Bidding Basics: Build a Clear Auction Plan

In the level 1 course, I want to work on some expert fundamentals. If you are an experienced player, you should not stop reading, thinking this will be too easy. I'll try to make the concepts in this course as easy and digestible as possible, but lots of experienced players, even at the very highest level, do not have sound fundamental skills. Getting the basics correct is far more important than learning learning complex ideas. It is basic ideas that will be working hard for you, earning you good scores, every time you sit down at the table. 

the level 1 course will look at the following themes in order

1. Finding a major fit - put majors at the front of your mind. There are a lot of practical  implications of this, for example what do you bid here?

Many experts would say that 1♠ is the correct bid, and that should be more understandable when we discuss the logic behind prioritising major suits. But be careful, if we change the hand slightly, say

Now most would argue for a 1♦  response. We will talk about why, and what has changed, in future articles. 

2. Getting familiar with No Trump bidding, knowing when to prioritise it. 

"When in doubt, bid 3NT". 3NT is a very attractive game, experts play in that contract a lot more than intermediate players. A discussion of when it is appropriate to play there, and generally how to understand the best contract for you, will be looked at.

3. Dont forget about the minors, when are they useful?

With points 1 and 2 covering the majors and NT, it would be remiss to say that the minors do not play an important role in the bidding. They certainly do, but its about understanding when it is time to be bidding a minor, and when it is not. 

4. When your side is bidding, how high should you bid? This is a very important question. Some of the simple rules are well known, for example that you need 25 points for game. This is an area where a few extra simple rules will make a world of difference to your game. 

5. When both sides are bidding, how much should I compete? Most bridge auctions are competitive where both sides are trying to fight for the trump suit. Some important ideas and rules will help you get the better of these situations. 

Hope you enjoy the articles

Paul

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