Andrew Robson Articles.
Read about Andrew Robson
Andrew offers hints and tips for those new to the game
Andrew's top tip for intermediates and improvers.
A selection of deals for the more experienced
Andrew receives his OBE at Buckingham Palace from her majesty the Queen
Some select deals, which i have played
Test your bidding knowledge
In this series Andrew, features one improtant point per Article. Bit by bit the reader will improve their game.
See how to get to ARBC
View Transportation Information
See Our Opening Hours
Take a 360 degree tour of the inside of ARBC
A list of places to stay near to our club
Book a table for a duplicate
Exercise: Partner opens 1♣. What would be your response holding these?
Hand a) | Hand b) | Hand c) | Hand d) |
♠ Q 6 4 2 ♥ KJ 4 3 ♦ 93 ♣ 9 6 4 |
♠ A 9 4 2 ♥ Q 4 ♦ J 9 7 3 ♣ 10 5 2 |
♠ K 5 2 ♥ Q J 7 5 4 ♦ 5 ♣ 9 8 5 2 |
♠ A 9 8 5 2 ♥ Q 9 6 3 2 ♦ K 2 ♣ 2 |
Answers:
(a). Respond 1♥ – cheaper of fours. If partner does not now bid spades, nor will you. Further note that it is a common misconception to respond 1NT “to show weakness”. This is a big mistake, for you will miss many major-suit fits. Bid a suit to a suit.
(b). Respond 1♦, cheaper of fours. Don’t worry, you won’t miss a fit in spades, for if partner has spades (say 5♣-4♠), he can bid 1♠ now.
(c). Respond 1♥. You do have a fit in clubs, but it is correct to withhold support for a minor when you have a worthwhile major to introduce. Note that if your ♥QJ754 were ♦QJ754, you would bid 2♣ rather than 1♦.
(d). Respond 1♠, “high fives”. Plan to bid 2♥ next, keeping the bidding more economical than bidding 1♥ then 2♠ (forcing partner to the three-level to give a preference back to hearts).