Bridge Basics Tutorial

♠♥♦♣

Prasad Upasani
December 10th, 2020
Objective of Bidding

Part-game: Needs at least 18-20 combined points

Level Game: Needs 25+ combined points
Slam: Needs 33+ combined points for mini-slam

Best contract in order of priority is:

Major (4♥ / 4♠): Needs 26+ points for game
Suit 3 No Trump: Needs 25+ points AND all suits covered
Minor (5♣ / 5♦): Needs 29+ points

Mini Slam (6-level): Needs 33+ points

Slam Grand Slam (7-level): Needs 37+ points

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 Hand Evalua5on
FOUR kinds of points used in hand evaluation:

High Card Points (HCP): Ace: 4 King: 3 Queen: 2 Jack: 1

Long-suit Points (LP): Add 1 point for each card a>er the 4th in your long suits (5-card suit = 1, 6-card suit = 2, etc.)
Short-suit Points (SP): Doubleton: 1 Singleton: 2 Void: 3
Dummy Points (DP): Doubleton: 1 Singleton: 2/3 Void: # of trumps
(2 if 3 trumps, 3 if 4+)

BEFORE a suit trump fit is found, OR when playing in No Trump contract:

Both Partners: Total Points = HCP + LP

Ex: ♠AK10932 ♥KJ72 ♦73 ♣4 = 11 HCP + 2 for 5th & 6th spade = 13 points

AFTER a suit trump fit is found:

Declarer: Total Points = HCP + SP + 1 for every extra trump aYer 5th
Ex: ♠AK10932 ♥KJ72 ♦73 ♣4 = 11 HCP + 1 (♦ doubleton) + 2 (♣ singleton) + 1 (6th trump ) = 15 points
Dummy: Total Points = HCP + DP
Ex: ♠QJ87 ♥A983 ♣109876 = 7 HCP + 4 (♦ void, 4 trumps) = 11 points

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Opening Bid Requirements
• Rule of 20: To open the bidding hand must satisfy rule of 20 – the sum of your HCP and the length
of the 2 longest suits must be 20 or more.
• Example: ♠AK1093 ♥KJ102 ♦732 ♣4 : 11 HCP + 9 (# of ♠ & ♥) = 20. So open 1♠.
• Rule of 15: After Pass-Pass-Pass (4th hand only), if your hand does not meet rule of 20 you can
still open if HCP + number of spades is 15 or more. This gives your side a competitive advantage in
part-score bidding battles.
• Example: ♠AK1093 ♥K1092 ♦732 ♣4 : 10 HCP + 5 (# of ♠ ) = 15. So open 1♠.
• Shape: If you can open the bid based on Rule of 20, first check if the hand is:
• Balanced: No voids, no singletons, and at most one doubleton such as 4-3-3-3, 4-4-3-2, or 5-3-3-2 (with
5-card minor only!)
• Unbalanced (also called distributional): such as 5-4-3-1, 6-4-2-1, 6-5-1-1, etc.

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 Opening Bids – Balanced Hands

• Balanced Hands: 4-3-3-3, 4-4-3-2, 5-3-3-2 (with 5-card minor)

• 12-14 points: Bid longest minor. With equal length, bid minor with more HCP.
• 15-17 points: Open 1NT
• 18-19 points: Open best minor (see above), then jump to 2NT on re-bid.
• 20-21 points: Open 2NT
• 22-24 points: Open 2♣ and re-bid 2NT. Stayman & Transfers ON over 2♣ -2♦-2NT.
• 25-27 points: Open 2♣ and re-bid 3NT.
• 28+ points: Open 2♣ and re-bid 4NT.
• Key opening ranges to remember are 1NT (15-17) and 2NT (20-21). Everything else can be
remembered based on that.

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No Trump Response Bids – No Major

• Over 1NT (15-17 points) responder’s bid depends his point range and distribution
• 0-7 points (Minimum): Pass.
• Note: 7 + 17 (opener max) = 24, i.e. not enough for game.
• Exception 1: Can do transfer & pass with 5+ card suit, weak hand (1NT-2♦-2♥-Pass). See
next page.
• Exception 2: Garbage Stayman – With void/singleton in Clubs (only!), and support for
other suits (e.g. 4-4-4-1, 4-4-5-0), bid 2♣ Stayman, and pass anything opener bids.
• 8-9 points (Invitational) & no 4+ card major: Invite NT game with 2NT
• Opener will bid 3NT if he has 17 points, else pass.
• 10+ points (Game Forcing) & no 4+ card major: Bid 3NT. Opener must pass.
• Note: 10 + 15 (opener min) = 25, i.e. enough for game!

