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Duplicate Bridge results and tips: Useful conventions worth learning, part 122

By Peter Rhead

Examples of when to use the LAW of Total Tricks

Last week we introduced the LAW of Total Tricks. This week we have examples of hands where you consider whether or not to use the LAW in your responses below.

Case 1:

Spades Axxxx

Hearts J

Diamonds xxx

Clubs xxxx

Case 1: Your partner opens One Spade. You jump to Four Spades immediately. This jump tells partner that you are weak but you have good Spade support. This is similar to a preemptive bid. You know that your partnership has ten trump.

Case 2:

Spades Axxxx

Hearts A

Diamonds KQJx

Clubs KJx

Case 2: Again partner opens One Spade. This time you are too strong to preempt Four Spades. You might miss slam! So you bid Two Diamonds which is forcing to keep the bidding going. You will go on to bid the Spade game if partner does not show a strong hand for his opening. Otherwise if partner does show a stronger hand, you will take the partnership to slam.

Case 3:

Spades xxxx

Hearts A

Diamonds xx

Clubs QJxxxx

Case 3: Partner opens One Club. According to the LAW, with this hand you preempt Three Clubs showing partner you have a weak hand with six Clubs. Remember, partner may have as few as two Clubs for his One Club opening. Partner will now know where to set the contract.

For more information, read To Bid or Not to Bid (The LAW of Total Tricks) by Larry Cohen

Next Week: More Examples when you and your partner could use the LAW.

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.

Looking for more bridge tips? You’ll find them here.

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