Advanced Bridge; The Higher Principles Of The Game Analysed And Explained - free ebook by J. B. (Joseph Bowne) Elwell

Read as playlist

Advanced Bridge; The Higher Principles Of The Game Analysed And Explained

J. B. (Joseph Bowne) Elwell

125 chapters

4 hour read

Read as playlist

Selected Chapters

125 chapters

ADVANCED BRIDGE

ADVANCED BRIDGE

MR. ELWELL’S BOOKS ——— ADVANCED BRIDGE: The Higher Principles of the Game Analysed and Explained, and their Application Illustrated, by Hands taken from Actual Play. $1.50, net. Postage, 8 cents. BRIDGE: Its Principles and Rules of Play. $1.25, net. THE ANALYSIS AND COMPLETE PLAY OF THE BRIDGE TOURNAMENT HANDS. 60 cents, net. Postage, 5 cents. ADVANCED BRIDGE THE HIGHER PRINCIPLES OF THE GAME ANALYSED AND EXPLAINED, AND THEIR APPLICATION ILLUSTRATED, BY HANDS TAKEN FROM ACTUAL PLAY BY J. B. ELWE

49 minute read

Read Chapter

PREFACE

PREFACE

In the study of any game, the foundation of success must be a thorough acquaintance with the principles of play. This once attained, future progress becomes easy and rapid. Many writers on Bridge have left much of the play to the individual judgment and knowledge of the player, and in most works on this subject, illustrations of the fundamental principles are largely wanting. The present work is an attempt to supply these deficiencies; this volume is intended to aid the Bridge student in acquiri

1 minute read

Read Chapter

THE RUBBER

THE RUBBER

1. The partners first winning two games win the rubber. If the first two games be won by the same partners, the third game is not played....

8 minute read

Read Chapter

SCORING

SCORING

2. A game consists of thirty points obtained by tricks alone, exclusive of any points counted for honours, chicane or slam. 3. Every hand is played out, and any points in excess of thirty points necessary for the game are counted. 4. Each trick above six counts two points when spades are trumps, four points when clubs are trumps, six points when diamonds are trumps, eight points when hearts are trumps, and twelve points when there are no trumps. 5. Honours are ace, king, queen, knave and ten of

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CUTTING

CUTTING

14. The ace is the lowest card. 15. In all cases every player must cut from the same pack. 16. Should a player expose more than one card, he must cut again....

9 minute read

Read Chapter

FORMING TABLES

FORMING TABLES

17. The prior right of playing is with those first in the room. If there are more than four candidates for seats at a table, the privilege of playing is decided by cutting. The four who cut the lowest cards play first. 18. After the table is formed, the players cut to decide on partners; the two lowest play against the two highest. The lowest is the dealer, who has choice of cards and seats, and who, having once made his selection, must abide by it. 19. Should the two players who cut lowest, sec

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CUTTING OUT

CUTTING OUT

23. If at the end of a rubber, should admission be claimed by one or two candidates, the player or players having played a greater number of consecutive rubbers shall withdraw; but when all have played the same number, they must cut to decide upon the outgoers; the highest are out....

15 minute read

Read Chapter

RIGHTS OF ENTRY

RIGHTS OF ENTRY

24. A candidate desiring to enter a table must declare such wish before any player at the table cuts a card, either for the purpose of beginning a new rubber or of cutting out. 25. In the formation of new tables, those candidates who have neither belonged to nor played at any other table have the prior right of entry. Those who have already played decide their right of admission by cutting. 26. A player who cuts into one table while belonging to another, shall forfeit his prior right of re-entry

57 minute read

Read Chapter

SHUFFLING

SHUFFLING

29. The pack must neither be shuffled below the table nor so the face of any card be seen. 30. The dealer’s partner must collect the cards for the ensuing deal and he has the first right to shuffle the cards. Each player has the right to shuffle subsequently. The dealer has the right to shuffle last, but should a card or cards be seen during his shuffling, or whilst giving the pack to be cut, he must re-shuffle. 31. Each player, after shuffling, must place the cards properly collected and face d

28 minute read

Read Chapter

THE DEAL

THE DEAL

32. Each player deals in his turn; the order of dealing goes to the left. 33. The player on the dealer’s right cuts the pack, and in dividing it he must not leave fewer than four cards in either packet; if in cutting or in replacing one of the two packets a card be exposed, or if there be any confusion of the cards or a doubt as to the exact place in which the pack was divided, there must be a fresh cut. 34. When the player whose duty it is to cut has once separated the pack he can neither re-sh

44 minute read

Read Chapter

A NEW DEAL

A NEW DEAL

38. There must be a new deal— a If the cards be not dealt into four packets, one at a time, and in regular rotation, beginning at the dealer’s left. b If, during a deal, or during the play of a hand, the pack be proven incorrect or imperfect. c If any card be faced in the pack. d If any player have dealt to him a greater number of cards than thirteen. e If the dealer deal two cards at once and then deal a third before correcting the error. f If the dealer omit to have the pack cut and the

2 minute read

Read Chapter

DECLARING TRUMPS

DECLARING TRUMPS

45. The trump is declared. No card is turned. a The dealer may either make the trump or pass the declaration to his partner. b If the declaration be passed to partner, he must make the trump. 46. Should the dealer’s partner make the trump without receiving permission from the dealer, the eldest hand may demand, 1st. That the trump shall stand, or 2d. That there shall be a new deal. But if any declaration as to doubling, or not doubling, shall have been made, or if a new deal be not claimed,

57 minute read

Read Chapter

DOUBLING, REDOUBLING, ETC.

DOUBLING, REDOUBLING, ETC.

50. The effect of doubling, re-doubling, and so on, is that the value of each trick above six is doubled, quadrupled, and so on. 51. After the trump declaration has been made by the dealer or his partner, their adversaries have the right to double. The eldest hand has the first right. If he does not wish to double, he may ask his partner, “May I lead?” His partner shall answer, “Yes” or “I double.” 52. If either of their adversaries elect to double, the dealer and his partner have the right to r

2 minute read

Read Chapter

DUMMY

DUMMY

61. As soon as the eldest hand has led, the dealer’s partner shall place his cards face upward on the table, and the duty of playing the cards from that hand shall devolve upon the dealer, unassisted by his partner. 62. Before exposing his cards, the dealer’s partner has all the rights of a player, but after his cards have been shown the dealer’s partner takes no part whatever in the play, except that he has the right— a To ask the dealer whether he has none of the suit in which he may have re

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CARDS EXPOSED BEFORE PLAY

CARDS EXPOSED BEFORE PLAY

67. If, after the deal has been completed and before the trump declaration has been made, either the dealer or his partner expose a card from his hand, the eldest hand may, without consulting with his partner, claim a new deal. 68. If, after the deal has been completed and before a card is led, any player shall expose a card, his partner shall forfeit any right to double or redouble which he otherwise would have been entitled to exercise; and in case of a card being so exposed by the leader’s pa

32 minute read

Read Chapter

CARDS EXPOSED DURING PLAY

CARDS EXPOSED DURING PLAY

69. All cards exposed by the dealer’s adversaries are liable to be called, and such cards must be left face upward on the table. 70. The following are exposed cards: 1st. Two or more cards played at once. 2d. Any card dropped with its face upward, or in any way exposed on or above the table, even though snatched up so quickly that no one can name it. 3d. Every card so held by a player that his partner can see any portion of its face. 71. A card dropped on the floor or elsewhere below the table i

