ACES ON BRIDGE
DEAR MR. WOLFF: I have come up against some people using “third and low” leads. What are they, and does the rule of 11 apply against them?
— At the Crossroads, Elmira, N.Y.
DEAR READER: These are count-based leads, which neither show nor deny strength. Their proponents lead top of two cards, third-highest from a greater even number and lowest from an odd number. So the appropriate rules are the rule of 10 if the lead is third-highest, or the rule of 12 if lowest from odd. You will not always be able to tell which, but there will normally be clues from the auction.
DEAR MR. WOLFF: Holding ; A-8-7-5-2, k K-73, l 5-3, ' 10-9-2, would you raise partner’s one-heart opening or introduce the spades? Does the answer depend on your basic system?
— Go It Alone, Willoughby, Ohio
DEAR READER: It is rarely wrong to support partner. The problem with responding one spade is that you will have to give a simple preference to two hearts over partner’s two-level rebid, which in no way represents the nature of your hand. Instead of having three-card support with two working control cards, you could have a doubleton with lots of soft values (queens and jacks). With ace-queen-fifth of spades and three small hearts, the decision would be far tougher.
DEAR MR. WOLFF: I held this hand at the club: ; K-8, k Q-J-7-2, l 10-7, ' A-10-9-6-3. The player to my right opened a weak two spades, passed around to my partner, who balanced with three diamonds. Would you act?
— Protectorate, Macon, Ga. DEAR READER: It could be right to pass with no great fit in partner’s suit, but that would be very pessimistic. Sign me up for a practical three no-trump.
DEAR MR. WOLFF: I am an inexperienced player and am contemplating entering one of the regional events in my area. Is it worth doing so?
— Enter the Fray, Kansas City, Mo.
DEAR READER: I’m assuming you play at a club and are looking for tougher competition (or a chance to earn masterpoints). Regionals are excellent bridge events, but it might be better to start with a sectional. The standard is slightly lower, but the bridge no less competitive and fun.
With all bridge events currently in abeyance for social distancing reasons, you can still support your club and the ACBL. Play online at www.bridgebase.com and find the game organized by your club. The entry fee with help keep them going.
DEAR MR. WOLFF: Say you pick up ; A-9, k K-Q10-8, l J-9-7-2, ' A-K-5. Your right-hand opponent opens four hearts. Would you double?
— Guillotine Gary, Indianapolis
DEAR READER:
High-level doubles are generally card-showing, not strictly takeout or strictly penalty, but it can depend on vulnerability. Whatever the situation, when you double a heart pre-empt, you should be willing for partner to bid spades. That is not the case here. I am afraid you just have to pass, letting them off the hook.