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 No Trump Response Bids – Stayman

• Stayman: Over 1NT by opener, with one or more 4-card major(s) and 8+ points, bid 2♣ (Stayman) to ask partner
for his major (1NT-2♣).
• NT opener MUST respond as follows (no other bids allowed!):
• 2♦: Denies a 4-card major in opener’s hand: 1NT-2♣ -2♦
• Now Stayman bidder bids 2NT (8-9 pts) or 3NT (10+ pts) and opener corrects level as needed based on
his points. Ex: 1NT-2♣ -2♦-2NT(8 pts)-3NT(17 pts) or 1NT-2♣ -2♦-3NT(10 pts)
• 2♥/2♠: shows 4 cards in that major in opener’s hand: 1NT-2♣ -2♥ or 1NT-2♣ -2♠
• If Stayman bidder (responder) has same major, raise to 3-level (8-9 pts) or game (10+ pts). Example:
1NT-2♣ -2♥- 4♥ (4 hearts, 10 pts) or 1NT-2♣ -2♠ -3♠ (4 spades, 8 pts). Opener corrects level as needed
based on his points.
• If opener bids other major, responder goes back to 2NT (8-9 pts) or 3NT (10+ pts). Ex: 1NT-2♣ -2♠ -
3NT (4 hearts, 10 pts). Opener corrects level as needed based on his points.
• With both majors, opener bids 2♥, then bids spades over responder’s 2NT or 3NT if needed.

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No Trump Response Bids – Jacoby Transfer

• Jacoby Transfer: Over 1NT by opener, with 5+ card major suit bid the suit under your major - 2♦ to show
Hearts, 2♥ to show Spades. Any Strength okay!
• NT Opener MUST bid the major shown to accept the transfer (even with no support!)
• Ex: 1NT-2♦-2♥ or 1NT-2♥-2♠
• Responder now bids No Trump based on his range as in the previous page:
• 0-7 points (Minimum): Pass. This lets you play in responder’s long suit with a weak hand.
• 8-9 points (Invitational): 2NT
• 10+ points (Game Force): 3NT
• With no support for responder’s major, Opener will pass (15 pts) or raise to 3NT (17 pts)
• Ex: 1NT-2♦-2♥-2NT-Pass or 1NT-2♦-2♥-2NT-3NT
• With support for responder’s major, opener will correct to 3♥/3♠ (15 pts) or 4♥/4♠ (17 pts)
• Ex: 1NT-2♦-2♥-2NT-3♥ or 1NT-2♦-2♥-2NT-4♥