2 minute read

Read Chapter

LEADS OUT OF TURN

LEADS OUT OF TURN

76. If either of the dealer’s adversaries lead out of turn, the dealer may call the card erroneously led, or may call a suit when it is the turn of either adversary to lead. 77. If the dealer lead out of turn, either from his own hand or dummy, he incurs no penalty; but he may not rectify the error after the second hand has played. 78. If any player lead out of turn and the other three follow him, the trick is complete and the error cannot be rectified; but if only the second, or second and thir

56 minute read

Read Chapter

CARDS PLAYED IN ERROR

CARDS PLAYED IN ERROR

82. Should the third hand not have played and the fourth play before his partner, the latter (not being dummy or dealer) may be called upon to play his highest or lowest card of the suit played, or to win or lose the trick. 83. If anyone, not being dummy, omit playing to a former trick and such error be not corrected until he has played to the next, the adversaries may claim a new deal; should they decide that the deal stands good, the surplus card at the end of the hand is considered to have be

1 minute read

Read Chapter

THE REVOKE

THE REVOKE

85. A revoke occurs when a player (other than dummy), holding one or more cards of the suit led, plays a card of a different suit. The penalty for a revoke takes precedence of all other counts. 86. A revoke is established if the trick in which it occurs be turned and quitted, i.e. the hand removed from the trick after it has been gathered and placed face downward on the table; or if either the revoking player or his partner, whether in his right turn or otherwise, have led or played to the follo

2 minute read

Read Chapter

GENERAL RULES

GENERAL RULES

97. There should not be any consultation between partners as to the enforcement of penalties. If they do so consult, the penalty is paid. 98. Once a trick is complete, turned and quitted it must not be looked at (except under Law 84), until the end of the hand. 99. Any player during the play of a trick or after the four cards are played and before they are touched for the purpose of gathering them together, may demand that the cards be placed before their respective players. 100. If either of th

1 minute read

Read Chapter

NEW CARDS

NEW CARDS

104. Unless a pack be imperfect, no player shall have the right to call for one new pack. If fresh cards are demanded, two packs must be furnished and paid for by the player who has demanded them. If they are furnished during a rubber, the adversaries shall have their choice of new cards. If it is the beginning of a new rubber, the dealer, whether he or one of his adversaries be the party calling for the new cards, shall have the choice. New cards must be called for before the pack is cut for a

33 minute read

Read Chapter

BYSTANDERS

BYSTANDERS

106. While a bystander, by agreement among the players, may decide any question, yet he must on no account say anything unless appealed to; and if he make any remark which calls attention to an oversight affecting the score, or to the exaction of a penalty, he is liable to be called on by the players to pay the stakes on that rubber....

18 minute read

Read Chapter

SPADE CONVENTION

SPADE CONVENTION

I.—Where players agree “not to play spades” the rule is, that if the spade make is not doubled, the hand shall be played where either side is 20 or over. II.—If the third hand player ask, “Shall I play?” or should he lead out of turn, or should the eldest hand lead without asking permission to play, the spade maker may take two on the score or may call a lead and require the hand to be played out. III.—Should the third hand player double before his partner asks permission to play, the spade make

32 minute read

Read Chapter

ETIQUETTE

ETIQUETTE

It has been truthfully said that there is no game in which slight intimations can convey so much information as that of Bridge. In justice to those who, by their manner, give information, it may be stated that most of the apparent unfairness at the Bridge table is unintentional. Hesitation and mannerisms, however, cannot be too carefully avoided; such a breach of etiquette is an offence for which the adversaries have no redress except perhaps a refusal to continue the play. It is obviously a gre

2 minute read

Read Chapter

BRIDGE FOR THREE PLAYERS

BRIDGE FOR THREE PLAYERS

When the game is played by three persons, the cards are cut to decide which shall have the dummy; the one cutting the lowest card has the deal and a permanent dummy during the game or the rubber, as the case may be. It is then customary for each player to have dummy in turn, during one game or rubber. In playing rubbers, 100 points are added to the score of the winning side. In playing games, 50 points are added to the score of the winning side. If the make is passed to dummy, four aces or three

1 minute read

Read Chapter

DECLARING TO THE SCORE

DECLARING TO THE SCORE

With a game to the good, the advantage conferred by the position is too great to risk by a rash make. When you are a game ahead, make none but a conservative and sound declaration. When you are a game behind, the score justifies a bold make. On the rubber game, particularly if the adversaries are over twenty, the dealer may attempt a forward declaration, but his partner should not be too reckless, realising that the dealer knew the situation and did not consider his hand worth a venture. At twen

1 minute read

Read Chapter

PLAYING TO THE SCORE

PLAYING TO THE SCORE

Correct dealer’s play is closely influenced by the state of the score. The game is an important goal which should never be hazarded for the sake of an extra trick; but, if this goal is not assured, the loss of a few extra points in an effort to reach it, demands but small consideration. When there is the slightest chance that the adversaries may win the game on your deal, hasten to secure the tricks needful to insure its safety. Many times the game can only be won or saved in case the cards lie

54 minute read

Read Chapter

THE NON-DEALER’S PLAY TO THE SCORE

THE NON-DEALER’S PLAY TO THE SCORE

The probabilities are not in favour of winning against declared strength. The score will indicate the number of tricks needful to save the game, and the adversaries should take no chances until this important object is attained. Until the game is saved, make no effort to gain extra tricks. Many a rubber which the prompt lead of a high card might have saved is lost by trying for too much. If you find that the continuation of a certain line of play will lose the rubber, abandon your scheme and tak

2 minute read

Read Chapter

“NO-TRUMP” DECLARATION BY THE DEALER

“NO-TRUMP” DECLARATION BY THE DEALER

While a good red declaration is always preferable to a doubtful “no-trumper,” yet when a bold dash for the game must be made, a forward “no-trump” declaration is the safest risk; and experience certainly shows that what is called a doubtful “no-trumper” will succeed more often than it fails. Such a declaration has a great advantage over a light red make. There is a wider range for assistance in the dummy hand. The make does not disclose the dealer’s principal strength. It offers the adversaries

1 minute read

Read Chapter

RULES FOR “NO-TRUMP” DECLARATION BY THE DEALER

RULES FOR “NO-TRUMP” DECLARATION BY THE DEALER

There should be a certain set standard for a “no-trump” make, but at times it is difficult to draw the line that divides the hands that should be passed from those that warrant a “no-trump” declaration. It is obvious that a good player will make more with a hand than a poor one; consequently a greater risk may be taken by players who thoroughly understand the finesse and strategy of the game. The make which would prove successful if played correctly, if badly played might be disastrous. Then aga

36 minute read

Read Chapter

“NO-TRUMP” WITH THREE ACES

“NO-TRUMP” WITH THREE ACES

Unless you hold a strong heart hand, or, unless the game can be won with a trump declaration, three aces should usually be considered an obligatory “no-trumper.” No doubt a three-ace hand containing no other honour, is a weak one with which to make the strongest declaration; but experience demonstrates that if your partner holds an average hand or any one long suit, loss seldom occurs. When the make does lose, the points secured above the line usually compensate for the loss sustained in trick p

30 minute read

Read Chapter

“NO-TRUMP” WITH TWO ACES AND ONE OTHER GUARDED SUIT

“NO-TRUMP” WITH TWO ACES AND ONE OTHER GUARDED SUIT

At a love score, if the ace suits contain additional honours, “no-trumps” should always be declared with two aces and a guarded honour in another suit. This is particularly true if the aces are red; if you hold the two red aces, it is doubtful if your partner could declare any other than a black make. A long suit, particularly one that can be easily established, is additional strength; and jacks, tens and nines are an important assistance to a two-ace “no-trump” declaration. If all the remaining

