Editorial by Paul Bowyer
Welcome to the nineteenth 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 three of them we are looking at defense. Well, let’s face facts, you defend hands twice as often as you are declarer and defense is difficult; it requires co-operation and accurate signalling.
In the bridge world at large good declarers are plentiful but good defenders are rarer than rocking-horse droppings. These series, specifically the two six-deal series on third-hand play, will greatly aid your understanding. The aim (as ever in defense) is to give declarer nothing. No cheap tricks, no gifts, nothing that isn’t declarer’s by right.
Two series include the use of the Rule of Eleven to help you in third seat (as partner of the opening leader). If you get all these hands right first time round you can congratulate yourself. Not that they are particularly difficult but the way of thinking about your defense may be unfamiliar.
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 comes with a theme, again on defense. What theme? We aren’t saying! We also have a quiz for you to try. Ten questions on making slam tries by cue-bidding. There’s plenty for you this edition – enjoy!
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