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 LOTT after preempts by Larry Cohen

There is no better time to use the Law of Total Tricks than when partner preempts. As long as you don't have game interest, just "Follow the LAW" and bid to the 2-level with 8 trumps, the 3-level with 9, and the 4-level with 10.
In this quiz, assume matchpoints--but be aware of the usual "adjustment factors" such as flat shape, honors in the opponents' suit, vulnerability.

Question 1

  Your Hand
 K 3 2
 3 2
 J 5 4 3 2
 8 7 6
 
Q: 1 - As South, what would you bid?
SouthWestNorthEast
--2double
??


 Your choice:
A: 3 - This is a basic LOTT raise to the 3-level with 9 trumps. With or without East's Double, you want to further the preempt. I'd do this even Vulnerable (the opponents are not likely to be able to effectively double for penalty). Of course, if partner had opened 2, you'd pass with this hand. Of course, your 3 bid is not inviting partner to bid 4!

Your result so far:
Open Question

Question 2

  Your Hand
 Q J 9 8
 J 3 2
 Q J 5
 7 6 2
 
Q: 2 - As South, what would you bid?
SouthWestNorthEast
-12double
??


 Your choice:
A: Pass. Yes, you have 9 trumps, but you are flat, vulnerable, and have too much "junk" in the opponent's likely suits.

Your result so far:
Open Question

Question 3

  Your Hand
 7 6 5
 Q 10 7 2
 A 3 2
 Q 10 5
 
Q: 3 - As South, what would you bid?
SouthWestNorthEast
--34
??


 Your choice:
A: Pass. Yes, your side likely has 10 trumps, but you are flat, with excellent defense and poor offense. Why hand them a likely 300 when you will often set them in 4? Picture partner with AKJ10xxx x Jxx xx.

Your result so far:
Open Question

Question 4

  Your Hand
 K 3 2
 2
 10 8 7 6 5 2
 6 5 4
 
Q: 4 - As South, what would you bid?
SouthWestNorthEast
-13double
??


 Your choice:
A: 4 - Here, with 10 trumps, favorable vulnerability and nothing in their suit(s), go to the 4 level. Don't Pass and then sacrifice (giving them a chance to exchange information). Make your LOTT bid as soon as you can to take up maximum space.

Your result so far:
Open Question

Question 5

  Your Hand
 Q 9 2
 J 10 8 3
 Q 3 2
 K 4 2
 
Q: 5 - As South, what would you bid?
SouthWestNorthEast
--3double
??


 Your choice:
A: Pass. 4 is conceivable, but not 5, which was bid in the 2014 World Championships by a French expert. If the best in the world can make such poor bids, we need quizzes like this. When in clubs (where there is no weak-two available), a 3-level preempt could be on a 6-card suit. Even if partner has 7, why go to the 5-level with flat shape, defense and only 10 trumps? The result at the table? Minus 1100.

Your result so far:
Open Question

Overall Results

Your results:   out of    Average: 

What next? You may enjoy playing our prepared hands series.
More informations on our website: www.VuBridge.com

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