1 minute read

Read Chapter

“NO-TRUMP” WITH TWO ACES

“NO-TRUMP” WITH TWO ACES

A “no-trump” declaration that is unguarded in two suits, is always dangerous; while you can rely on your partner to protect one suit, it is a bit sanguine to expect him to hold guards in two. However, a hand containing a long established suit, headed by ace, king, queen, and another ace, wins at “no-trump” many more times than it loses, and the make must, therefore, be classed as sound. If you hold two suits headed by ace king, and particularly if these suits are red, a “no-trump” declaration is

31 minute read

Read Chapter

“NO-TRUMP” WITH ONE ACE

“NO-TRUMP” WITH ONE ACE

With one ace and general protection in all the suits, “no-trump” should be declared. Of course, the adversaries may secure the honour score, and it is probable that such a hand will contain no long suit; but any good suit in your partner’s hand will ensure the safety of the make. With one ace and but two other protected suits, “no-trumps” should not be declared unless the guarded suits include at least two honours. “No-trump” declarations with one ace and a single honour in each of two other sui

39 minute read

Read Chapter

“NO-TRUMP” WITHOUT AN ACE

“NO-TRUMP” WITHOUT AN ACE

A “no-trump” make without an ace is almost never sound. There are, no doubt, extreme cases where, with a king and queen in each suit, this make may be justifiable; but the honour score obtained by the adversaries will usually far exceed the trick points secured by the dealer....

15 minute read

Read Chapter

HEARTS

HEARTS

The advisability of a heart make is contingent on the length and strength of the heart suit, as well as on the probable trick-taking value of the hand. However, as the honour score must also be regarded, hearts should be declared with four honours irrespective of the strength of the other suits; the honour score will usually more than compensate for any possible loss in trick points. Declare hearts with but four cards, including three high honours, provided you hold another long suit or two outs

1 minute read

Read Chapter

RULES FOR THE HEART MAKE

RULES FOR THE HEART MAKE

Generally declare a red make holding six cards with one honour, five cards with two honours, or four with three honours. Some makes may be attempted with or without outside strength, while others require a certain amount of strength in side suits. The value of a long suit and the importance of inferring the probable passed make, has been mentioned. Below are given various combinations of honours showing the strength required for a red make. Only general rules are cited and the particular value o

30 minute read

Read Chapter

EXAMPLES OF HANDS THAT SHOULD NOT BE PASSED

EXAMPLES OF HANDS THAT SHOULD NOT BE PASSED

A number of hands are given below to illustrate the value of a long suit. If your partner holds an average hand the long suit can usually be made....

10 minute read

Read Chapter

HEARTS IN PREFERENCE TO “NO-TRUMP”

HEARTS IN PREFERENCE TO “NO-TRUMP”

There are many players who delight in declaring “no-trumps,” overlooking the fact that they may hold a suit declaration that would be certain to win the game without the risk attending a “no-trump” make. Although one more trick is necessary at hearts, the chances are that if the game can be won at “no-trump,” it will be won with equal facility at hearts. The adversaries may hold an established suit or may establish and make a suit at “no-trump” which it would be impossible for them to bring in w

33 minute read

Read Chapter

DIAMONDS

DIAMONDS

As there are two declarations of greater value, it is often advisable to pass a fair diamond make to your partner in the hope that he may be able to make it a “no-trumps” or hearts. There is no declaration more universally disliked than diamonds. It is frequently spoken of as the “deadly” or “unlucky” diamond make. Players seem to be continually making or not making it at the wrong time. Often an original diamond declaration will find your partner with a game hand at “no-trumps” or hearts; again

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CLUBS

CLUBS

An original club should be made only when the score is 18 or more, and the hand strong enough, with slight assistance, to win the game. As there are three declarations of greater value than either clubs or spades, unless there is a reasonable chance to win the game, black makes should not be considered. Your partner may be able to make a red or a “no-trump” declaration, and, failing these, his defensive black declaration may suit your hand. There are unpleasant occasions when you hold a strong c

1 minute read

Read Chapter

SPADES

SPADES

Spades should never be declared offensively, unless to win the game at a score of 24 or more points. With a very weak hand some players advise a defensive spade make with the hope of preventing a disastrous passed make. Statistics, no doubt, prove the correctness of this theory, still but few of the better players attempt a defensive spade declaration unless the score justifies their so doing. If you are a game to the good and perhaps well along on the second game, with a hand too poor to suppor

46 minute read

Read Chapter

PASSED MAKES

PASSED MAKES

The success of an original “no-trump” make is often due to the fact that the adversaries do not discover the dealer’s weak suit; a passed “no-trumper,” however, is exposed, and has the additional disadvantage of the dealer’s acknowledged weakness. The dealer shows by passing that he has not a strong hand; neither has he much strength in the red suits; while this latter inference may be doubtful, for the dealer often passes with fair strength in diamonds and occasionally in both red suits, still

2 minute read

Read Chapter

ABANDONING SPADE HANDS

ABANDONING SPADE HANDS

A custom that is rapidly growing in favour is that of not playing an undoubled spade make unless the dealer is 20 or more on the game. If the hand is not to be played, the dealer scores two points for the odd trick and the honours are credited to the side that holds them. All Bridge players have objected at times to the tediousness of spade hands, and this may be the cause of the increasing popularity of this innovation in the more prominent clubs. When Bridge is played for a stake, the result i

4 minute read

Read Chapter

REDOUBLING

REDOUBLING

Although the score may sometimes warrant a redouble without extraordinary strength, a redouble practically avows the ability to take six, and probably, seven tricks. In estimating your hand consider the possibility of finding all the remaining trumps in one hand, and do not value honours in the side suits too highly, for if he holds great trump strength the maker is probably short in the other suits. A redouble at “no-trump” indicates protection in every suit. The dealer should often redouble, n

36 minute read

Read Chapter

ESTIMATING THE VALUE OF A HAND

ESTIMATING THE VALUE OF A HAND

In considering your probable tricks those in the trump suit are of course most certain. On the right side of the maker three trumps with a single honour, ace, king, or queen, may be estimated as being worth but one trick. Do not count on ruffing with a single trump. Should you hold three trumps with two honours, headed by the ace king, the king queen, or even the king jack, you are reasonably sure of two tricks in the trump suit—as can also be said of four trumps with two high honours. Indeed in

1 minute read

Read Chapter

THE LEAD WHEN PARTNER HAS DOUBLED

THE LEAD WHEN PARTNER HAS DOUBLED

A double by your partner indicates some strength in trumps as well as in the side suits. It does not necessarily imply a desire to get the trumps out, nor should you invariably lead trumps when your partner has doubled; your play must be influenced by the general character of your own hand. If you hold a short suit it is obviously a better lead than trumps. You may be able to ruff with your small trumps. It is also bad play to lead trumps up to the maker. This would place your partner’s high car

1 minute read

Read Chapter

THE HEART CONVENTION

THE HEART CONVENTION

When you have the first lead and your partner has doubled a “no-trump” make, you are expected to lead your highest heart. Under this system the younger hand does not double “no-trumps” unless he is willing that a heart should be led; and although the doubling power of the younger hand is reduced, it makes your lead, unless you have the misfortune to hold no heart, a practical certainty. Should you hold an established suit and the ace of hearts you must, of course, double to have the heart led. W

35 minute read

Read Chapter

THE WEAK SUIT CONVENTION

THE WEAK SUIT CONVENTION

In England and in some parts of this country, if the younger hand doubles it is a signal for his partner to lead the highest card of his weakest suit; trusting that this weak suit and the doubler’s long one will prove identical. As this convention justifies a double with any established suit, it multiplies the opportunities to double; but, on the other hand, since the leader may have to choose between two weak suits, there is no certainty that he will make the desired lead; he may instead strike

1 minute read

Read Chapter

THE OPENING LEAD

THE OPENING LEAD

When trumps are against you, unless you lead your high cards early in the hand you may lose them. The dealer may be able to exhaust trumps, and make some one suit on which to discard his losing cards. When your hand is strong in each suit, there is not this danger; there can be no established suit against you. No doubt the best opening that can be made against a trump declaration is from a combination containing both ace and king. The lead of the king from this combination gives you an opportuni

2 minute read

Read Chapter

EXAMPLES OF OPENING LEADS

EXAMPLES OF OPENING LEADS

THE UNDERLINED CARD INDICATES THE LEAD. ( Hearts ) Trump Declared by Dealer ....

