Scoring – What are matchpoints? ♦
In this lesson we learn about match-pointed pairs and in particular how they are scored. Knowing about how the scoring works is essential to knowing how to win as it can change the way you play and bid! We also learn about teams scoring and how this varies to
Finesse or Drop? ♣
Make sure you check out the article on 'the finesse', before reading this one! There are more ways to play a suit combination when you are missing honours other than just to finesse. The finesse always has a 50% chance of success as the opponent in 2nd seat either
The Finesse ♣
A ‘finesse’ is a card play technique that increases the number of tricks you can make out of a suit combination you have. The idea is that it doesn’t take a good player to win Aces and Kings but rather to win cards that are not the ‘bosses’ or
Hand of the Week #10 (Solution) ♣
N E S W 1NT P 3NT P P P South's heart lead is the best lead for the defence as it has put us under immediate pressure. It is good technique to duck the heart lead as we have one stopper there only. Following the rule
Hand of the Week #10 ♣
N E S W 1NT P 3NT P P P The straight-forward auction has led East West to a slightly precarious 3NT. The heart lead has put us under immediate pressure as we only have one stopper there. It would appear that our tricks have to come
5 Card Majors Answers ♠
The answers to the 5 Card Majors quiz are below. If you haven't yet taken the quiz then click here to go back to the version without the answers! With all of the below corresponding hands, what do you think is the correct opening bid? Assume your side has
5 Card Majors ♠
Below is a bidding quiz on 5 Card Majors which is a fundamental system change to regular ACOL. It is a system that is used around the world, especially in America and most of Europe, so it is worth knowing about! If you aren't sure how to play 5
2-Suited Hands ♠
This advanced lesson sees us take a look at bidding 2-suited hands. We look at why these extremely shapely hands are difficult to represent and solutions to this. As overcallers you can play conventional bids to show these 5-5 hands, and in this lesson we look specifically at the
Hand of the Week #9 (Solution) ♦
N E S W 1♥ P 1♠ P 2♣ P 4♥ P P P With the red suits being your worries it is a relief to have had a spade led rather than a diamond through your ♦K on dummy. You have a double finessing position in
Hand of the Week #9 ♦
N E S W 1♥ P 1♠ P 2♣ P 4♥ P P P North South have bid to a routine 4♥ contract and East has led something completely safe (for both sides) in the shape of the ♠J. Your potential losers are mainly in the red