Bridge Andrew Robson

Two changes to the rules of bridge were recently suggested, both doubtless too radical to be serious possibilities. The first is that overtricks should not score any extra points – a change that would have enormous strategical ramifications for Duplicate Bridge.

The second is even more interesting: that the opening lead by the defence should be made after the dummy is tabled. Arguing that it is illogical for just one defensive card to be played without sight of dummy, advocates of this hypothetical rule change will cite deals such as this month’s, in which a huge random swing resulted from the selection of opening lead. West’s choice of opening lead –♠ Q – was certainly reasonable. He was prepared to lose the first trick to ♠ K, in order to establish his remaining spades. Sadly later was too late. After winning ♠ K, declarer cashed five hearts and five diamonds: game made plus two.

Had West led his second-best suit, clubs, his side would have taken rather more tricks – nine more to be precise! East would win the ♣ 10 lead with ♣ A and his ♠ 8 return would see West take six spade tricks, before cashing ♣ K and leading ♣ 9 to East’s ♣ Q. East would cash ♣ 84 and declarer would have lost the first eleven tricks instead of winning them.

However it is the random element that is part of the lure of bridge – distinguishing it from chess for example. The world’s top players can be beaten by inexperienced players over a short period. Let the opening lead continue to be blind. ANDREW ROBSON