8 minute read

Read Chapter

INFERENCES FROM HIGH CARD LEADS

INFERENCES FROM HIGH CARD LEADS

It is not easy to determine from the lead of a high card how many cards are held in the suit. You can only assume the length from the number of cards you hold and the number in dummy. The fall of the cards may give the information, but you cannot rely altogether on the dealer’s play; it is his object to make it difficult for you to place the cards. The lead of an ace denies the king. If the king is neither in dummy nor in your own hand, it should be placed with the dealer. Should your partner, h

2 minute read

Read Chapter

INFERENCES FROM LOW CARD LEADS

INFERENCES FROM LOW CARD LEADS

An application of the Rule of Eleven will materially assist you to draw correct inferences from the lead of a small card. It will indicate whether the lead is from a short or a long suit. If you see more high cards than the Rule of Eleven would allow, you can mark the lead, not as fourth best, but as the top of a short suit. If the lead indicates a long suit, you can often determine the exact combination of cards from which it has been made. The Rule of Eleven Deduct the size of the card led fro

1 minute read

Read Chapter

EXAMPLES OF INFERENCE FROM OPENING LEADS

EXAMPLES OF INFERENCE FROM OPENING LEADS

A is the leader, Y the dummy, Z the dealer. A’s lead of the ace denies the king and probably the queen; both of these cards should be placed in the dealer’s hand. Third hand should play ace on queen; king is in the dealer’s hand. A has probably led from queen jack ten. B should play the three; his partner’s lead indicates the top card, and also shows that both ace and queen are in the dealer’s hand. A’s lead of ten with jack on the table indicates the top of a short suit. King and queen should b

51 minute read

Read Chapter

ORIGINAL TRUMP OPENINGS

ORIGINAL TRUMP OPENINGS

If a trump has been declared by the dealer it is not, as a rule, good play to lead trumps up to his strong hand; this lead would necessarily place any high trump cards that your partner may hold in a bad position. If, however, you hold a sequence in trumps and strength in the side suits consisting of combinations from which you do not wish to lead, a trump lead is admissible. The following are given as examples of hands from which the trump should be led when the dealer is the maker. In these ca

1 minute read

Read Chapter

ORIGINAL TRUMP OPENINGS FROM STRENGTH

ORIGINAL TRUMP OPENINGS FROM STRENGTH

It is advisable to lead trumps from strength in comparatively few hands, for the reason that the lead indicates to the dealer the position of the trump strength held against him. If, however, you hold four or five trumps without an honour, and combinations in the plain suits from which you do not wish to lead, the trump may be led through the strong hand. This is especially true of a four-trump hand, which contains three cards of each of the other suits. Avoid opening the trump from strength whe

32 minute read

Read Chapter

THE TRUMP LEAD AGAINST A SPADE MAKE

THE TRUMP LEAD AGAINST A SPADE MAKE

As a rule, the aggressive spirit that should characterise the non-dealer’s play of a spade hand is lacking. While a spade is not necessarily made from weakness, the declaration in itself shows sufficient weakness in the side suits to embolden the adversaries’ play. With a hand containing five trumps (spades) the initial opening should be the trump. Your partner must hold suit strength which your trump lead will protect. If your five trumps contain a tenace and you can advantageously lead from an

46 minute read

Read Chapter

HOW TO PLAY TO PARTNER’S TRUMP OPENING

HOW TO PLAY TO PARTNER’S TRUMP OPENING

Any trump opening from your partner is an indication of strength, usually of strength in the side suits. It does not necessarily follow that your partner wants the trumps out, but it is an indication that he is anxious to have his suits led to. If you win the first trick in the trump suit, look to see if dummy offers you an advantageous lead. If you hold fair strength in the side suits with no protected honour in trumps and no short suit, there can be no objection to the return of the trump lead

48 minute read

Read Chapter

LEADING TRUMPS TO PREVENT A RUFF IN THE WEAK TRUMP HAND

LEADING TRUMPS TO PREVENT A RUFF IN THE WEAK TRUMP HAND

When the dealer seems backward about leading trumps, the inference is that he is trying to establish a ruff in the weak trump hand, and you should be on the alert to prevent this by leading trumps (through the strength). It may be necessary for you to lead the trump after your initial lead. It may be advisable to stop leading a suit, which would help to establish a ruff in the weak hand; or it may be essential that you try to place your partner in the lead, so that he can lead the trumps through

41 minute read

Read Chapter

SHORT SUIT OPENINGS

SHORT SUIT OPENINGS

In Bridge the term short suit implies a singleton or a two-card suit, although, strictly speaking, any suit of fewer than four cards is short. With a very weak hand (no high cards in any suit) it is evident that the only possible way of making tricks is by a short lead, which may enable you to ruff the suit on the second or third round. With a hand that contains tenace suits or suits with a single honour, it is often advisable to lead short; this opening gives you a double advantage; you may hav

3 minute read

Read Chapter

LEADING THROUGH STRENGTH

LEADING THROUGH STRENGTH

The fundamental idea of leading through strength is to help your partner to make his high cards by allowing him to play after the exposed hand. “Leading through” means to make a person play second hand to the trick. You always lead through your left hand adversary. Should your partner hold K J x with A Q x in dummy, it is obvious that if you lead through the suit, your partner may win two tricks, whereas if he is forced to lead up to the strength, one trick at least would be lost. Players will o

52 minute read

Read Chapter

WHEN TO LEAD THROUGH STRENGTH

WHEN TO LEAD THROUGH STRENGTH

After taking the first trick, study the dummy carefully in order to see which suit may be led through advantageously. If there are two suits to choose from, select the suit in which you are short, hoping it may afford you an opportunity to make a small trump. The fall of the cards will often indicate that your partner can trump the second or third round of the suit you are leading. Before giving him the ruff, consider that he will be compelled to lead, and if there is no suit in dummy that he ca

54 minute read

Read Chapter

CHOICE OF SUITS TO LEAD THROUGH

CHOICE OF SUITS TO LEAD THROUGH

In leading through strength, certain suits are preferable to others. A guarded king in the dummy is an ideal suit to lead through when you hold the queen, jack, ten of the same suit. By leading the queen, if your partner holds the ace, you can prevent dummy’s king from making. In leading through strength, avoid a suit in which you yourself hold a protected honour. For instance, holding king, jack, small, it would be bad play to lead through ace, queen, ten, as this would give the dummy an opport

