By Peter Rhead
THE RULE OF 20
Bridge is a bidder’s game. You have to get your bid in when you have the opportunity. The “Rule of 20” will help you decide whether or not to take advantage of the opportunity to open the bidding. You use it when you have a marginal hand in first or second seat.
Whereas some players are rigid about wanting 13 points for an opening, other players look for a reason to open the bidding rather than an excuse to PASS.
To use “The Rule of 20”, count the number of high-card points (HCP) plus the length of your two longest suits. If the total is 20, you could open the bidding. Consider a hand in which you have ten HCP. Normally you would PASS. However, long suits are an important part of bidding. If you also have two five-card suits, your hand becomes much more valuable and by “The Rule of 20” you could make an opening bid. If your total is only 19, just PASS.
“The Rule of 20” has two uses to some players. It provides both a guideline to opening and also a defensive bid to interfere with the opposition getting the correct contract. Defensively, it makes the opponents’ bidding more difficult. Also, if the opponents do get the contract, your partner knows what to lead.
Read more about “The Rule of 20” in Audrey Grant’s Better Bridge – Opening The Bidding, page 6.
Next week we will look at opening in third and fourth seat opening after two or three Passes. “The Rule of 15” is different!
If you wish to promote an activity in your Bridge group or ask a Bridge question, send the information to vrhead23@gmail.com and I will try to include it in this column.
PORT CARLING UNITED CHURCH WOMEN FUNDRAISER
LUNCH, BRIDGE AND EUCHRE PARTY, ALL WELCOME
12 NOON FOR LUNCH Friday, Sept 20, 2019 $20 per person
Port Carling Community Centre (lower level) Check-In 11:30
A great opportunity to enjoy companionship while supporting a cause. Arrange your foursome and bring necessary supplies for your table. Please pre-register by Sept 18 by calling Kathy Haller, 705-375-0914.
TOURNAMENT TRAIL: Gold and Red Masterpoints, Orillia Regional
Sept 17-22, 2019 Barnfield Point Recreation Centre
500 Atherley Road, Orillia
For details follow this link: https://tournaments.acbl.org/schedule.php?sanction=1909088
SOCIAL BRIDGE GAME IN HUNTSVILLE
SUMMIT CENTRE FOR ACTIVE LIVING, THURSDAYS 7PM
In the multi-purpose room 2nd floor (elevator) (back entrance of Summit Centre). Just come – with or without a partner. Please arrive 10 minutes before game time. For information, contact Donna or Peter Tikuisis at 647 471 1774 or [email protected].
This game will be played following Chicago Rules (allowing both fast and slow games). You will keep your same partner for the entire evening. Cost is $1.50 per person. Parking is outside the North Entrance opposite Heritage Village Railway Station.
PORT CARLING SOCIAL BRIDGE CLUB
Games for the Port Carling Social Bridge Club are Monday evening 7pm at the Port Carling Community Centre, 3 Bailey Street. Please arrive with your partner at least 10 minutes before game time.
NOTE: For the Winter, the game switches to 1pm starting Oct 21. There is no game Oct 14, Thanksgiving. There is a special lunch and game Oct 7 at noon.
For information, contact Andree or Scott 705-764-3827 [email protected]
Results for Monday, September 9, 2019; 1. Irene Bond & Dorothy Beckman 4,930 points; 2. Joanne Bain & Shirley B. 3,870 points; 3. Hans & Jeanette Heeneman; 3,550 points
HUNTSVILLE DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB
Games are Tuesday 7pm Trinity United Church 33 Main Street. Please arrive with your partner at least 10 minutes before game time. For partners and information call Jan Roberts 705 635-2522 or email [email protected]
The following winners are for Tuesday, Sep 10, 2019 with 12 pairs playing a Mitchell Movement North-South 1. Betty Fagin and Brian Brocklehurst; 2. Gerry VanLierop and Ron Groulx; 3. Vern Foell and Rod Dixon; 4. Joanne Garvey and Kel Andresen; East-West 1. Liz Barnes and David Bryce; 2. Jinty Stewart and Jim Smith; 3. Liz Graham and Dorothy Russell; 4. Barb Golding and Doug Golding
MUSKOKA DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB (Bracebridge)
Games for the Bracebridge Club are Mondays 7pm, Knox Presbyterian Church, 120 Taylor Road. Please arrive with your partner 10 minutes before game time.
The following winners are from Monday, Sep 9, 2019 with 15 pairs playing a Howell movement. 1. Gail Lederer and Donna McIntosh; 2. Betty Fagin and Brian Brocklehurst; 3. Kathy Kent and David Kent; 4. Joanne Garvey and Jim Smith; 5. Gwen Jocelyn and Joan Gibson; 6. Art Insley and Don Evans; 7. Barb Golding and Doug Golding; 8. Yvonne Cox and Helen Pearson
Looking for more bridge tips? You’ll find them here.
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