THE BRIDGE TABLE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19720, 20 August 1927, Page 5 (Supplement)

THE BRIDGE TABLE.

NO-TRUMP DOUBLES. El' MAJOR TENACE. Several examples of the reply of a player to an informatory suit double by his partner were given in the article published on August 6. The reply to a notrump double is easier because he has a free choice between all four suits for a take out; but even here some care is needed to arrive at the best bid between the hands, which is, of course, the main object of theso doubles. The thing to remember is that the double of a no-trump bid on the right means either that the bidder has anticipated second hand's bid or has placed him at a disadvantage to bid a suit. That is to say, the doublcr has either some such hand as the following : (1) Spades— (2) Spades— A, Q, 7 10, 9 Hearts — Hearts— K, Q, 8, 5 A, J, 10, 7 Diamonds — Diamonds— K, J, 10, 6 A, J, 9, 4 Clubs — Clubs—9, 4 K. Q, 9 upon which ho would have bid no trumps had the initial bid fallen to him; or one of the following types of hand which fall short of the eight probable tricks required to bid a suit over a no-trumper on the right:(3) Spades— (4) Spades— A, K, Q, 10, 7 K, 9 Hearts— Hearts— A, 5 A, Q, 9, 7 Diamonds— Diamonds— K, Q, 9, 4 A, K, Q, 9, 7, 5 Clubs— Clubs—9, 7 10

All these hands, in whatever other respects they differ, have this in common: that at least one major suit is strongly held. Partner, if he takes out to a suit, is instructed to bid his longest suit, subject to the following conditions and exceptions:— (1) To choose a four card major in preference to a four or even a five card minor; (2) with the choice between spades and hearts, both of equal length and strength, to choose spades; (3) to choose diamonds in preference to clubs unless the clubs are much longer or stronger. Bidding After the Double.

So far, so good; but this is not the ■whole of partners' duty. He must take his share in the subsequent bidding until he has shown the full strength of his hand. This should be obvious; but many players seem to think that, having taken out the double, fhey have done all that can be expected of them and leave the rest to their partner. Suppose that A has doubled Z's one no trump, and, Y passing, B has taken out to two spades on: Spades—lo, 9, 6, 4; hearts—J, 7, 5, 2; diamonds—Q, 7, 3; clubs—J, 2. If A subsequently passes it shows that spades suit his hand. If he bids two no trumps, then obviously he has a hand of the type of No. 2 above and spades is his weak suit. We have seen that, in order to double Z's initial one no trump, A must hold one strong major suit, and, as spades is not it, then hearts must be. Now, game is unlikely at no trumps with Z holding a no-trumper, A weak in spades and B having only four to the ten. B's duty, therefore, on the second round, is to bid three hearts. The same argument would have applied, and the same duty devolved upon B, had A denied the spades with a bid of three diai monds, showing a hand of the type of No. ! 4 above. Problems in Doubles. Following the method adopted preI viously, I shall give a few problems in I the reply to a no-trump double and the solutions arrived at by the same informal tribune that decided the problems of taking out a suit double. At score love-all, Z bids one no trump. A doubles, and Y passes. What should B say, holding:— (1) Spades—7, 5, 3 Hearts—Q, 10 Diamonds—A, 9, 7 Clubs—A, 10, 7, 5, 2? (2) Spades—J, 6. 3. 2 Hearts—Q, 10 Diamonds —A, 9 , Clubs—A, 10, 7, 5, 21 (3) Spades—J, 10, 7 Hearts—Q, 10, 9 Diamonds —A, 9 Clubs —A, K, Q, J, 5? (4) Spades—7, 5, 3 Hearts—9, 6, 2 Diamonds —K, Q, 10 Clubs—A, K, J, 10?

(5) Spades—9, 7, 4, 3 Hearts—s, 4 Diamonds—6, 5, 3 Clubs—B, 7, 5, 41

What should B say on each of the above hands after the same bidding, but at score game-all, love-all ?

Solutions

1. Two no trumps, whatever the score. 2. Two spades, whatever the score. 3 and 4. At love score, pass; at game-all, loveall, two no trumps. 5. Two clubs, whatever the score. The first hand is too strong for a club bid and too weak for a business pass. The second hand offers a choice between two no trumps, two spades, »and two clubs, and of these the major suit is likely to be the most profitable With the third and fourth hands, B is certain of getting two or three hundred in penalties if Z plays his no-trumper, and these are worth taking in the first game; but the chance of winning the rubber is too good to bo sacrificed and B should take it. The fifth hand is too hopelessly weak to bid spades and B should deny his partner's request for his best major A Point in Play. At love score, Z deals and bids one no trump, and all pass A leads the two of hearts. Spades—6, 2 Hearts —8, 6, 4 Diamonds —10. 8, 4 Clubs —A, K, J, 10, 6 Y A _L B' Z Spades —K, 9 Hearts—A, 5, 3 Diamonds —A, Q, J, 9, 5 Clubs —7, 5, 3 How should Z play the hand 1 The solution will be published next week.