50 minute read

Read Chapter

SUGGESTIONS FOR THIRD HAND PLAY

SUGGESTIONS FOR THIRD HAND PLAY

When you are trying to win the trick, play high third in hand; but if your cards, or your cards combined with those in the dummy are in sequence, play the lowest card of the sequence. Do not finesse against your partner; help his hand at the sacrifice of your high card. If, however, you hold ace, jack, small,—with king or queen in dummy,—the play of the jack is permissible; your partner’s lead practically shows one of these honours. When you hold the ace and your partner leads a jack through a g

1 minute read

Read Chapter

INFERENCES FROM THIRD-HAND PLAY

INFERENCES FROM THIRD-HAND PLAY

It is very important for the leader, especially in a “no-trump” hand, to be in a position to determine whether his suit should be continued or abandoned. Careful notice of the card your partner plays to the first trick will often enable you to place the high cards in that suit, and in this way suggest your subsequent play. The following are given as illustrations of inferences to be drawn by the leader from third-hand play: A and B are partners, and the underlined card in each example indicates

2 minute read

Read Chapter

LEADING UP TO DUMMY

LEADING UP TO DUMMY

With dummy on your right, you should invariably lead up to the weak suit. This is especially important when you hold no high cards in the suit, for in this case the strength lies between your partner and the dealer. By leading through the dealer’s hand you give your partner the advantage of position; otherwise he may be forced to lead up to the dealer’s strength. In leading up to weakness, the general rule of leading the highest card of a sequence should be followed. It is often good play, when

1 minute read

Read Chapter

THE ECHO

THE ECHO

In Whist the play to a lead of a high and then a lower card is a signal for a lead of trumps, and is necessarily an indication of strength in trumps. In Bridge this convention is used to show control of the third round of the suit led. Some players use this echo or signal to show that they can trump the third round of the suit, while with others it implies control of the third round either with the high card or by a “ruff.” This signal should not be used except on your partner’s lead of king, as

53 minute read

Read Chapter

FORCING

FORCING

To force is to make a player trump. This will, of course, reduce his trump strength and weaken his hand. It is as a rule good play to force the adversary’s strong trump hand. It will often prevent his exhausting the trumps, and hinder his bringing in an established suit. The beginner hesitates to force the strong trump hand. He feels that he is wasting a high card and allowing the adversary to make a small trump, not realising that no card of this suit can make, unless the trumps are exhausted.

1 minute read

Read Chapter

RETURNING PARTNER’S LEAD

RETURNING PARTNER’S LEAD

Ordinarily it is not possible to establish a suit against the dealer’s strong trump hand, and this does away with the usual argument in favour of returning your partner’s original lead. On the contrary, it is probably the last thing that should be done. Your play is to make any high cards you may hold, and then to search for a weak suit in the dummy hand. If you lead up to this weakness, the dealer cannot place the strength in the suit, and your partner is in a very good position to win a trick

33 minute read

Read Chapter

SECOND-HAND PLAY

SECOND-HAND PLAY

When opposed to the dealer the question of correct second-hand play is relative to your position at the table. That is whether you play before the dummy or before the dealer. In other words, whether the dummy is at your left or whether the dealer is at your left. If you will try to infer why the dealer is leading that suit, it will assist you to decide on the correct second-hand play. It is, of course, reasonable to suppose that he has some strength in the suit. What this strength may be you mus

31 minute read

Read Chapter

WHEN YOU PLAY BEFORE THE DUMMY

WHEN YOU PLAY BEFORE THE DUMMY

It is evident that when dummy is weak the second-hand play is greatly simplified. You either play higher than dummy’s best, or pass the trick to your partner. Should dummy hold strength or a high card in the suit, it is usually better to play higher than any card dummy holds. For instance, if you hold K x x, with the queen and others on the table, your second-hand play would be the king; otherwise the queen in dummy may win the trick. In this position, however, there are times when a low card sh

2 minute read

Read Chapter

WHEN YOU PLAY BEFORE THE DEALER

WHEN YOU PLAY BEFORE THE DEALER

When the dummy is weak and you play before the dealer, it is with the assurance that the missing strength in the suit is over you. This strength may be held by the dealer or by your partner. As he is leading the suit, the chances are that the balance of strength is with the dealer; therefore, unless you know that you can win the trick, do not play a high card. With ace and others in a suit, if you do not play the ace second in hand, the dealer may win the trick and discard his worthless cards in

1 minute read

Read Chapter

THE VALUE OF INFORMATION

THE VALUE OF INFORMATION

When playing against the dealer, give your partner all possible information. Any deception or play of false cards, any irregular lead that is not conventional, will often react to the benefit of the dealer. Information may be given by leading correctly, by taking a trick as cheaply as possible, by discarding properly, by correct second-hand play, and by returning or not returning your partner’s lead. At times the information that you give your partner may benefit the dealer by enabling him to ma

1 minute read

Read Chapter

HOW TO DRAW INFERENCES

HOW TO DRAW INFERENCES

Bridge is in this respect a much easier game than Whist. In Bridge the declaration and the exposed dummy hand, both absent in Whist, lend enormous assistance in locating the cards. The beginner invariably becomes interested in his own cards, or those of the dummy, and plays without paying any particular attention to the card that is led or to the one that wins the first trick; in other words he knows nothing about the location of the cards in that particular suit, and his disregard of the fall o

1 minute read

Read Chapter

INFERENCES REGARDING THE MAKE

INFERENCES REGARDING THE MAKE

In many hands the declaration and the cards in dummy will show you the dealer’s probable strength; and will also suggest the number of trumps held by your partner. For instance, should you hold three trumps with three in the dummy, you cannot expect your partner to hold more than two trumps, allowing for at least five in the dealer’s hand. Should you hold four trumps, with three on the table, your partner cannot have more than one; he may have none. Although at times you can place high cards in

48 minute read

Read Chapter

GENERAL INFERENCES

GENERAL INFERENCES

When your partner makes what appears to be an unusual play, do not condemn it, but ask yourself why the play was made. For instance, Why does your partner not lead through the strength in dummy? It may be that he has an honour in that suit, and is waiting for the adversary to lead. Why does your partner lead up to dummy’s strong suit, instead of to the weak one? He is probably leading a singleton, or he may be very long in that suit and hopes that you will trump. Why does the dealer not lead tru

4 minute read

Read Chapter

THE ORIGINAL LEAD

THE ORIGINAL LEAD

The long suit is the best opening lead against a “no-trump” declaration. While the declaration is, in itself, an indication of general strength, in the majority of makes by the dealer one suit is left to the dummy to protect, and your long suit may be the weak spot in the dealer’s hand. The leads against a “no-trump” declaration differ from those that are in use against a trump declaration, for the reason that high cards cannot be ruffed. With great length or considerable strength in your long s

2 minute read

Read Chapter

OPENING A SHORT SUIT AGAINST A “NO-TRUMP” DECLARATION

OPENING A SHORT SUIT AGAINST A “NO-TRUMP” DECLARATION

If, as leader, your long suit is worthless, and your hand is generally weak, there is a chance that your short suit may prove to be your partner’s long one, and that the lead may help him to establish his suit. While the odds are two to one against the success of a short lead, in this case it may gain and certainly cannot lose much. If, however, you hold five or six cards in your suit, open it; there is always a chance that your partner may hold sufficient length in the same suit to help you est

1 minute read

Read Chapter

UNBLOCKING

UNBLOCKING

To be able to use proper judgment in ridding yourself of cards that you fear may block your partner’s suit, you should thoroughly understand the leads, and above all things, you should have perfect confidence that your partner has made the correct one. Remember that a high card led against a “no-trump” declaration indicates great strength or great length, and that you can rarely lose more than one trick by throwing your own high card on the one led by your partner; whereas a failure to unblock w

