"Superstition" Responding to Preempts by Marti Ronemus

Stevie Wonder's wonderful "Superstition" rings in our ears while trying to make some bridge decisions. None are more prevalent than when responding to a preempt. "You need an opening hand to respond." "Don't respond unless you have No-trump point count." And on and on.

Well, forget all that superstitious nonsense. We at Vu-Bridge are going to give you the straight scoop.

First of all, bridge is NOT a game of points. It is a game of tricks. This is horrible news for those of you who cling to point count as if it were the Holy Grail.

Next, statistically (and trust me on this...) a disciplined preempt is worth 5-1/2 tricks. What does that mean? Some days it takes 5, others 6. What is a disciplined preempt? A six-card suit topped with either three honors or 5 HCP in the suit, no voids, no outside majors, between 5-9 HCP with very little outside the big suit.

SO!! When your Pard preempts, you add your tricks to his 5-1/2 tricks and bid accordingly. Your tricks include: Quick tricks you can take off the top, a trick for any trump holding over eight between you, and sometimes a very nice tenace. Let's practice and this will become clear. We don't need to avoid black cats... we need tricks.

Question 1

Your Hand
♠ K J 10 8 2
♥ 2
♦ A Q J 8
♣ K 8 3

Q: 1 - South:

South	West	North	East
-	-	2♥	Pass
?

A: Pass: Don't walk under this ladder. You've got lots of points, but only a couple tricks. You only have a seven-card trump fit. This is a very nice hand to defend with, so if the opponents want it, let them have it. Look innocent.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 2

Your Hand
♠ K 3 2
♥ A 8 7 6 5
♦ A K 3 2
♣ 9

Q: 2 - South:

South	West	North	East
-	-	2♠	Pass
?

A: 4♠: We've got three quick tricks, the ninth trump and surely a Club ruff. More than enough to go to game. Interestingly, both this hand and the last one have 14 HCP. Look at the last one again, and see the difference. It's NOT about the points, people. We don't need things to come up 7s when we have tricks.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 3

Your Hand
♠ A 7 5
♥ A
♦ A K Q
♣ 9 8 7 6 5 4

Q: 3 - South:

South	West	North	East
-	-	2♥	Pass
?

A: 4♥: No, we don't have a fit, but for heaven's sake you're wearing your lucky socks! PLUS!! You have five quick tricks. Should you be thinking about No-trump? You can think, but you can't act. You have no entries to Pard's hand. Remember, he's a Crummy Dummy.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 4

Your Hand
♠ Q 10 2
♥ 9 8
♦ A 8 7 2
♣ 10 9 3 2

Q: 4 - South?

South	West	North	East
-	-	2♠	Pass
?

A: 3♠: You were going to pass, weren't you? Here's a new and very important thought. Pard has between 5-9 HCP, let's call it 7. You have 6. Between you are roughly 13-ish points. That leaves GAME for the opponents, and believe you me, if you Pass, they'll get there. This is where the Law of Total Tricks can help you. Between you and Pard are nine Spades. You can safely raise to 3♠. Will you make it? Maybe, maybe not. But you'll go down less than they will make with their game. It's a good trade.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 5

Your Hand
♠ 7 6 5
♥ K 10 9 8
♦ 7
♣ J 8 4 3 2

Q: 5 - South:

South	West	North	East
-	-	2♥	Pass
?

A: 4♥: Again, we need to advance the preempt. This time it's even more important, as the opponents may very likely have a slam. Why aren't they in the auction yet? East didn't have the shape, but if you are silent, West will get them to their slam. By raising your partnership according to the Law of Total Tricks, you'll prevent them from finding the perfect place.

So there you have it. Forget your "Superstition" and let's go play a hand.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Play this Hand

Now that you've bid five hands, let's see how your play goes.

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Overall Results

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

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