Editorial by Paul Bowyer
Welcome to the twenty-third and penultimate edition of V-Blue, the interactive magazine for those “experienced learners” of the fascinating game of bridge.
In this issue there are four series. In two of them we are returning to defense and the art of signaling. In the previous edition we considered how we made suit-preference signals in a suit contract when giving ruffs. Now we are showing you how to extend that idea into No-trumps. How does partner know what suit to lead to put you back in to cash your winners? How can you tell him (and the converse – how can he tell you?). We show you the dark arts in these two series. As ever with defense it is essential that your partner looks at these deals as well. Defense is not a game for one as Bridge is a partnership game!
When you have worked your way through these two series you may care to head for the two “General Series” of six and four hands respectively. The first series has been written by our famous guest author from across the ocean in Britain, the prolific David Bird. There’s no theme to these half a dozen deals and the level of difficulty varies from hand to hand. That’s precisely as it should be of course – when playing the game in practice some hands are easy and some... aren’t. The final set of four deals has you playing as declarer. Hands 1 & 2 share a theme as do Hands 3 & 4. What themes? We aren’t saying!
We also have a quiz for you to try. Ten slightly tricky questions on judgment. We are looking at hands where you might upgrade or downgrade your hand according to its character or the way the bidding has gone. In short – don’t be a slave to the point-count!
There’s plenty for you this edition – enjoy!
Series #2608 - Defense: Suit-preference in NT - Part I (ACOL)
This set of deals is all about suit-preference signals in No-trumps.
You may remember suit-preference signals from the last edition of V-Blue and how they work in suit contracts when we are giving partner a ruff.
Here, we are trying to tell partner where our entry might lie so that you can regain the lead to cash a long suit.
Bidding judgment (upgrades and downgrades) Quiz
Bidding is not an exact science and no bidding system will always lead you into the right contract all the time.
Some books are worth reading. Most should be ripped up and used for bonfires. What is more important than system is JUDGMENT. Essentially - how much is my hand worth now, in the light of the bidding? Sometimes you want to upgrade your hand and sometimes you ought to downgrade it.
Series #2609 - Defense: Suit-preference in NT - Part II (ACOL)
This set of deals is all about suit-preference signals in No-trumps.
This set of four deals comes with another two pairs of hands.
Can you read the cards accurately and defeat West's game contract on each deal?
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