1 minute read

Read Chapter

RETURNING PARTNER’S LEAD

RETURNING PARTNER’S LEAD

To return partner’s lead, or to play for your own long suit? At times you will find this a most difficult question to decide. It can be stated that ordinarily it is better play to return your partner’s original lead, for rarely are two suits made against a “no-trump” declaration. In fact, it is hard enough to bring in one suit.... It will assist you to settle this difficulty if you notice carefully the card led by your partner, and infer from it the length of his suit. You can often tell how man

2 minute read

Read Chapter

HOLDING UP BY THE NON-DEALERS

HOLDING UP BY THE NON-DEALERS

Holding up is a strategy resorted to at “no-trump.” The idea is to retain a high card until one hand is exhausted and cannot lead the suit to the opposite hand. Holding up does not often gain when the hand with the long suit contains an entry card except at such times as the dealer does not or cannot overtake; usually it is better play to take the trick and trust that your partner can eventually stop the suit. Do not hold up a high card if you can block the suit later, or if there is a possibili

1 minute read

Read Chapter

TAKING OUT RE-ENTRY CARDS

TAKING OUT RE-ENTRY CARDS

If you hold the commanding card of the adversary’s suit, endeavour to take out your opponent’s re-entry before the suit is cleared. It is equally important that you take out this re-entry card if you know that your partner has the command of the adversary’s suit. In extreme cases do not hesitate to sacrifice a king or queen in order to accomplish this purpose. When the dealer attempts to make a card of re-entry for an established suit, hold up a higher card in order to frustrate his scheme of pl

2 minute read

Read Chapter

THE DISCARD AGAINST A DECLARED TRUMP

THE DISCARD AGAINST A DECLARED TRUMP

The great majority of Bridge players use the strength discard against a trump declaration, and there is little doubt that this is sound. It is imperative that you protect honours in the weaker suits, for rarely will your long suit be brought in against the dealer. The claim made by those who use the weak discard against a trump make is that it permits them to throw away a short suit, and thus eventually to establish a “ruff.” When a player is discarding from strength, this “ruff” can be obtained

47 minute read

Read Chapter

THE DISCARD AT “NO-TRUMP”

THE DISCARD AT “NO-TRUMP”

The writer has placed himself on record as being in favour of the strength discard, and since doing so has seen nothing that would tend to change his views on this subject. A theory of good play may be so unfortunately worded as to convey a mistaken impression, and it is amusing to hear the various methods of discarding discussed by players of little experience; not long since, a hand was published to illustrate the loss of one trick by discarding strength, when an ace is first lost by bad play,

3 minute read

Read Chapter

HINTS ON DISCARDING

HINTS ON DISCARDING

If three suits have been led or shown, do not attempt to discard from strength. You question your partner’s intelligence. If your only four-card suit contains but one honour, do not indicate strength unless you are particularly desirous of having that suit led to you. When you have no suit that you are anxious to show, discard from the suit led originally by your partner, or even, when it is obviously established, from the adversary’s suit. This implies that you have no strength to indicate, but

1 minute read

Read Chapter

THE REVERSE DISCARD

THE REVERSE DISCARD

In discarding, the play of a high and then a lower card reverses the original meaning of the discard. If you adopt the strength discard, and wish to throw away your weak suit at “no-trump” do so by discarding first a high and then a lower card. If you use the weak discard and wish to protect your weak suits, discard first a high and then a lower card from your strong suit. The reverse discard may be used when it is shown that two discards can be made....

25 minute read

Read Chapter

DISCARDING BY THE DEALER

DISCARDING BY THE DEALER

The discard offers fewer difficulties to the dealer whose two hands reveal the suit that should be protected, and show the cards that can be conveniently spared. In a “no-trump” hand it is especially necessary to guard all weak suits; not forgetting that a four-card suit to the ten will often block the opponent’s lead. The second suit that they will open is often shown by the adversary’s discards; and this, too, will aid you to prepare a proper defence. When you hold trump strength discard losin

1 minute read

Read Chapter

COMBINING THE HANDS OF DEALER AND DUMMY

COMBINING THE HANDS OF DEALER AND DUMMY

As dealer, whether you are playing a trump or a “no-trump” declaration, take a mental stock of the cards you hold early in the hand, and decide from which hand each combination should be led. Although at times it may be impossible to arrange the lead, it may be stated here that the advantages that accrue from the correct play of most combinations of cards, are obtained by invariably leading a suit from the weak to the strong hand; in most cases the high card from the weak. The four most importan

30 minute read

Read Chapter

ACE, QUEEN, JACK COMBINATION

ACE, QUEEN, JACK COMBINATION

Perhaps with no one of these combinations can you so often gain tricks as by the correct play of ace queen jack. These cards may be held in four different ways. With this combination either in a trump or in a “no-trump” hand endeavour to catch the adversary’s king by leading the highest card from your weak hand toward the ace; if the king is not played second in hand you can lose nothing by taking the finesse; for when it is guarded in the fourth hand the king will win no matter how the cards ar

2 minute read

Read Chapter

ACE, KING, JACK COMBINATION

ACE, KING, JACK COMBINATION

This combination can be held in four different ways: With the first arrangement of this combination the lead should come from the weak hand and the jack should be played. In the second the jack may be led from the weak hand toward the ace king; although unless you also hold the ten, little can be gained by this play, for if the adversary covers the jack with the queen, as he should, the ten will be established against you. In the two remaining cases a low card should be led up to the jack. With

58 minute read

Read Chapter

ACE, JACK, TEN COMBINATION

ACE, JACK, TEN COMBINATION

These cards may be held in four different ways: As there are two high cards against this combination, you must take a double finesse. The play is similar to that given for the previous combinations. Lead the high card from the weak hand, and, unless it is covered, pass the trick; then wait until the suit can again be led from the weak hand, and take a second finesse....

20 minute read

Read Chapter

KING, JACK, TEN COMBINATION

KING, JACK, TEN COMBINATION

There are three ways in which these cards may be held: In each of these cases the play is practically the same; lead the highest card from the weak hand and finesse. If by the finesse you succeed in forcing the ace, wait until the suit can be led through the queen. If you hold this combination with nine or more cards of the suit, it is often difficult to determine whether a finesse should or should not be taken; if you play the king and it wins the first trick, you may drop both ace and queen on

30 minute read

Read Chapter

MISCELLANEOUS COMBINATIONS

MISCELLANEOUS COMBINATIONS

If you hold a sequence of three high cards in the combined hands, while, of course, it is better form to lead from the weak hand, it makes but little difference from which hand the suit is led. Therefore, if you cannot conveniently place the lead, do not hesitate to lead from the strong hand. Should you, however, hold a sequence of two high cards in one hand with small cards in the other, for instance: it is always advisable to lead from the weak hand. Should the queen win in the first combinati

49 minute read

Read Chapter

ARRANGING THE LEAD

ARRANGING THE LEAD

Assuming that you understand how to play the various combinations of cards, it becomes necessary, as soon as the opening lead has been made, to plan a well-defined scheme of play. Do not hesitate to pause a few moments to study thoroughly the two hands, so that you can play quickly and intelligently. Be assured that when you play a hand with a vague, uncertain feeling, you are playing it badly. Many a hand is ruined by careless and hasty play to the first trick. In a “no-trump hand” this first t

