Conventions IV

Third & Fourth Seat Openings By Paul Lavings

Conventions Paul Lavings - 18 April, 2017

Most partnerships haven’t defined their strategy for third and fourth seat openings. Sort yourselves out with this quiz on third seat openings, nil vulnerable:

Jump Shifts – Strong or Weak?

Conventions CSB NEWS - 2 February, 2017

Originally all jump shifts were strong – promising at least game going values, usually slam interest. Then came the era of....

A valuable convention

Conventions CSB NEWS - 26 January, 2017

South dealer; North-South vulnerable. * Artificial and forcing Opening lead — 3 When a player not on lead doubles a slam voluntarily...

Flip-Flop Flannery Convention by Neil H. Timm

Conventions Neil H. Timm - 12 January, 2017

When partner opens 2NT or after the bid of 2C, many partnerships employ the Puppet (3C) Stayman Convention to try to find...

Splinter Bids By Marty Bergen

Conventions Marty Bergen - 25 November, 2016

Using Standard methods, many players would bid exactly as you and your partner did. However, there is a better way.

Strengthen Your Game By Brent Manley

Conventions CSB NEWS - 14 November, 2016

If you want to improve your scores in duplicate, especially in pairs, it’s important to have a firm grasp on competitive bidding strategies.

Trouble with lebensohl By Billy Miller

Conventions CSB NEWS - 11 November, 2016

Dear Billy, We have been having a great deal of trouble with lebensohl. My partner and I not only use it after our 1NT openers when the opponents interfere, but also when...

The Elwell Double By Billy Miller

Conventions CSB NEWS - 6 November, 2016

Most players do not have a cool gizmo or gadget to use over auctions by the opponents, such as 1NT-3NT, 2NT-3NT or 1NT-2NT-3NT. You will pass almost every time, and ...

When Blackwood is not enough Part II By Barry Rigal

Conventions Barry Rigal - 26 July, 2016

Following completion of the transfer, a jump in your own major at your second turn is a mild slam try, showing a ...

When Blackwood is not enough By Barry Rigal

Conventions Barry Rigal - 20 July, 2016

Everyone knows that the ace-asking inquiry named after Easley Blackwood is usually initiated by a call of 4NT. We have all had disasters when

Grand Slams By Paul Lavings

Conventions Paul Lavings - 28 February, 2016

If you bid and make a grand slam, you will normally win a swag of IMPs or matchpoints.

Diamonds are a Bridge Player’s best friend

Conventions CSB NEWS - 26 February, 2016

If you ask me what is the most neglected suit in bridge my answer is Diamonds.

Ask Jerry: How to make penalty doubles playing Negative Doubles

Conventions Jerry Helms - 21 February, 2016

Dear Jerry, We play negative doubles. I was told opener should strain to reopen the bidding with a double in the following type of auction...Photo: Jerry Helms & Jonathan Steinberg

Some New Ideas For Puppet Stayman

Conventions CSB NEWS - 18 February, 2016

Finally here's a very simple modern version of Puppet Stayman that's probably the best of the three.