"Enough Is Enough" the Disco anthem by Queen Gloria Gaynor could have been written about the art of Balancing in bridge. When IS enough enough? How do you know when to stop? We're going to talk about this all week, so here are some basics, simplified to the point of being ridiculous. (PLEASE don't think this is the Whole Story.)
When both sides are competing for a Part Score, usually the points are sort of split evenly. The Law of Total Tricks comes into play and this is where my ridiculous simplifying comes to bear. You can sort-of figure on taking one trick per trump in your combined hands. In other words, if you and Pard have nine trump between you, you can bid to the three level somewhat safely. Will you always make it? No. Will you usually get a good score? Yes.
Next, when an opening bid is Pass Pass to you (if you Pass, the auction is over) you are going to mentally add three points to your hand and act accordingly. This isn't new... we've talked about this before.
Now, one other outrageous thought: "We would rather drink bleach than allow the opponents to play IN A FIT at the two-level, especially when we also have a fit." You paid to play. This game is won by the audacious.
Is this all gospel? No. It is designed to give you some preliminary thoughts on balancing. Let's get to work and see what happens.
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