52 minute read

Read Chapter

FINESSING

FINESSING

It has already been stated that with certain combinations in the two hands, you should finesse, and that you can do so, unless you hold great length in the suit with but small chance of loss. When a finesse goes against you, it is due to an unfortunate distribution of the cards and not, as one is apt to feel, to your own bad play. However, the subject of finessing, in common with all other parts of Bridge, requires a knowledge of the particular situation, and there are many occasions when it is

2 minute read

Read Chapter

THE FINESSE OBLIGATORY

THE FINESSE OBLIGATORY

This is an arbitrary finesse, which is often forced upon you, when, unless the cards of a suit are in a certain position, there is no possibility of winning. Perhaps the best way of defining the finesse obligatory is to give an example showing the position as it most frequently occurs: “Z” is the dealer, and leads a low card to the king in dummy, which wins the first trick. The suit is returned, the ace being marked with “A.” If “A” holds both ace and knave, no matter how the dealer plays, “A” m

39 minute read

Read Chapter

WATCHING THE DISCARDS IN ORDER TO LOCATE FINESSES

WATCHING THE DISCARDS IN ORDER TO LOCATE FINESSES

The amount of information to be gained from the adversary’s discards is apt to be underestimated. Careful notice of the discards, particularly in a “no-trump” hand, will often help you to locate honours and to determine where a finesse should be taken; moreover, it will simplify the end play, show you chances to throw the lead, and give you opportunities to force the opponents to lead up to your hand. If the king of your long suit is against you and on the wrong side, it will probably make, but

1 minute read

Read Chapter

SECOND HAND PLAYS

SECOND HAND PLAYS

Showing the play of the different combinations between dealer and dummy. In each case a small card is led and the second hand is the hand that is led through: The surest test of a player’s skill is the ability he displays in handling trumps. Habits that are wrong in theory are frequently formed, and errors in judgment are common in the trump management. The difficulties are as numerous as the combinations are varied. Only general rules can be given, and the constantly changing situations must be

29 minute read

Read Chapter

WHEN TO LEAD TRUMPS

WHEN TO LEAD TRUMPS

One of the first points for the dealer’s consideration is the advisability of the trump lead. As he usually holds the balance of trump strength in the combined hands, generally speaking the dealer should lead trumps. A common excuse for avoiding the trump lead is that the hands contain no long suit; if this is true, why not try to establish your trump suit? If you hold five trumps in one hand, the chances are that three rounds will leave you with two long trumps and the adversaries powerless to

1 minute read

Read Chapter

WHEN NOT TO LEAD TRUMPS

WHEN NOT TO LEAD TRUMPS

Perhaps the simplest rule that can be given is, do not lead trumps when there is a short side suit in the weak trump hand. You will obviously gain by trumping losing cards in the weak hand. As it often requires two rounds to exhaust the short suit in the weak hand, try not to show your intention too clearly, or the adversaries will circumvent your scheme of “ruffing” by a trump lead. Remember, also, that you cannot obtain the “ruff” unless you hold, or can make, an entry card in your strong hand

59 minute read

Read Chapter

UNBLOCKING THE TRUMP SUIT

UNBLOCKING THE TRUMP SUIT

As dealer, be careful to lead your trumps in such a manner that you will not find it impossible to continue the lead. The simplest method of unblocking the trump suit is to lead or play the high trumps from the shorter hand. Occasionally to avoid blocking the suit, it will be necessary to “ruff” with a high instead of a lower trump. For instance, with ace and ten of trumps in dummy and king, queen, jack, nine and eight in your own hand, if you “ruff” with dummy’s ten, you will block the trump su

49 minute read

Read Chapter

NOT FORCING YOUR STRONG TRUMP HAND

NOT FORCING YOUR STRONG TRUMP HAND

The greatest weakness and the most expensive fault in the beginner’s game is his predilection for trumping in the strong trump hand. When trumps are hopelessly against you, it may be necessary to make what you can by ruffing, but with the advantage of the make, you are seldom compelled to play a defensive game. When you needlessly force your strong hand to trump, you reduce your power to exhaust the adversaries’ trumps, to establish your suit, and to be left with the last trump—which is, par exc

45 minute read

Read Chapter

LEADING TRUMPS TO PREVENT A RUFF

LEADING TRUMPS TO PREVENT A RUFF

When it is apparent that one adversary can “ruff” a suit, or when a “cross-ruff” is imminent, it is important that you guard against such a contingency by at least two rounds of trumps. Of course, if you hold the commanding trump, this presents no difficulties; but, when the winning trump is with the adversary, you should try to tempt him to hold it up second in hand by refraining from a high card lead. For instance, with queen and seven of trumps in one hand and king jack ten nine eight in the

37 minute read

Read Chapter

WHEN TO DRAW THE REMAINING TRUMPS

WHEN TO DRAW THE REMAINING TRUMPS

When you are left with but one remaining trump, and that the commanding one, usually lead it to draw the losing trumps. When there are but two other remaining trumps, trust that your trump lead will find them divided. If you have reason to know that both are in one hand, one must of course make; but lead the commanding trump, so that but one can make. With the best trump in your hand and one against you, it is only in critical situations that you should refrain from drawing the losing trump. For

48 minute read

Read Chapter

DISCONTINUING THE LEAD OF TRUMPS

DISCONTINUING THE LEAD OF TRUMPS

There are many positions difficult to define when it is advisable to discontinue the trump lead. An obvious case is when the commanding trump is against you and the lead would entail your loss of two trumps for one card, which the adversary must make in any case. The best play is to force the adversary to “ruff” with the high trump, for then your trumps may make separately. When you hold but two trumps with two against you, be careful about taking the third round of trumps when your adversaries

1 minute read

Read Chapter

WHEN TO TRUMP

WHEN TO TRUMP

If the adversary attempts to force your strong hand, it is usually advisable to accept the force. Only in rare cases does it pay to allow the opponent to continue the lead of his established suit. At times you can afford to give the adversary one trick, knowing that, on the next lead, your weak hand can take the “ruff.” With two trumps against you it is often good play to discard rather than to “ruff” with the commanding trump. But to gain by your play, you should hold a certain entry card in th

1 minute read

Read Chapter

OVERTRUMPING

OVERTRUMPING

It is only the experienced player who can resist the temptation to overtrump. The beginner jumps at every trick without realising that he can often gain by waiting. Overtrump when your hand is weak and your trumps low; but, if overtrumping takes out your only high card in the trump suit, especially if it is the commanding trump, it is nearly always better to discard. Your winning trump is bound to make, and it is better play to throw away a suit that you can ruff later with one of your small tru

49 minute read

Read Chapter

RE-ENTRY CARDS

RE-ENTRY CARDS

It is of little use to establish a suit unless it is possible to get the lead in the hand that contains it; therefore, the reservation of a re-entry card in the hand that has the long suit is of great importance. A preferable re-entry is, of course, the last trump or trumps. Arranging the trump lead so that the last round will be taken in the desired hand is often a necessary precaution. After the adversaries’ trumps are exhausted, you may be compelled to place the lead in the opposite hand by a

41 minute read

Read Chapter

FORCING DISCARDS

FORCING DISCARDS

Should you find as dealer that you have a losing card and a number of winning trumps, always lead the trumps to give the adversaries a chance to make an error in discarding. If the adversary holds the ace, dummy the king, and you a singleton of a suit, your hand otherwise consisting of long trumps and established cards, by first leading the singleton you may tempt the second hand adversary to hold up the ace; while if you lead the established cards, the adversaries can count your hand and will m

