By Val Rhead
DON’T BE RELUCTANT TO RESPOND TO NO TRUMP WITH ONLY ONE POINT — IF YOU HAVE A FIVE-CARD MAJOR SUIT
Sally wailed, “But I had Only One Point! I couldn’t do anything.” We had just gone down badly in a One-No-Trump bid. I had opened One No Trump and she passed with her one point.
However, she had FIVE Spades. The five-card suit didn’t contain any honours, but there were five of them. Sally would know that I have at least two Spades for my One No Trump opening. (Or possibly since the latest ruling from ACBL, a singleton Ace, King or Queen of Spades.) We would likely have a minimum of a seven-card fit or better in Spades between us. We might not have made the contract but we would have done better by playing in Spades. How, playing in No Trump, could I ever get to the board to finesse the two Ace-Queen combinations I had in my hand?
So what Sally should have done was bid the transfer, Two Hearts. I would complete the transfer, Two Spades. Then Sally would pass the Two Spades and that is where we would play. If the opponents had decided to intervene, we would happily have let them play their contract. Otherwise, we would be in our best spot of Two Spades.
The same philosophy applies if you have a weak hand with a long minor suit opposite your partner’s One No Trump bid. You can transfer to Three Clubs by bidding Two Spades, or transfer to Three Diamonds by bidding Three Clubs. (Some pairs may use a different system.) But do you want to do this when your partnership will be playing with your weak hand at the three level? As Bridge expert, Larry Cohen, points out in his column on Page 49 of the March 28, 2018 issue of the Bridge Bulletin (ACBL.org), it’s not advisable, unless your minor suit is long enough, that you would want it to be trump. In other words, if your minor is six cards long, forget it. If it is seven or eight cards long, a transfer to the minor might make sense.
Remember the old adage, it is better to find reasons to bid rather than excuses to pass. This applies even when you have only one point and your partner has opened One No Trump.
If you wish to promote an activity in your bridge group or ask a bridge question, send the information to [email protected] and I will try to include it in this column.
IMPORTANT NOTICE – BRIDGE LESSONS – SAVE THE DATES STARTING APRIL 9
Tips on Bidding and Playing To Bring Success At The Table
These lessons by Marilyn Kalbfleisch of Orillia will be for all interested players who have some knowledge of the game. Both men and women are welcome, so bring your Bridge playing spouse as well as all your Bridge partners. No partner is required for the lessons; singles will be accommodated.
Lessons will start on Monday, April 9 and will run Mondays for 6 weeks. They will take place from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon at the Royal Canadian Legion 168 Muskoka Rd, in Bracebridge (Just South of the OPP Station, off Cedar Lane). The price is $75 for all six weeks, or $15 for single lessons by cash or cheque (payable to “Nancy Barber” at the first lesson). Contact Nancy Barber – [email protected] or at 705 375 3620. Attendance must be confirmed in advance of the first lesson.
HUNTSVILLE DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB
Games at the Huntsville Club are Tuesday 1pm start for the Winter Season, Trinity United Church 33 Main Street in the Hearth Room. Please arrive 15 minutes before game time. For partners and information call Liz Graham (705) 789-7187
The following winners are for Tuesday, Mar 6 with 9 pairs playing a Howell movement. 1. Jim Smith and Ralph Mitchell; 2. Joanne Garvey and Betty Rintoul; 3. Betty Fagin and Liz Graham; 4. Val Rhead and Gail Lederer; 5/6. Susan Marshall and Jan Roberts; 5/6. Vern Foell and Rod Dixon
MUSKOKA DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB (Bracebridge)
Games for the Bracebridge Club are Mondays 7pm, Knox Presbyterian Church, 120 Taylor Road. Please arrive 15 minutes before game time. For information or partnerships, call Brian at 705-645-5340 [email protected].
The following winners are from Monday, Mar 5 with 12 pairs playing a Howell movement. 1. Mary Luke and Donna McIntosh; 2. Gail Lederer and Don Evans; 3. Betty Rintoul and Gerry Flaherty; 4. Kel Andresen and Jim Smith; 5. Betty Fagin and Brian Brocklehurst; 6. Liz Barnes and David Bryce
Looking for more bridge tips? You’ll find them here.
Don’t miss out on Doppler! Sign up for our free newsletter here.
0 Comments