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The Sneak Attack. It seems to happen quite often. The opposition bid 3NT, not with a balanced 17 count opposite a balanced 12 count with holds in every suit but “just in case it makes”! Or, alternatively, because they were asked by... read more here

Opposite Approaches. Game values? If you have them, and you have a 4-4 major fit, then it seems a good idea to play in 4 of that major. Normally. With less than game values, it can also be correct to seek out a major fit, too. One hand below took... read more here

With so many now using BBO, some are wanting tips or to learn more about what BBO can do.  Attached is an indexed set of instructions that we hope will help.  In this document, if you click on the page number for the topic you want to... read more here

unusual events. Yes, They Happened! So, as promised, a change for today as we look at a few of the zanier things that have occurred at the bridge table in this country. They are all from about 20-30 years ago. No-one does anything as silly as... read more here

Proving North Wrong. One mark of a good partnership is that when one player takes a rather unusual action which backfires, that their partner is, at least outwardly, very understanding. The “sinner” feels bad enough in recording a... read more here

The Easy Way, The Obscure Way or One Down. I have mentioned more than once that even playing Pairs, there is a lot of good sense in taking a line to ensure your contract and worry about possible overtricks later. They are certainly worth having,... read more here

            COUNTING TO NINE. It’s is nice and straightforward when, in 3NT, you have six tricks in one suit, two in another and one in the suit they led. No degree in mathematics... read more here

Tactics… We left you with two seemingly unconnected problems yesterday, one in the bidding and the other in the play. What was supposed to connect them was a difference in approach playing Pairs as opposed to Teams. However, the reality of... read more here

Creating an Illusion. When you are playing Teams, you do want to beat any contract of the opponents. You do not want them scoring an overtrick or three either if they are at a sensible level. A couple of imps in the out column would be annoying... read more here

                                     “To bid or not to bid.... read more here

THE GUIDE. While beating a contract by two tricks is a nice result, beating that same contract by one trick is better than not beating it all! That was not the initial problem given yesterday. On the assumption, though, you found the right lead,... read more here

Full Steam Ahead…if you Reverse! The concept of reversing at the table is one many players do not seem to understand. If they do, they do not seem to put it into practice. A reverse is the second suit bid by opener, a higher- ranking suit... read more here

ALTERNATIVE EVIDENCE. Opening Leads can be somewhat “hit and miss”, sometimes a lucky “hit”, often a big “miss”! That is, of course, an exaggeration. The recommended leads for any one situation do work more... read more here

Keeping Control. It is very frustrating for a declarer to run out of the one thing that they hope to have plenty of…trumps! Some contracts are blown away because a declarer has none left, or less than an opponent. Were we to look at this... read more here

BEAUTY WHERE YOU LEAST EXPECT IT. You have only a 12 count. You opened the bidding and partner responds with a change of suit in which you have a doubleton.. You have a decent looking 6 card suit, indeed one which will often play for just one... read more here

Supporting Role to the Star. Yours is not the star role today. You cannot perform a brilliancy on every board. (Did I hear you say that one every 1,000 would be nice! If so, do not be so negative.) However, you did have a supporting role to play.... read more here