1 minute read

Read Chapter

THROWING THE LEAD

THROWING THE LEAD

The disadvantage of the lead is at times most apparent, and you can often gain by forcing your adversary to lead a suit which you cannot well afford to open. When there are tricks that the adversaries must win, try to make this necessity a benefit to your hand. Occasions for throwing the lead arise most frequently in the end play; there are the nice situations where you gain the advantage of position by leading a losing trump or suit card. However, situations where it is advisable to throw the l

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHOICE OF SUITS

CHOICE OF SUITS

There is no rule so necessary to good play as that of retaining the control of the shorter suits and playing to establish the longest suit in the combined hands. Do not let the fact that your long suit contains but a few high cards discourage you—the lead can entail but small loss as the commanding cards would probably make in any case. When, as frequently happens, your combined hands contain two suits of equal length, make a careful selection of the suit to be played for. When the ace of one su

2 minute read

Read Chapter

KEEPING THE COMMANDING CARDOF THE ADVERSARIES’ SUIT

KEEPING THE COMMANDING CARDOF THE ADVERSARIES’ SUIT

As a general rule, do not part with the command of the adversaries’ suit until one adversary is exhausted in the suit, and therefore unable to return his partner’s lead; unless the original leader has a sure card of entry you may be able to prevent this player from getting into the lead. Usually do not refuse to take a trick with a king or queen when the higher card or cards have not been played. The adversaries may lead through and capture a single guarded honour. If you find that there is anot

2 minute read

Read Chapter

RE-ENTRY CARDS

RE-ENTRY CARDS

Clear your long suit before you take out your card of re-entry is a simple rule that is often violated. When you have made the “no-trump” declaration, any possible re-entry in the dummy hand should be used to bring in a suit or to lead a suit advantageously from the weak hand. In fact, much of the success of a “no-trump” hand depends on the dealers’ skill in saving and making re-entries in the weaker hand. A re-entry may be an ace or a three. It may be the master card of your long suit or a guar

2 minute read

Read Chapter

UNBLOCKING

UNBLOCKING

There is frequent necessity in the dealer’s play for ridding one hand of high cards in order not to interrupt the lead of smaller cards from the other hand. It is well to look ahead and prepare for this contingency, for often in the middle of a hand you will quite unexpectedly find that unblocking will enable you to make small cards that the adversaries have made good by reckless discarding. When you hold more cards of a suit in one hand than in the other, you can invariably prevent blocking, if

1 minute read

Read Chapter

OVERTAKING

OVERTAKING

It not infrequently happens on the initial opening of a hand that you have the option of winning the trick either in your own hand or in dummy; if you find that your cards of the suit led are all of equal value it is essential that you consider the advisability of overtaking a trick that you have already won. With no re-entry in a hand, overtaking is often the only means of making a suit. In the above examples, if the dealer holds no re-entry card, he must overtake one of dummy’s high cards in o

1 minute read

Read Chapter

“DUCKING”

“DUCKING”

When a hand contains no re-entry card, the successful play of the long suit may depend on a refusal to win the first trick; at times both the first and second tricks in the suit must be passed. When you wish to make a long suit in a hand containing no re-entry card, do not play the commanding card of the suit until you are reasonably sure that the remainder of the cards will fall. Use care not to exhaust the shorter of the two hands before the suit is established. The situation is more clearly s

2 minute read

Read Chapter

“OVERTAKING AND UNBLOCKING”

“OVERTAKING AND UNBLOCKING”

The double necessity arises only on rare occasions. When the dummy contains no re-entry and the adversary opens a suit in which dummy has length, arrange the play of your own cards so as not to block the dummy’s suit. Should the first trick be won with the eight, the dealer cannot overtake the ten without loss. The ten should, therefore, be played and the lead continued with the queen. If the adversary covers, the trick must be passed. The eight should then be led through the jack....

29 minute read

Read Chapter

“OVERTAKING AND DUCKING”

“OVERTAKING AND DUCKING”

Occasionally the initial opening will prove to be the dummy’s long suit. To make this suit without a card of re-entry in dummy it may be necessary for the dealer not only to overtake dummy’s trick in order to lead the suit through the original leader’s hand, but also to allow the adversary to win the second trick, if an attempt is made to force dummy’s high card. The dealer should in both cases overtake dummy’s trick in order to continue the lead from the weaker hand. The original leader will pr

44 minute read

Read Chapter

THE DEFENCE AGAINST OVERTAKING AND “DUCKING”

THE DEFENCE AGAINST OVERTAKING AND “DUCKING”

When you open a suit and find that it is dummy’s strength do not attempt to win the second trick if the dealer leads through your hand, that is, unless you can mark the dealer with no other card of the suit to lead; by taking the third round instead, you will often save a trick or two. In this case the dealer takes the first trick with the jack and leads the queen. No attempt should be made to cover the card. In this way the dealer is forced to win the third round and dummy’s suit is blocked....

34 minute read

Read Chapter

CARD STRATEGY

CARD STRATEGY

When players have largely grasped the fundamentals of bridge they are frequently filled with complaisance and self-satisfaction that is gratifyingly reassuring to them, but that does not tend to improve their game. Each hand played, wherein they feel that they have committed no blunders, brings a sense of contentment; but, unfortunately, they overlook the tricks which they may have lost by the lack of a little card strategy. These are the tricks, which won, decide rubbers. There is always troubl

9 minute read

Read Chapter

LOST TRICKS

LOST TRICKS

One development of bridge, seldom touched upon, has to do entirely with what may be designated the “lost tricks.” Hands that play themselves are, to an extent, colorless and featureless accessories of the game; but the “lost tricks” are the “might have beens” of bridge that rankle in the memory long after the rubber is finished. They are usually found in hands that require a thorough understanding of the score, good judgment and keen perception, and are lost many times because of a lack of under

8 minute read

Read Chapter

“YOUR PARTNER.”

“YOUR PARTNER.”

HIS IDIOSYNCRASIES, AND SOME OF YOURS All games of cards, even the simplest—those that require but little thought or mental analysis—afford an excellent field for the study of human nature. Players frequently permit little mannerisms and idiosyncrasies to intrude, and, if not corrected at the start, the habit is likely to grow. For the most part such offenses are, of themselves, but trivial breaches, as it were, of the etiquette of the card-table; but at times they are intensely irritating and t

5 minute read

Read Chapter

ILLUSTRATIVE HANDS

ILLUSTRATIVE HANDS

The following hands are illustrative of the principles discussed in the previous chapters, and while, to the experienced players, some of the points will appear simple, the hands all show interesting situations which merit careful study from those who wish to improve their Bridge play. All the hands have been taken from actual play and show by no means unusual situations. The writer has endeavoured to eliminate freakish distributions of cards and unsound play. Play each illustration as though bu

8 minute read

Read Chapter

END PLAY

END PLAY

End play must be premised by correct inferences drawn throughout the previous play of the hand. The last three or four tricks often present opportunities for brilliant play; opportunities which must be lost without a clear understanding of the position of the cards. It is in the end play that the novice is most deficient. He plays the last few cards carelessly, without the least thought of the possibilities they offer. In striving to gain by clever end play, do not lose sight of the fact that th

2 minute read

Read Chapter

GLOSSARY

GLOSSARY

Book. —The first six tricks won by the same partners. Bring-in. —To make the cards of a suit. By Cards. —The number of tricks won, more than six, or over the “Book,” is the number by cards. For instance, eight tricks are equal to two by cards. Cards of Re-entry. —A winning card which will bring into play another suit. Sometimes the re-entry is in the suit itself, but when a suit with a re-entry is spoken of, it means that the re-entry is in another suit. Chicane. —A hand dealt without a trump. C

3 minute read

Read Chapter