BRIDGE NOTES

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21726, 7 March 1936, Page 9

BRIDGE NOTES

INTERCEPTION BIBS (ancuu* mum worn sa> ram.) [By WILLIAM SHACKLE.] How and when to put in a bid after an opening bid has been made by an opponent is sometimes a difficult question. A very great deal depends upon one’s partner; for unless he realises that a second bid may mean very little strength,' the risk that he might wrongly interpret the bid acts as a very; definite brake upon one’s initiative, Provided, however, partner is reliable, much good may result from intercepting a bid during the first round of the bidding; Such bids of necessity vary very considerably, but there are three primary ' reasons for them. First, they can be used to encourage an opponent to continue in the suit -first-named. Second, by giving an. impression, of strength to convey the idea to an opponent that it would be advisable to stop at a game bid, when without such interjection a slam would result, and third, to ensure that an opponent will not get away with a small penalty when, it so happens that your own' side could have made a useful partial score if you had been allowed to open the bidding. The following hand will serve to illustrate what is meant by an encouragement bid. A B vulnerable. No score in second game. B dealt:—

Suppose B opened with one spade, Z would be delighted and would naturally be anxious to see B play the hand in that suit. If, however, Z passed it seemed certain A would bid into either hearts or clubs, either of which suits would make Z’s hand practically valueless. By bidding, say, two diamonds, Z might encourage either opponent to bid further in spades, so the bidding might go thus (as it actually did in a certain club a little while ago): B Z A Y 1 Spade 2 Dia. 3 Dia. 4 Clubs 4 Spades No bid 5 Hearts 6 Dia. 6 Spades No bid No bid No bid Z had a sure double of six spades, but he realised that if he doubled A B would probably switch into seven hearts. With such a bid Z could only expect to defeat the contract by o.ve or two tricks, whereas in six spades he could reasonably expect to defeat the 'bid by at least three tricks. In addition by remaining quiet he would give nothing away to help B when he planned the best method of playing the h^nd. This 1 same hand was played at three other tables also, but was thrown in at two of them, while at the third the bidding went:— B Z A Y No bid 1 Spade 2 Hearts 3 Clubs 3Hearts, 4Dia. 4Hearts 5 Dia. Double No bid No bid No bid At this table A opened with King of hearts, with the result that the contract was defeated by one trick. Quite a big difference in the scores at these two tables was thus shown. >