BRIDGE MASTERCLASS

I part writer’s souths out. topic opponents; you It’s Pre-emptive saw very have I of than think this in only important a a a double- weak his Pairs hand this they comment subsequent bids would hand event also in for dummy are another a with alert on have opened partnership used the analysis at play partner been bridge least bidding primarily 3 ♠ problem. a which a of more to to column, seven-card play! was agree the to was interesting that fact obstruct The just passed as most suit. that how ‘strong’ the when number The responding strength to of this raise factors; weakness to of partner game, your your pre-empts position is if will he going have has at to a difficulty is the goodish be, determined table, for otherwise, in hand. the judging state by a of even the vulnerability, rule your of opponents. 300 and your 500, agreed The signifying general style that principle with you partner, should is to and use not be vulnerable more than respectively. two down doubled, This assumes non-vulnerable that and the opponents is therefore are worthwhile. going to make game, and your sacrifice

south is in the ideal position for his pre-empt — dealer, with maximum strength and non-vulnerable, against vulnerable opponents. In Pairs competition, it would certainly be worth considering a pre-empt of 4 ♠ , instead of 3 ♠ ; if partner has the right values, you’ll make game. If the opponents have the points, you’ve made it that much more difficult for them to find their best contract. sacrificing against a game in this situation you can actually afford to go three down doubled, and still gain.