Bernard Magee Bridge 23

[@nigelflynn8063]

Hi Bernard Really enjoying watching your seminars, learning a number of things to pass on to my classes whenever they restart, As I hadn't quibbled with any of your quizzes for a while, you may have thought I was no longer watching, so I'm sure you'll be pleased to get a query about today's quiz! First of all I assume this is at duplicate pairs. I think that there is a good argument for passing, not bidding 1NT, because your partner opened FIRST hand (dealer). You felt you have to bid or partner will be left in it - but you and most other teachers tell people in fourth hand to do their best to bid, and not allow a 1 of a suit opening to play. Usually that results in a good duplicate pairs score for the opening bidder - second bidder often had something to say but couldn't, especially over 1S. So on this hand, you don't expect the hand to be passed out; you expect an overcall, a "borrow a king" double, or a "borrow a king" 1NT overcall. (I believe you were teaching us to do that recently!) Then if partner has a second suit they will bid it, or if they do a reopening double you can now show your hearts. The only time it is likely to be passed out is if the fourth bidder has 5 spades or a good 4. And in that case, if partner has 6 spades and does not have another suit to bid, they will convert your 1NT to 2S and that will be even worse! So it is a close balance whether to pass or bid 1NT - entirely depends on whether partner has 5 or 6 spades. With you having none, it increases the chances they have 6, and you will end up in 2S if you bid 1NT. Now if your partner had opened SECOND bidder, completely different; you now expect it may well be passed out, as first opponent didn't have enough to open. Then you should bid 1NT to rescue partner and hope they don't bid 2S. I know you will disagree, but please at least consider the points I am making: I think you'll agree the advice given is generally not to allow a first-in-hand 1 of a suit opening to play, so you would not expect the 1S bid to be left to play. Nigel Flynn

[@danielbenison3321]

I Bernard I really enjoy your videos it has enlighten a lot on defence which I thought I was ok , I usually play odds to encourage

[@rachelcalvert8392]

Good morning from sunny Rye