especially in a No Trump contract

INTERMEDIATES TIP 768

2NT - 3C response should be Stayman in the same way that 1NT – 2C response is Stayman

ADVANCED TIP 768

If you have pushed the opponents to 3 level DO NOT DOUBLE them just in case it makes and you now give them a top.

NOVICES TIP 769

When the dummy comes down add dummy’s honour points to your honour points and take total from 40.

INTERMEDIATES TIP 769

Sometimes you just BID WHAT YOU THINK YOU CAN MAKE so it is perfectly “sensible” to overcall 4♠ after they open 1NT with :-

♠	K Q J 10 3 2
♥	-
♦	6 5
♣	A Q 8 7 3

ª

ADVANCED TIP 769

After partner opens 1♥ or any 1 bid and there is intervention now, when bidding same suit you can do so with less points eg

1♥ 1♠ overcall 2♥ reply is now 3-5 instead of 6-9

1♥ 1♠ overcall 3♥ reply is now 6-9 instead of 10-12

1♥ 1♠ overcall 2♠ reply, resort to Unassuming Cue Bid to now show 10-12

NOVICES TIP 770

With AKQ65 in a suit and very little elsewhere please overcall in that suit - don’t you want partner to lead that suit?

INTERMEDIATES TIP 770

Once you make a weak two opener this is a LIMIT BID and you only bid again if partner invites you to do so.ª

ADVANCED TIP 770

If there is a Minor suit fit do try and steer the contract towards 3NT.

NOVICES TIP 771

Get you long suits working and don't lie around just cashing Aces and Kings

INTERMEDIATES TIP 771

You may open 1NT with 5422 hands ONLY if your two doubletons are in the Majors.

ª

ADVANCED TIP 771

There are only 3 hand types for the informative Double :-

a) 13+ and liking the other 3 suits

b) 17/18 high card points and strong 6 card suit of your own

c) 19+ points balanced.

The common denominator in these 3 categories is that there is no overcall for these 3 hand types, hence you need the Double.

NOVICES TIP 772

DON'T DIVORCE the bidding from the card play- if somebody passed initially, when he might have replied, then if he leads an Ace you immediately know where all the remaining points are in the opponent's hand.

INTERMEDIATES TIP 772

Do not open 4♠ or any other pre-empt with a good hand (11+ points) or you may miss out if partner has reasonable values

ª

ADVANCED TIP 772

Elimination basically you do NOT TOUCH your problem suit and when you do finally lose the initiative, hopefully the opponent who then wins the trick will be endplayed and either open up your problem suit or give away a ruff and discard.

NOVICES TIP 773

Build tricks in another long suit, once you have drawn trumps

INTERMEDIATES TIP 773

You want to encourage with Q432 play that 4 and make sure partner is watching all the small cards and sees that declarer follows suit with maybe a 7 when its his turn

ª

ADVANCED TIP 773

If either you or partner make any sort of limit bid and the opponents now join in then DOUBLE is NOW for PENALTIES

NOVICES TIP 774

Limit replies as follows-

a) 1♥ – 2♥ = 6 – 9 and 4 card support

b) 1♥ –3♥ = 10–12 and 4 card support do remember to send correct message to partner

INTERMEDIATES TIP 774

In 3^rd seat if partner leads a card in this suit where you have K10954 and dummy has J2 and declarer plays low from dummy just play the 9 and see what declarer does - the guideline 3^rd hand plays high should really be third hand plays high enough

ª

ADVANCED TIP 774

If the opposition makes a Michaels Cue bid and you wish to show a GOOD RAISE then the way to make an unassuming cue bid is to now bid their known suit-

NOVICES TIP 775

Stop saying I've got especially after partner has opened or replied and start saying WE'VE GOT all the time

INTERMEDIATES TIP 775

If partner passed originally and you open in 3rd seat you no longer need to have a rebid ready as you know partner has less than opening bid values i.e. less than 13 points.

ª

ADVANCED TIP 775

If out of the blue your partner doubles the final contract and you are ON LEAD partner is asking you for an UNUSUAL LEAD and to normally lead the first suit that dummy mentioned during the auction.

NOVICES TIP 776

With 2 five timers please open the higher suit first in all situations, opening, replying and intervening and after rebidding second suit then rebid it again and now partner will know you are 5:5 or even 6:5 shape

INTERMEDIATES TIP 776

To support partner’s pre-empt you only need 2 card support and even 1 card support should be enough as long as you have TRICKS. 4 tricks and raise partner to Game.