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 No Trump Response Bids – Summary
Over 1NT (15-17) opening by partner, this is the priority of responses:
1. Stayman: With 4-card major(s) AND 8+ points, bid 2♣ to ask opener for his major
• Place contract based on opener’s response and your strength.
2. Transfer: With a 5+ card major (any strength), use transfers by bidding the suit under your suit
• With 0-7 points, pass aKer opener accepts transfer by bidding your major
• With 8+ points, place contract based on opener’s response and your strength
3. Minor-Suit Transfer: With a weak hand (< 5 points) AND a 6+ card minor, bid 2♠. Opener must accept transfer by
bidding 3♣. Responder passes with long clubs, or bids 3♦ with diamonds. Opener must pass.
4. Garbage Stayman: Can also bid 2♣ Stayman with 0-7 points, void/singleton in clubs, AND support for other three
suits, i.e. 4-4-4-1 or 4-4-5-0 with club void/singleton.
• Pass any response by opener.
5. No Trump: Else Pass with 0-7 pts, bid 2NT (8-9 pts) or 3NT (10+ pts)
Note: With 5-4 in the majors, start with 2♣ (Stayman) and re-bid your 5-card major if partner bids 2♦
Interference: Both Stayman & Transfers are ON over intervening double by opponents. Both are OFF over intervening suit bid
unless you can double the bid to show a “stolen bid”. Note double by NT opener is always for penalty!
• 1NT - Double - 2♣ (Stayman), 1NT - Double - 2♦ (Transfer to Hearts)
• 1NT - 2♣ - Double (Stayman), 1NT - 2♥ - Double (Transfer to Spades)
• 1NT - 2♥ - Pass - Pass - Double (opener double for penalty), 1NT - 2♠ - 3♥ (natural invite with 5+ hearts, 9+ points)
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 Opening Bids – Unbalanced Hands
• Rule of 20/22: To open a hand, HCP + length of 2 longest suits must be >= 20 AND must have 2+ Quick Tricks
• Example: ♠AK1093 ♥KJ102 ♦732 ♣4 : 11 HCP + 9 (# of ♠ & ♥) = 20. So open 1♠.
• Rule of 15: After Pass-Pass-Pass (4th hand only), if your hand does not meet rule of 20 you can still open if HCP +
number of spades is 15 or more. This gives your side a competitive advantage in part-score bidding battles.
• Example: ♠AK1093 ♥K1092 ♦732 ♣4 : 10 HCP + 5 (# of ♠ ) = 15. So open 1♠.
• A 1-level suit opening typically shows 12-21 HCP but can be made with less if distributional
• Open with longest suit with the constraint that 1♥ / 1♠ promises at least 5 in that suit
• With two long suits of same length, open higher-ranked one.
• Ex: With 5♠ 5♥ 2♦ 1♣, open 1♠
• When choosing between two 3-card minors, open with Clubs. 1♦ will be usually with 4 diamonds UNLESS
specifically 4M-4M-3♦-2♣ hand.
• Ex: With 4♠ -3♥-3♦-3♣, open 1♣ . With 3♠ -2♥-4♦-4♣, open 1♦
• Third-hand openings can be up to 3 points light (borrow a King from partner)
• With 22+ points, always open 2♣

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 Responses to 1-Level Suit Opening Bids

• Before responding, re-evaluate the hand and add LP to HCP if no fit, DP with fit.
• 0-5 points: Pass.
• 6-9 points: Minimum (Weak) Hand
• With 3 or 4-card support for partner’s suit, raise to 2 level (ex: 1♥ - 2♥)
• With 5+ card support for partner’s suit & 6-9 HCP (weak freak), raise to game (ex: 1♥ - 4♥)
• Else bid new longest 4+ card suit if you can do so at the one level (ex. 1♥ - 1♠, 1♣ - 1♦). With
mulcple 4-card suits, bid up the ladder. CANNOT bid new suit at 2 level!
• Else bid 1NT. This is a catchall bid showing 6-9 points with no support and no biddable suit at 1
level. It does NOT require a balanced hand or stoppers.
• Else support partner’s minor opening with 4+ cards (last priority). Ex: 1♦ - 2♦

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 Responses to 1-Level Suit Opening Bids (contd.)
• 10-12 points: Invitational Hand
• With support for partner’s MAJOR suit, raise two levels. Ex: 1♥ - 3♥
• Else bid new longest suit. Forcing for one round. 4-card suits up the ladder, 5-card suits down the ladder. Can
bid 4-card suit at 1 level, must have 5-card suit for new suit bid at 2-level.
• Else bid 2NT to show balanced hand without support. Invitational bid.
• Raise opener’s MINOR opening suit two levels (ex: 1♦ - 3♦). Need 4+ cards to support minor. Last priority.
• 13-16 points: Game-Force Hand
• Do NOT jump to game with support since that shows weak freak (6-9 HCP, 5 trumps). Bid new suit, then jump
to game on next bid.
• Splinter (optional): With 4-card (major only!) trump support for partner AND a side singleton or void, double-
jump into the void/singleton suit to invite slam. Usually for major-suit openings ONLY. Ex: 1♥ - 4♦ shows 13-16
points, 4+ hearts and a Diamond void or singleton.
• Else bid new longest suit. Forcing for one round. 4-card suits up the ladder, 5-card suits down the ladder.
• Else bid 3NT to show balanced hand without support.
• 17+ points: Slam-Invitational Hand
• Jump-shift into a new suit to show 17+ point hand. This is forcing to game and slam-invitational.
• Ex: 1♥ - 2♠, 1♣ - 2♥, 1♠ - 3♣

