BRIDGE MASTERCLASS

i HaVE been accused of neglecting the Strong no Trump in my column — and i must plead guilty. The main, and perhaps only, purpose of playing a Strong nT is to reduce the likelihood of conceding a heavy penalty from being doubled.

if you were playing rubber bridge for high stakes, a hefty penalty from one hand would be very costly, so it is sensible to have a nT range as high as 16 to 18 points.

Similarly, in teams play, when the opposing pair is playing strong, it is a good idea to do likewise, thus reducing the risk of an adverse swing.

The bridge public overwhelmingly plays rubber for low stakes, or no stakes at all, so there is no significant risk to the pocket; or duplicate, where the risk averages out across the field.

However, 1nT is an extremely useful bid — one that i want to make as often as the hand permits. and by reducing the points requirement to 12 to 14, we greatly increase the frequency of getting nT-type hands.

There are several merits of the 1nT opening bid. it is obstructive and prevents opponents from intervening at the one-level. it is a limit bid, which does not require you to bid again, unless forced. Partner does not need to bid in response on less than 11HCPs.

When doubled by lHo, 1nT is one of the most exciting contracts in bridge. The doubler has the problem of finding the killing lead which, unless he has a long, solid suit, enables declarer to scramble seven tricks. Even when the contract is defeated, the penalty may be a good sacrifice against a makeable game by the opponents.