ADVANCED TIP 776

If you are lucky enough to have two six card suits, do not pre-empt, but bid one suit then the other and then the second one again. Pre-empting with this sort of hand will upset partner more than the opposition and pre-empting should be about upsetting the opponents, not partner

NOVICES TIP 777

If the bidding goes 1NT - 2♥ reply this is weak take-out and the responder could have ZERO POINTS

and opener MUST NOT DARE BID AGAIN

♠	3 2
♥	9 8 7 5 4 3
♦	4 3 2
♣	5 4

ª

INTERMEDIATES TIP 777

Don't divorce the bidding from the card play

ADVANCED TIP 777

If your partner makes a 4^th suit forcing bid please tell them more about your shape. If you started with 6421 shape please now bid your first suit again confirming this shape.

NOVICES TIP 778

If anybody makes a limit bid, NOW PARTNER is in CHARGE and the limit bidder should not bid again unless invited or forced.

ª

INTERMEDIATES TIP 778

a) When Leading lead TOPS of SEQUENCES so with QJ10 lead the Queen

b) When following suit do the opposite. BOTTOM of TOUCHING CARDS so with QJ106 follow with the Ten

ADVANCED TIP 778

If the opposition opens 1NT and you in 4^th seat Double this, it is the same as doubling in 2^nd seat and says I have at least 15 points against weak No Trump opponents and it so for for PENALTIES.

NOVICES TIP 779

With K76 opposite 543 do remember to end up in correct hand to finesse. Lead low towards that King, the card you are trying to promote.

ª

INTERMEDIATES TIP 779

With KQ6543 don't just look at this suit and say you have only 6 points- look at it and say you potentially have 4/5 tricks.

ADVANCED TIP 779

L Light openers in 3^rd and 4^th seat-

a) in 3^rd seat as long as you have good five card suit go for it- if you end up defending partner will now know what to lead.

b) In 4^th seat unless you can control the spade suit don't open light otherwise you give opponents chance to compete when they didn't bid in first place.

NOVICES TIP 780

With 5 clubs and 5 Spade Open 1♣ if you want to show both suits. In fact when these two suits touch, clubs is the higher suit (of course not higher ranking just higher when they touch).

ª

INTERMEDIATES TIP 780

In 3^rd and 4^th seats you do not need to have a rebid ready as partner’s hand is now limited to no more than 11 points.

ADVANCED TIP 780

L

Once there is interference in your auction now all replies should be much weaker and if you have a good raise RESORT to UCB (unassuming Cue Bids) as follows:-

a) 1♥ 2♥ = 6-9

b) 1♥ 3♥ = 10-12 BUT and of course 4 card support

c) 1♥ 1♠ overcall 2♥ should now be 4-5

d) 1♥ 1♠ overcall 3♥ should now be 6-9

e) 1♥ 1♠ overcall 2♠ (UCB) should now be 10-12

NOVICES TIP 781

You draw trumps so none of your goodies in the other suits get trumped if you were to play them too early

ª

INTERMEDIATES TIP 781

When you have a minor suit fit try and steer the contract towards 3NT rather than 5♣, as its easier to make 9 tricks that 11

ADVANCED TIP 781

L

Once dummy comes down (or even before that) try and work out partner's hand from what you see in the dummy and from the earlier bidding.

For example if they get to 4♥ and you have 12 points partner will have almost nothing won't she?

NOVICES TIP 782

All actual bids fall into 3 categories as follows OPENING- RESPONDING and OVERCALLING and you should make every effort not to use the word bid but to

always use one of these 3 categories and everything will eventually make more sense.

ª

INTERMEDIATES TIP 782

If you need to trump in dummy to ruff your losers elsewhere then DON'T DRAW TRUMPS yet.

ADVANCED TIP 782

If you have a good hand and want to keep the auction going just bid a new suit- sometimes it might just be a 3 card suit but at least partner will not be able to Pass

NOVICES TIP 783

Stop trumping because it makes you feel good. However if you trump in the short hand, usually dummy then you will feel good.☺

ª

INTERMEDIATES TIP 783

When you pre-empt you expect to FAIL but stop opponents getting a good score so just go for it and be an unfriednly opponent.

