4-4 vs 5-3 trump fit in bridge

[@michaelk551]

A much appreciated mini-lesson well explained - thank you!

[@heathertempleton308]

Thanks

[@walky240251]

Hi Graeme, I´ve got a question: "hand on heart, would you have automatically bid 5 hearts in the first round? " We are always wiser in hinsight!

[@Nbroughton100]

Hi Graeme, 4-4 fits work out well when opponents split 3-2. My fear is that they will split 4-1, I think it is 30% of the time. This puts me off 4-4 fits and preference for 5-3. Thoughts? And, do you have tips for how to play a 4-4 fit when you realise opps have split 4-1 when one shows out on the second round. Your insights are invaluable. Many thanks

[@Skybridgeclub]

Hi @Nbroughton, you’re quite right that a 4-1 or 5-0 trump split makes things tough and you’ll get one of those bad breaks just over 30% of the time. One way of looking at things, though, is that almost 70% of the time trumps will break 3-2. In that case you’re going to be quite happy. Things never work out all the time in bridge but if something works well more often than not then we normally just want to keep doing it! With the above in mind, a good trump suit helps. I know we get taught that length is more important than strength but the reality is that a 4-4 trump fit with a weak trump suit is often problematic. In that case you might want to try the 5-3 fit or even 3NT. No fixed rules to it, just something to be aware of. When you do find yourself in a 4-4 fit it’s often better to establish a side suit before drawing trumps. That applies especially when there’s a problem in the trump suit. Perhaps the opponents are playing a forcing game, making you ruff. Perhaps trumps are breaking badly. In these situations and many more if you start developing your side suit first you may be able to keep better control. You can ruff in either hand if you need to and draw trumps with the other. You don’t normally have that flexibility in a 5-3 fit. Gosh, there’s so much to think about! Don’t be put off the 4-4 fit, though. Keep practicing and I’m sure what you discover will help in other contracts, too. My trumpet tells me that it takes two lifetimes to play the trumpet well. Bridge? I certainly don’t know yet.

[@Nbroughton100]

@@Skybridgeclub Really helpful, Graeme, many thanks. Nigel

[@jennyfryar5197]

Can someone explain to me in simple terms why we can only ruff in the hand that is short on trumps please?

[@Skybridgeclub]

Hi there, have a look at this video and see if it makes sense. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYS9io1-pbuobbs Do let me know because if you're still not sure then I'm happy to help further

[@adomehusseinjuma433]

I made more tricks than the bid but still lost the game What is the problem?

[@alessandrachawdhary6691]

How about if N bid 2 C staymen?

[@Skybridgeclub]

Sure thing. Lots of ways to bid those cards. Using Stayman North could still bid spades if South denies a 4-card major.

[@ollevonessen4021]

Isn’t the point here that your 3-card trump hand lack shortage in any suit? If you had a double or singleton it is more likely that you had fewer card than the long trump hand there - thus enable you to trump. Ofcourse, shortage is more likely in 4-card trump hand than a 3-card trump hand.

[@Skybridgeclub]

Hi, yes, it was a particularly balanced dummy with the 5-3 spade fit and it won't always be like that. The thing with the 4-4 fit is that a shortage in either hand is enough whereas with the 5-3 fit the shortage only helps if it's in the hand with three trumps. Thanks for taking the time to comment!