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Opener Rebids After 1-Level Suit Opening Bids
• 12-15 points: Minimum Opening Hand
• With support for partner’s suit, raise one level.
• If partner has bid new suit at 1-level (promising 4 cards), need at least 4 cards to support.
• Ex: 1♣ - 1♥ - 2♥ (4+ hearts) or 1♠ - 2♥ - 3♥ (3+ hearts)
• With no support for partner, and 6+ card suit, re-bid it at lowest level. Ex: 1♥ - 1♠ - 2♥
• Else bid new suit but only if you can do so without reversing (re-bid higher ranking suit). Forcing for one round.
• Ex: 1♠ - 2♣ - 2♥ (5+ spades, 4+ hearts) OK, cannot bid 1♥ - 2♣ - 2♠ (REVERSE)
• Else bid NT (without jumping). Note this does NOT promise a balanced hand.
• Ex: 1♥ - 1♠ - 1NT or 1♥ - 2♣ - 2NT (non-jump NT rebid)
• 16-18 points: InvitaUonal Hand
• With support for partner’s suit, raise it 2 levels.
• Ex: 1♣ - 1♥ - 3♥ (4+ hearts) or 1♠ - 2♥ - 4♥ (3+ hearts)
• With no support for partner, and 6+ card suit, jump re-bid it.
• Ex: 1♥ - 1♠ - 3♥ (6+ hearts, 16-18 points)
• Else bid new suit – can reverse (re-bid higher ranking suit). Forcing for one round.
• Ex: 1♥ - 2♣ - 2♠ (5+ hearts, 4+ spades, 16-18 points), 1♠ - 2♣ - 2♥ (5+ spades, 4+ hearts, 13+ points)
• Else jump-bid NT to invite game (note should have opened 1NT with balanced 15-17).
• Ex: 1♥ - 1♠ - 2NT or 1♠ - 2♣ - 3NT (jump NT rebid) shows 16-18 points
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Opener Rebids ACer 1-Level Suit Opening Bids (contd.)

• 19-21 points: Game-Force Hand

• With support for partner’s suit, jump to game. Ex: 1♣ - 1♥ - 4♥
• With no support for partner, and very long 7+ card suit (or running 6-card suit), jump to
game in your suit. Ex: 1♥ - 1♠ - 4♥
• Else jump-shift to a new 4+ card suit. This shows your strong hand and is forcing to game.
• Ex: 1♣ - 1♥ - 2♠, 1♥ -1♠ - 3♣
• Splinter (optional): With 4+ card (major only!) trump support for partner AND a
void/singleton, double- jump into the void/singleton suit to invite slam.
• Ex: 1♥ - 1♠ - 4♦ shows 19+ points, 4+ spades, and a Diamond void/singleton
• Else with no fit and all suits stopped, jump to game in 3NT.
• Note: With 22+ points opener should have opened 2♣.

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 1 of a Suit Opening Bids – NOTES

• With muljple 5-card suits start with highest-ranking suit (♠ ♥ ♦ ♣) and then rebid lower suit if needed.
• With muljple 4-card suits, bid up the ladder (♣ ♦ ♥ ♠).
• Any new suit is usually forcing for one round unless either partner has previously limited their hand.
• If there are any intervening suit bids by opponents, the next No Trump bid promises stopper in those suits ONLY
(Ex: 1♣ - 1♥ - 1NT needs heart stopper). Note subsequent NT bids by other partner does NOT need stopper.
• Evaluate your hand using long points at the start. Remember to re-evaluate using short points or dummy points
as soon as a suit fit is found.
• Conjnue bidding jll at least one of the partners has limited their hand within 2-3 points and jll you have agreed
on a suit.
• Once one partner has limited their hand and suit (or NT) agreed on, other partner becomes the captain places
contract by passing, invijng game or jumping to game.
• Invijng game tells partner to go to game if at upper-end of point range shown so far, else pass.
• Once you have agreed on a major, don’t bid a new suit UNLESS you are cue-bidding to explore slam.