ADVANCED TIP 783

The expression 65 come alive in fact will also apply to 6:4 hands when there is a known fit.

NOVICES TIP 784

When the bidding goes 1♥ (opener) - 1♠ (reply) and opener rebids 3♥ this now shows 6 card suit and 15/16 points- STRONG JUMP REBID.

ª

INTERMEDIATES TIP 784

If you want to keep auctions going USE 4^th SUIT FORCING.

ADVANCED TIP 784

If you are going to Open 1NT with 5422 shape then both your doubletons need to be in the Majors.

NOVICES TIP 785

Count both WINNERS and LOSERS on No Trump contract and suit contract..

.

INTERMEDIATES TIP 785

If you think you have miscounted trumps and you had a lot to start with then not a problem to draw one extra round – its called "drawing lurkers"

ADVANCED TIP 785

If there is only one trick to generate and there appears to be nowhere to get it from then dummy reversal is probably the answer.

NOVICES TIP 786

When finessing lead from the opposite hand towards the Card you are trying to promote so with

K6 opposite 32 you are trying to make one trick only,if the Ace is well placed for you as declarer.

Since the card you are trying to promote is the King make sure you play from the 32 side towards the K6

INTERMEDIATES TIP 786

Once your dummy comes down do a VISUALIZATION EXERCISE (every time) and try and figure out how the remaining cards will be distributed in your key suit.

So if you have 9 trumps between your hand and dummy realise that the remaining cards can be distributed 2:2 or3:1 or even 4:0

ADVANCED TIP 786

If you have Ace King doubleton and you would like to ruff on the third round when leading DO IT THE WRONG WAY ROUND i.e. lead the King first and suddenly play the Ace next and partner should realise you are trying to WAKE HIM UP and he will now give you a suit preference to tell you where his entry is

e.g you hold ♠AK partner holds ♠ 10 9 5 3 2

lead king then Ace ♥ 5 4 3 he should play ♠10 on second round to show his entry is in Diamonds

unexpectedly ♦ A 7 3

♣ 8 6 4

NOVICES TIP 787

Make a WISH –Win In Short Hand –

if you are already in the short hand make sure you play the high card(s) there so as not to get blocked.

if you are in the Long hand play a low card to the high card(s) in the short hand so as not to get blocked

INTERMEDIATES TIP 787

Don't suffer from singleton syndrome – If you have a singleton or void in a suit partner bids twice DON'T PANIC- Let her play in her six card suit especially if she is the weak responding hand.

ADVANCED TIP 787

If you already find a fit in the bidding, you can still use 4th Suit Forcing to get more information from partner

NOVICES TIP 788

When finessing play from the OPPOSITE HAND towards the card you are trying to promote

so with K7 opposite 32 start from the 2 side as its the King you are trying to promote

so with A43 opposite Q76 start from the 3 side as its the Queen you are trying to promote

INTERMEDIATES TIP 788

8 EVER 9 NEVER for finessing or not finessing their Queen

if you have AKJ7 opposite 10543 you have 8 cards therefore FINESSE EVERY TIME

BUT if you have AKJ7 opposite 105432 now you have 9 cards so play for the drop

(The way to remember it is that 8 and Ever both start with E and that 9 and Never both start with N)

ADVANCED TIP 788

The theory of restricted choice says that if an honour (or any card for that matters) appears from one of the defender's hands, it is now twice as likely that the touching honour is now in the other defender's hand

K762

West East

e. g, J appears ??? after Jack appears now East is more likely to have the Queen so a finesse is in order here.

A10943

NOVICES TIP 789

When you wish to upgrade a hand to accept 2NT invitation look to a 5 card suit, look to 10s and 9s

INTERMEDIATES TIP 789

You can very occasionally overcall with 4 card suit if you have three honours and want that suit led and it also meets the SQOT Test.

ADVANCED TIP 789

To Keep control of a hand often you need to get your second suit going first so that there are still trumps in both hands.

NOVICES TIP 790

1. Once partner (Opener) doubles (informative Double) then partner REACTS by

a) Bidding best (longest suit) with 0-7 points

b) Bids best suit with a JUMP with 8+ points

INTERMEDIATES TIP 790

You really should not do 2♣ Stayman with 4333 hands as as these hands have no ruffing values and even if partner does have a Fit in your 4 card Major it might be easier to make 9 tricks than 10.

