Negative Doubles ♦
A negative double (sometimes referred to as a 'sputnik double' as this convention was invented in 1957, around the same time that the Sputnik satellite was launched) is a special agreement about a specific double made only by the responder after their partner has opener and the opponent on
Hand of the Week #75 (Solution) ♣
N E S W 1NT P 2♦* P 2♥ P P P In a trump contract your best bet is to count your losers (potential and definite) and then look at how to reduce those losers. In this hand we have 1 spade loser, 1 heart loser,
Hand of the Week #75 ♣
N E S W 1NT P 2♦* P 2♥ P P P A classic transfer sequence sees South end up playing in 2♥. With North's bid of 2♦* they could have had any kind of strength, so it is only with their second call (pass!) that we
Tutorial #16 ♥
Bidding and card play analysis of all four hands
Hand of the Week #74 (Solution) ♠
NESW 1NTP2♣*P2♥P4♥PPP As mentioned previously, it would appear as though this hand is 'easy' because we are due to lose just 2 clubs and 1 trumps for 10 tricks. The problem with this analysis is that it assumes a trick in clubs which is not guaranteed. Qxx opposite Jxx is
Hand of the Week #74 ♠
N E S W 1NT P 2♣* P 2♥ P 4♥ P P P A fairly straight-forward auction sees East-West land in a tricky 4♥ contract. East opens 1NT, West bids Stayman, East shows their heart suit and West puts their side in game. Not much more
Tutorial #15 ♦
Bidding and card play analysis of all four hands
Hand of the Week #73 (Solution) ♦
N E S W P 1♠ P 2♣ P 2♦ P 2♥* P 2NT P 3NT P P P Looking at our top tricks we have 3 in spades, none in hearts, 1 in diamonds and 1 in clubs. As far as extra tricks go we have
Hand of the Week #73 ♦
N E S W P 1♠ P 2♣ P 2♦ P 2♥* P 2NT P 3NT P P P North passes, East opens 1♠, South passes and West replies with 2♣ (all normal so far!). East's rebid of 2♦ represents their 5:4 minimum opener, and now comes
Tutorial #14 ♣
Bidding and card play analysis of all four hands