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Forcing vs Non-Forcing Bids
In general a bid is forcing if it has no upper limit. A bid can be forcing for one round or game-forcing. NOTE: You are not required
to bid over partner’s forcing bid if there is an intervening bid by opponents.
1. 2♣ is the only opening bid that is forcing. All other opening bids can be passed if responder has less than 6 points.
2. A new suit by responder is forcing for one round unless either partner has already limited their hand.
• 1♦ - 1♠ (forcing), 1♦ - 1♥ - 1♠ - 2♣ (forcing)
• 1♣ - 1♠ - 1NT - 2♥ (not forcing since opener is limited, asks opener to choose ♥ or ♠)
• Pass - 1♣ - 1♠ (not forcing since responder was passed hand therefore limited to less than 13 points)
3. A new suit by opener is not forcing (since he can jump-shift to show game-forcing hand).
• 1♣ - 1♥ - 1♠ is not forcing. It shows 13-18 points so responder can pass with spade support and less than 8 points.
4. A jump-shift by either partner is game-forcing. A jump-shift by responder is game-forcing AND suggests slam.
• 1♥ - 2♠ (17+ points), 1♥ - 2♣ - 3♠ (19+ points)
5. Any other jump bids (below game) by either partner are strong invitations but not forcing.
• Ex: 1♥ - 1♠ - 2NT/3♥ (16-18 points)
6. When a suit has been agreed upon, a new suit is forcing for one round and is a game try.
• 1♥ - 2♥ - 3♣ (16-18 points, exploring game)
7. A reverse by opener is forcing for one round
• 1♥ - 2♣ - 2♠ (16-18 points), 1♦ - 1♠ - 2♥ (16-18 points)

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 Box Theory & Captaincy Principle
• Every bid has an upper and a lower limit that “boxes” the bid. Subsequent bids can make the box smaller by
contracjng the range, but NEVER bigger.
• Both partners need to keep bidding jll one of them limits their hand within 2-3 points.
• Once someone has limited their hand, their PARTNER becomes the CAPTAIN of the bidding and must place
contract.
• In general if you know aYer a round of bidding where the contract should be, stop describing your hand and
place the contract!
• All these bidding sequences limit one hand and make the other captain:
• 1NT (15-17) opening: Responder is captain since opener has limited his hand
• 1♥ (12-21) - 1NT (6-9): Opener is captain since responder has limited his hand
• 1♥ (12-21) - 2♥ (6-9): Opener is captain since responder has limited his hand
• 1♥ (12-21) - 1♠ (6+) - 1NT/2♥/2♠ (12-15): Responder is captain since opener has limited his hand
• 1♥ (12-21) - 1♠ (6+) - 2NT/3♥/3♠ (16-18): Responder is captain since opener has limited his hand

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 1 of a Suit Opening Bids - Showing Strength Correctly
• Both opener as well as responder have minimum, invitational, game-forcing and slam-invitational ranges.
• Opener: 12-15 (Minimum) 16-18 (Invitational) 19-21 (Game-Forcing) 22+ (Slam-Invitational)
• Responder: 6-9 (Minimum) 10-12 (Invitational) 13-16 (Game-Forcing) 17+ (Slam-Invitational)
• Responder shows his range with specific bids:
• Support Opener’s Suit: 1♥ - 2♥ (6-9), 1♥ - 3♥ (10-12), 1♥ - 1♠ - 1NT - 4♥ (13-16),
1♥ - 4♥ (6-9 HCP, 5+ trumps & some void/singleton)
• Bid NT: 1♥ - 1NT (6-9), 1♥ - 2NT (10-12), 1♥ - 3NT (13-16)
• New Suit: 1♥ - 1♠ (6-16, 4+ spades) 1♠ - 2♣ (New suit at 2-level: 10-16, 5+ clubs)
• Jump-Shift (17+ pts): 1♥ - 2♠ (17+, 5+ spades) 1♠ - 3♣ (17+ pts, 5+ Clubs)
• Splinter (dbl-jump shift): 1♥ - 3♠ (13-16, 4+ hearts, void/singleton in spades)
• Opener similarly shows his strength on his rebid:
• Support Partner’s Suit: 1♥ - 1♠ - 2♠ (12-15), 1♥ - 1♠ - 3♠ (16-18), 1♥ - 1♠ - 4♠ (19-21)
• Rebid 6+ card Suit: 1♥ - 1♠ - 2♥ (12-15), 1♥ - 1♠ - 3♥ (16-18), 1♥ - 1♠ - 4♥ (19-21)
• Bid NT: 1♥ - 1♠ - 1NT (12-15), 1♥ - 1♠ - 2NT (16-18), 1♥ - 1♠ - 3NT (19-21)
• New Suit: 1♥ - 1♠ - 2♣ , 1♠ - 2♣ -2♥ (13-18 new suit, non-reverse, non jump)
• Reverse (16-18 pts): 1♥ - 2♣ - 2♠ (16-18, 4+ spades). Any Reverse (re-bid of higher-ranking suit) promises 16+ points.
• Jump-Shift (19+ pts): 1♣ - 1♥ - 2♠ (19-21), 1♥ - 1♠ - 3♣ (19-21), 1♠ - 1NT - 3♥ (19-21)
• Splinter (dbl-jump shift): 1♥ - 1♠ - 4♦ (19-21, 4+ spade support, void/singleton in diamonds).
• Once one partner limits their point range using one of the above bids, the other partner becomes the captain and places the contract.