ADVANCED TIP 790

If you want to show a good raise in partner's suit (10+ points and a fit) after intervention the bid the opponent- This is known as an UNASSUMING CUE BID (UCB) but a good way to remember it is BOSS Bid Opponents Suit Support

NOVICES TIP 791

When in a No Trump contract you, as declarer need to focus on your LONGEST SUIT between the two hands and build trciks in the suit- this is known as SUIT ESTABLISHMENT even if it means losing a trick or two so with

QJ1086 opposite 543 PLAY ON THIS Suit and get rid of opponents' Ace and King as soon as possible and hopefully you will eventually end up with 3 tricks once those two important cards have been played by the opposition.

INTERMEDIATES TIP 791

With strong use of Stayman, partner's looking for 4 card support from the 1NT opener in order to get to that 4:4 fit. If you have good hand and a 5 card suit then jump to 3♠ or 3♥ straight away as now you only need 3 card support don't you?

ADVANCED TIP 791

West East

With A 10 9 5 opposite Q 8 4 2 as you have such good back up cards ( Intermediates -10 9 and 8) play for split honours and finesse by playing the Queen from West first.- if last player, South, wins with the King now go back to East and run the 8 or finesse the Ten.

NOVICES TIP 792

2nd Hand plays low to make declarer guess wrong in situations like this

K J 8 7 play 5 and declarer is bound to try that Jack

(You) A 6 Q 5

10 9 4 3 2

INTERMEDIATES TIP 792

If you can finesse up to a K Q twice but only to the Jack in the other hand make sure you try and finesse up to the K Q twice in situations like this

K Q 8 7

A 2 10 9 6 5

J 4 3

If you do it the wrong way you might lose two tricks in this suit as the suit breaks badly i.e. 4:2

(Best to lay the cards out and try it for yourself)

ADVANCED TIP 792

When responding if there is an intervening bid by the opposition and you now freely bid your suit you will happen to have FIVE because you didn't use the negative Double when you could have done. Best to understand why rather than just learn you have to have five.

N E S W

1♣ 1♠ 2♦ now must be showing Five

NOVICES TIP 793

KQ opposite A732 play this suit very early before you get blocked later on in the hand (K Q first)

Similarly, AJ opposite KQ54 play this suit very early before you get blocked later on in the hand (A J first)

INTERMEDIATES TIP 793

Remember the bidding when defending and often you can work out what partner has ld from so

♥QJ109

♥2 is led ♥A8654 (you) Partner leads the 2 and you are defending their 4♠ contract you can work out that the 2 is a singleon

because declarer opned 1NT originally and ""must have" 3 card suit. If declarer obly had 2 then

partner would have led top of a Doubleton

ADVANCED TIP 793

With AQJ107 opposite a void THINK RUFFING FINESSE as you can not do a simple finesse.

Play Ace and then the queen and if no King pops up throw a loser from hand and hope second person had the King.

NOVICES TIP 794

When dummy comes down focus on your longest suit. especially in No Trump Contracts

INTERMEDIATES TIP 794

If there are 8 cards between the two hands, then realise the opponents have 5 and work ou the suit breaks (the distribution can be 5:0 or 4:1 BUT -3:2 most of the time.

ADVANCED TIP 794

Where possible, declarer should not play a true card when following suit from the closed hand

e.g you hold Q 7 3 in a suit an left hand opponent leads the Ace, obviously you are ot going to win but make sure you play the 7

Try and mix up the 2 defenders signals.

NOVICES TIP 795

To reply in a lower ranking suit at the two level USE RULE OF 14 whereby you ADD UP YOUR POINTS and your cards in your longest suit and if total is 14 or more you can now reply in that lower ranking suit. i.e. 8 points and a six card suit or 9 points and a 5 card suit or any 10 Honour point hand.

If nor do the DUSTBIN RESPONSE of 1NT

INTERMEDIATES TIP 795

The reason Opener needs a rebid ready is because partner, the responder, when replying could have anything from 6-18 points.

ADVANCED TIP 795

The NEGATIVE DOUBLE is a REPLY to 1 of a Suit and shows 6+ points and usually liking for the two unbid suits

NOVICES TIP 796

When defending a No Trump contract and partner leads top of sequence showing QJ10XX and you have AK6 make sure you play the ace then the king and back to partner so the suit doesn’t get blocked.

