Vil Gravis's blog

Two basic rules in bridge play are: “second hand low” and “third hand high” and they are certainly good as far as they go. However they should not be followed blindly, because such rules are there to help with decisions, not become automatic. Another ‘rule’ that is closely tied in with the ‘rules’ for second and third hand play is the Rule of 11, which I explained earlier. Now let us take a look at the problems posed previously, and look at how the “Rule of 11” can be instrumental in your decision of which card to play as second or third hand.

For the next few weeks, I would like to introduce something different. The topic I am about to cover may be relevant to actual X-Clubs deals, in which case I will, as usual, write them up from actual play.

For the rest of the time, as in this issue, I will discuss a bit of theory, on DEFENCE, for any readers who are keen to improve their defence. I will start this issue with some theoretical questions relating to defensive play, and it would be helpful if the readers would participate by giving me their input, with answers to me (Vil) at villyn@xtra.co.nz

[Editor's note - you better Listen Up! Vil is too modest to mention it but he and partner Lynne Bruce were top of 207 pairs in the Tuesday Night session and again top but of 410 pairs in the Friday Daytime in the week (09) just passed. Vil must know what he's talking about, wouldn't you think?]

Why I love Defence

Even the most boring hand can be made more interesting when you’re playing a match point game, because just one overtrick can make a big difference to your score. The results on this board at our club were identical, 3NT by East, jack of diamonds lead, making three, at every table but one, where the
declarer made an overtrick for 100% on the board.

Board 20 from Tuesday 7/02/23
Dealer West All Vul

	AKJ 9874 642 Q76
Q654 653 K83 AJ9		932 AKQJ AQ5 KT5
	T87 T2 JT97 8432

Freak deals can produce amazingly interesting and also educational results. Witness the following.

Board 2 from Friday 27/01/23
Dealer East NS Vul

	J52 J96 AKQT985
KT976 A762 8732		AQ83 KQ AKQT4 72
	4 JT98543 5 J643

Defending low level contracts is something few defenders seem to pay much attention to, despite the fact that there are many match points to be gained in these situations. 1NT is such a case in point, because usually the defenders will have as many, or even more, combined high card points, as declarer.

Defending low level contracts is not just a matter of taking what tricks you can and hoping declarer is not smart enough to take all that can come declarer’s way. An astute partnership on defence can create just as many, or more, tricks as declarer could given the same two hands. That is because the astute defenders can ‘see’ all four hands whereas declarer can see only two!

Board 2 from Tuesday 13/12/22
Dealer East NS Vul

	962 KJT KT54 953
Q84 AQ8 872 T762		K73 532 AJ3 AQJ4
	AJT5 9764 Q96 K8