Vil Gravis's blog

X-Clubs 56

The bidding on board 10 would almost certainly lead to East playing in 3NT after either a transfer sequence when East opens 1NT, or another invitational sequence where West shows an 11 or 12 point hand with five spades. Take a look at just the South hand and decide what you would lead.

Board 10 from Monday 13/03/23
Dealer East All Vul

T543
K865
54
642
AQ862
T92
Q93
KJ
K9
J43
A876
AQT7
J7
AQ7
KJT2
9853

X-Clubs 55

Declarer play is much easier if you follow the basic rules of counting the points, taking finesses where needed, and keeping a close eye on all the cards. And, of course, use all the cards to develop as many tricks as you can. A bit of understanding of your opponents also helps. This deal should have produced 11 tricks in No Trumps for every East irrespective of the bidding or the defence.

Board 7 from Wednesday 8/03/23
Dealer South All Vul

QT6542
93
A5
Q65
J97
84
K9763
K73
AK3
AKQ7
842
AJ2
8
JT652
QJT
T984

X-Clubs 53

This will be the final article dealing with the “Rule of 11”.

X-Clubs 52

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.

X-Clubs 51

What is one of the first things your bridge teacher taught you about opening leads?

X-Clubs 50

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

X-Clubs 48

When partner opens the bidding with 1S and a vulnerable right hand opponent leaps to 4H, do you, as North, lick your lips and double for penalties or do you think you have a better option? Those who doubled scored +800 which in the greater scheme of things scored well enough, but surely bidding a slam must score better, given North’s hand. Just take a look at today’s deal.

Board 22 from Tuesday 14/02/23
Dealer East EW Vul

J7
AK8
AQ86
AK64
4
QJT975432
J
T5
86532
T974
QJ32
AKQT9
6
K532
987

X-Clubs 47

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

X-Clubs 46

Board 9 from Monday 30/1/23 online with Real Bridge
Dealer North EW Vul

Q9
AQJ4
82
A8742
K72
T9752
J973
9
AT863
86
AT5
T63
J54
K3
KQ64
KQJ5

X-Clubs 45

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

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