INTERMEDIATES TIP 796

If you are not sure which suit to keep when you are defending their contract the saying "Keep length with dummy or declarer" is very prevalent and it means you try and keep the same long suit in dummy (it might only be a 4 card suit but if you have 10654 or J654 your high card in this suit could become a winner if you keep all the cards in this suit. How do you know what declarer's long suit in the closed hand- watch what he plays and remember the bidding.

ADVANCED TIP 796

Playing weak No Trump (12-14) then Passing with 10 Honour Points when partner opens 1NT is GOOD BRIDGE

NOVICES TIP 797

Lead Ace from Ace King and if partner plays a high card such as a 7 or 8 or 9 this is ENCOURAGING and you should play a third round after the King- Maybe partner has the Queen OR can now ruff as partner only started with two.

INTERMEDIATES TIP 797

Whatever suit the opponents lead DO NOT play that suit back as its their good suit.

ADVANCED TIP 797

ANY BID after 1NT (12-14) by the overcaller shows 14 or less points – otherwise he would have doubled.

NOVICES TIP 798

Don't deny a four card suit when replying even if you have fit in the minor that has just been opened by dear partner..

INTERMEDIATES TIP 798

Requirements and recommendations with 4441 hands as follows :-

a) Bid the suit below the singleton

b) With a singleton Black suit open 1♥

c) Better still in your mind forecast what the unobliging partner will reply in and give them the platform to reply in that suit keeping the action under control

e.g. open 1♥ with singleton Spade and partner is bound to reply 1♠ and you can now rebid 2♣ without getting too high.

With singleton Heart the worst suit to open would be 1♠ as partner might reply 2♥ and now you get too high too quickly

ADVANCED TIP 798

Never worry about misfits when playing duplicate as all the other EWs or NSs will be in same dilemma - just try going less off.

NOVICES TIP 799

Declarer should not touch dummy's cards but call out what he wants - Because if he touches a card he will have to play it but he might actually be wanting a different card

INTERMEDIATES TIP 799

Once you open 1NT as you have made a limit bid PARTNER IS IN CHARGE.

ADVANCED TIP 799

If you as a defender see a singleton or doubleton in dummy and declarer is not drawing trumps then at every opportunity you get play a trump to stop declarer trumping in that short hand-

NOVICES TIP 800

With QJ985 or KQ1065 or J108743 as these are so close to being sequences lead the top card and the not 4th highest against a No Trump contract

(NB top of sequence in longest suit always overrides 4th highest in longest suit)

INTERMEDIATES TIP 800

With 10 5 opposite A K Q J 3 be aware that the TEN is the high card in the short hand and should be played first. If you are careless and this suit breaks 5:1 then one of the opponents will make his NINE

ADVANCED TIP 800

The Informative double comes in 3 guises as follows :-

a) 13+ points and liking the other three suits

b) 17/18 points and very good 6 card suit of your own

c) 19+ points and balanced too many for mere 1NT overcall.

Most of the time it is likely to be a) but you will be able to tell if its b) or C) by partner's next bid.

f-

NOVICES TIP 801

        Don’t lie about not working BUILD TRICKS so with QJ109 opposite 432 force out their AK and then you will have built two tricks- its called suit establishment

INTERMEDIATES TIP 801

Partner OPENS One No Trump and you are not happy with your 5431 shape then for goodness sake now bid you other suit and partner will know your first suit is at least 5 can can now belatedly support you with 3 if needs be,

ADVANCED TIP 801

1. 1♣ – 1NT response specifically shows 8-10 points and totally balanced hand with 4333 and 4 clubs.

f-

NOVICES TIP 802

Please count your winners before playing out the hand

If you do not have the Ace of a suit you cannot count any winners yet so if Hearts are trumps and you only have KQJ109 you have NO WINNERS YET but of course potentially 4 established winners once you dislodge the Ace form the opponent’s hand.

INTERMEDIATES TIP 802

Partner opens the bidding and you respond in a new suit and partner then rebids and you are not sure what to rebid, to keep the auction going then just bid in a new suit which by responder is now 100% forcing.