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 Preemptive Bids
• Preemp`ve Bids: You can make a preempjve opening bid with a 6+ card suit IF you cannot open via rule of 20.
Typically less than 10 HCP.
• 6-card suit: 2♦ / 2♥ / 2♠ (NOTE: 2♣ is not pre-empjve and shows 22+ points!)
• 7-card suit: 3♣ / 3♦ / 3♥ / 3♠
• 8-card suit: 4♣ / 4♦/ 4♥ / 4♠
• Long suit must be of good quality with 2 of the top 3, or 3 of the 5 top honors. Most of the points should be in
this suit.
• Ex. AQxxxx, or AJ10xxx
• Do not preempt with a 4-card (or longer) major on the side
• Also applies to jump overcalls: Over opponent’s 1 level opening, your jump-bid is preempjve with same
requirements.
• Example: 1♦- 2♥ shows weak hand with 6 hearts
• AYer a preempjve bid, you can only bid again if opener forces you to by bidding a new suit or 2NT (feature ask).
• If partner raises your suit, that is NOT an invitajon. It is a con`nua`on of the preempt. You must Pass.

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PreempKve Bids - Responses

• If you have support for partner’s suit: bid to level of combined trumps. Points do not matter!!
• Ex: 2♥ - 3♥ with 3 trumps, 2♥ - 4♥ with 4 trumps, 3♥ - 4♥ with 3 trumps, 3♦ - 5♦ with 4 trumps.
• Can also raise to game if minimum trump support and enough points (at least opening hand)
• If you do not have support but have strong hand (at least 17+ points):
• Bid a new suit if long suit of your own – at least 6-card suit (Forcing)
• Partner will raise your suit to game with support, else re-bid his own suit to deny support
• To try for 3NT, bid 2NT (feature ask) to ask for side-suit Ace or King (Forcing)
• Partner can bid side suit with entry, else re-bid his long suit to deny feature

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 Strong Hand Bidding

• A 2♣ opening shows a hand with 22+ points, OR at least 4 quick tricks with at most 4 losers. Forcing for 2 rounds by both
partners.
• Responses: 2♣ is forcing for at least two rounds: responder must bid twice unless opener’s second bid is 2NT (a limit bid).
• 0-7 points: Bid 2♦ “waiUng” to show either a weak hand (with 0-7 points) or a hand with no good suit. Forcing.
• Opener will now bid his longest (5+ card) suit. This is forcing for one round. Responder’s re-bid depends on his points:
• 0-3 Points: With support for opener’s suit, responder raises to game if his hand can provide at least one trick.
Else responder bids the cheapest minor (usually 3♣) as a second nega:ve (alertable!) to show a very bad hand.
• 4+ Points: With support for partner’s suit responder bids it, else he bids his longest suit. Avoid bidding NT.
• Else with no long suit (balanced hand) opener will rebid 2NT (22-24) or 3NT (25+).
• Responder can pass 2NT with very weak hand (0-2 points).
• Else use Stayman (3♣) or Jacoby Transfer (3♦/3♥) to explore major fit.
• Else bid 3NT over opener’s 2NT with 3+ points
• 8+ points: If you have a long suit of good quality bid it (suggests slam), else bid 2♦ waiing and proceed as above.
Avoid bidding 2NT to let opener bid that first if possible.
• Ajer two rounds of bidding, both partners bid naturally to place contract.