ADVANCED TIP 802

Sitting over dummy with Ace in this situation :--

DUMMY

K Q 10 6

YOU

A 8 7

When declarer plays low from hand towards the King play low and declarer will probably return to hand and finesse Left hand Opponent for the missing Ace and now you can take your Ace and maybe partner's Jack might be set up in situations like this

DUMMY

K Q 10 6

PARTNER YOU

J 9 5 A 8 7

DECLARER

4 3 2

NOVICES TIP 803

When you respond you can make an EXACT DESCRIPTION of your hand and in bridge we call that a LIMIT BID in terms of both POINTS & SHAPE

INTERMEDIATES TIP 803

A TENACE is a permutation of two cards that surround another card such as AQ surrounding the King or Q10 surrounding the Jack. –KEEP YOUR TENACES IN TACT for as long as possible, in case you need to take a finesse.

ADVANCED TIP 803

Any time the opponents bid in a sit where you have strength Just Pass and see what happens - let them get into trouble rather than you

NOVICES TIP 804

As soon as one can, declarer should claim. Its bad form to play of all the "obvious" winners as its intimidating towards your nice opponents.

INTERMEDIATES TIP 804

Every time you Open 3♠/3♥/3♦/3♣ this is a LIMIT BID and partner is NOW IN CHARGE as with all limit bids.

ADVANCED TIP 804

With AJ10 in closed hand and K9543 in open dummy when looking for the missing Queen play the Jack from the closed hand and most people will cover. If no cover go up with king and now finesse the other player for the missing Queen see Zia's Bols tip https://www.haroldschogger.com/ziamahmood.htm

NOVICES TIP 805

Please LAD LOOK AT DUMMY before playing to trick Two.

INTERMEDIATES TIP 805

When you reply to partner's Pre-empt if you have TRICKS then add your tricks to a possible 7 tricks from partner and you can decide where to place the final contract rather than just count Honour Points

ADVANCED TIP 805

Normally 1NT rebid is 15/16, 2NT is 17/18, and 3NT is 19/poor20.

However modern style and I recommend it is to play 1NT rebid as 15/18 2NT rebid 19/poor 20 and 3NTas source of tricks- maybe 6 card minor headed by AKQ and stoppers in the unbid suits.

NOVICES TIP 806

If you listen to the auction and can work out partner cannot have more than one or two points don't bother to lead a singleton as partner will be unable to give you a ruff as he will not have any entries. So try to make a positive lead from your side of the table instead

INTERMEDIATES TIP 806

If you are not sure what to play next – if dummy is on your right lead dummy's weak suit and if dummy is on you left maybe lead dummy's strong suit hoping partner might have AQ over dummy’s King. This is known as "Leading around to weakness and leading through Strength"

ADVANCED TIP 806

ALERTING PROCEDURE

Whenever partner makes a conventional bid YOU ALERT.

Whenever you make a conventional bid you do not wake partner up and you do NOT ALERT.

NOVICES TIP 807

Play one suit at a time then you can more easily keep track of what has gone.

INTERMEDIATES TIP 807

If the bidding stops in 3NT after 2NT opener and there is only 4/5 points in dummy, EACH DEFENDER can work out how many points partner has and should now play PASSIVELY not giving anything away to poor declarer.

ADVANCED TIP 807

You can bid light in 3^rd and 4^th seats because you no longer need a rebid.

NOVICES TIP 808

With A Q 10 9 opposite 5 4 3 needing all 4 tricks with plenty of entries in the other suits THINK DOUBLE FINESSE where you finesse 2 cards in a situation like this where you are in charge of the North South hands

North

A Q 10 9

West K J 8 6 7 2

5 4 3

South

Despite the 4:2 break as long as you play from the South side three times you can finesse West 3 teims and not lose a trick here. Best way to do this is lay out one suit and try it for yourseld

INTERMEDIATES TIP 808

If you and your partner have agreed to play Negative Doubles if there is intervention and partner still responds in a new suit then partner will have FIVE OR MORE since he didn't bother to use the negative double facility which would just show Four in situations like this

N E S W

1♣ 1♥ 1♠

Now 1♠ shows five and opener now knows he can support with three.

ADVANCED TIP 808

In 4th seat don't be in a hurry to always take your Ace in situations like this

North

K Q 10

West J 8 6 A 7 2 (YOU)

9 5 4 3

South

Declarer plays low from hand and finesses the King. If you now play low declarer will think partner has the Ace and will then go back to his hand and finesse again and now you Ace dummy's Queen and your partner's Jack is promoted.

If you take the Ace immediately declarer will now have no other option and will just go back to hand and now do a successful finesse of the remaining Q10 left in dummy.