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 Slam Bidding - Blackwood

• Blackwood: Ader partners agree on a suit fit, a bid of 4NT asks for number of Aces
• NOTE: Blackwood 4NT is used to ask for Aces & Kings ader partners agree on a suit fit only. It should
not be used for NT contracts (where it has a different meaning).
• Responses show number of Aces in increasing order
• 5♣: 0 or 4 Aces, 5♦: 1 Ace, 5♥: 2 Aces, 5♠: 3 Aces
• Re-bid of 5NT by blackwood bidder asks for number of Kings
• Responses show number of Kings in increasing order
• 6♣: 0 or 4 Kings, 6♦: 1 King, 6♥: 2 Kings, 6♠: 3 Kings
• Blackwood bidder can bid the trump suit at any point to stop the bidding. Partner must pass.
• Ex: 1♥ - 3♥ (10-12) - 4NT (Blackwood) – 5♦ (1 Ace) – 6♥ (missing one Ace so let’s bid 6)

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Slam Bidding - Gerber

• Gerber: Ader partners agree on NT fit, a bid of 4♣ asks for number of Aces
• NOTE: Gerber 4♣ is used to ask for Aces & Kings ader partners agree on NT fit only. It should not
be used for suit contracts. Also if you need to find out whether or not you belong in slam don’t
use Gerber, use quanctacve raise instead (see next slide).
• Responses show number of Aces in increasing order (above 4♣)
• 4♦: 0 or 4 Aces, 4♥: 1 Ace, 4 ♠: 2 Aces, 4NT: 3 Aces
• Re-bid of 5C by partner asks for number of Kings
• Responses show number of Kings in increasing order (above 5C)
• 5♦: 0 or 4 Kings, 5♥: 1 King, 5♠: 2 Kings, 5NT: 3 Kings
• Gerber bidder can bid NT at any point to stop the bidding. Partner must pass.
• Ex: 1NT - 4♣ (Gerber) - 4♠ (2 Aces) - 6NT (all stop!)
• Ex: 1NT - 2♣ (Stayman) - 2♦ (no majors) - 4♣ (Gerber) – 4♥ (1 Ace) - 4NT (Oh shit, let’s stop!)

Bridge Tutorial - Prasad Upasani 23

 Slam Bidding - Notes

• Blackwood & Gerber are meant to be used a"er the partnership has already determined they have the points
for slam. They are not meant to determine if they have the points for slam. The conven<ons are used to stay
out of slam if missing two Aces. The best way to figure out if we have enough points for slam is via special
point-showing bids such as jump-shiBs, reverses, splinters, 2♣ opening, NT openings.
• 1♥ (15 pts) - 2♠ (17+ pts) - ( 3♥ - 4♥ ) - 4NT (Blackwood) …
• 1♥ (16 pts) - 2♠ (17+) - 2NT - 3NT - 5NT (asks partner to pass if 17, bid 7NT if 20+).
• Suit Contract Slams:
• Blackwood: Blackwood 4NT is used to ask for Aces & Kings aBer partners agree on a suit fit only. It
should not be used for NT contracts (where it has a different meaning – see below).
• No Trump Slams:
• Gerber: Gerber 4♣ is used to ask for Aces & Kings aBer partners agree on NT fit only. It should not be
used for suit contracts.
• Quan=ta=ve Raise: When the agreed contract is in No Trump, 4NT & 5NT are quan<ta<ve invita<ons:
• 1NT/2NT - 4NT is a quan<ta<ve bid asking partner to Pass with 15 pts and bid 6NT with 17 pts
• 1NT/2NT - 5NT is a quan<ta<ve bid asking partner to bid 6NT with 15 pts and 7NT with 17 pts
• Ex: 1NT (15-17 pts) – 4NT (16 pts) – Pass(15) / 6NT(17),
2NT (20-21 pts) – 5NT (16 pts) – 6NT(20) / 7NT(21)
Bridge Tutorial - Prasad Upasani 24
 CompeKKve Bidding - Overcalls
• AYer one of the opponents have opened, you can either overcall with a new long suit, bid NT, cue-bid their suit
or double. Each of these bids shows a specific strength and distribujon.
• Suit Overcalls: Overcall when you have a single long good quality suit with and 8-15 points.
• 1-level overcall requires 8+ points non-vulnerable, 10+ points if vulnerable
• 2-level overcall requires 10+ points non-vulnerable, 13+ points if vulnerable
• All overcalls require a good 5+ card suit with 2 of the top 3, or 3 of the top 5 honors.
• Ex: 1♣ - 1♥ overcall shows 5+ hearts and 8+ points, 10+ points vulnerable
• Ex: 1♠ - 2♦ overcall shows 5+ diamonds and 10+ points non-vulnerable, 13+ points vulnerable
• Responses to overcalls are similar to responses to suit openings keeping in mind opener may have less than
a full opening hand.
• 1NT Overcall shows a balanced hand with 15-18 points AND stopper(s) in opponents’ suit.
• Partner can now use Stayman, Transfers, or raise NT as if over-caller had opened 1NT
• Jump Overcall: A jump overcall is pre-empjve and shows the same hand as weak-2 or weak-3 bid.
• Ex: 1♣ - 2♥ shows 6 hearts with a weak hand, 1♥ - 3♠ shows 7 spades with a weak hand.

Bridge Tutorial - Prasad Upasani 25

 Competitive Bidding - Responses to Overcalls
• After partner overcalls a suit, respond as follows:
• A simple raise is constructive showing support and 6-9 points.
• Ex: 1♦ - 1♥ - 2♦ - 2♥
• A jump-raise is pre-emptive showing a weak hand (0-6 points) and 4+ trumps. Jump to 3-level
with 4-card support, and to the 4-level with 5+ card support
• Ex: 1♦ - 1♥ - 2♦ - 3♥ (shows 4 hearts and 0-6 points)
• With an invitational or better hand (10+ points) and support for partner’s suit, cue-bid the
opponent’s suit. Overcaller now repeats his suit with a weak (8-11 point) hand, bids something
else with a full opening hand (12+ points) or jumps to game with a stronger hand.
• Ex: 1♦ - 1♥ - 2♦ - 3♦ (shows 3+ hearts and 10+ points)
• With no support and 8+ points, responder can bid a new suit. This is invitational but not forcing.
• With no support and stopper(s) in the opponent’s suit, can bid:
• 1NT with 8-11 points
• 2NT with 12-14 points, or
• 3NT with 15+ points.

Bridge Tutorial - Prasad Upasani 26

 CompeIIve Bidding – Takeout Doubles
• Takeout Double: A double is for takeout IF below game level (up to 3S) AND neither partner has bid a
suit. Over a suit opening by opponents, double can show one of these hands:
• 12-15 points, shortness in opponents’ suit, at least 3 cards in the unbid suits
• With long suit and 18+ (total) points, start with takeout double and bid new suit on next round.
• Ex: 1♠ - Double - Pass - 2♥ - Pass - 3♦ shows long diamonds AND 18+ (total) points
• Doubles at the 2-level & re-opening doubles (see below) are also usually for takeout even if the
partnership has bid a suit
• Ex: 1♣ - 1♥ - Pass - 2♥ - Double is a takeout double asking partner if he has one of the unbid
suits
• Balancing / Reopening Double: It usually a bad idea to let opponents play at the 2 level when they want
to! In the pass-out posicon (ader 2 passes), if the last bid was under the 3 level and you have 8+ points
(10+ if vulnerable), you can re-open the bidding with a good 5+ card suit or a double (requires support
for unbid suits). NOTE: When vulnerable, be careful of pushing partner to the 3 level.
• Ex: 1♥ - Pass - Pass - Double, 1♥ - Pass - 2♥ - Pass - Pass - Double, 1♥ - 1♠ - 2♥ - Pass - Pass -
Double (partner do something!)

Bridge Tutorial - Prasad Upasani 27

 CompeIIve Bidding – Takeout Doubles
• Responses to Takeout Double: A takeout double is forcing, so partner MUST bid unless there is an
intervening bid.
• Unbalanced Hand: With less than 10 points, bid your longest suit. With 10-12 points, jump-bid one
level. With 13+ points, jump 2 levels (can be to game if already at high level). With 13+ points but
no good suit and no stoppers, cue-bid the opponents suit to ask partner to bid a suit or NT.
• 1♥ - Double - Pass - 1♠ (0-9 pts, 4+ spades), 1♥ - Double - Pass - 2♠ (10+ pts, 4+ spades)
• 1♥ - Double - 2♥ - 3♠ (10+ pts, 4+ spades), 1♥ - Double - Pass - 3♠ (13+ pts, 4+ spades)
• 1♥ - Double - 2♥ - 4♠ (13+ pts, 5+ spades), 2♥ / 3♦ - Double - Pass - 4♠ (13+ pts, 5+ spades)
• Balanced Hand: With an 8+ points, no long suit AND stopper(s) in opponent’s suit, bid 1NT (8-10
pts), 2NT (11-12 pts) or 3NT (13+ pts)
• Opponent’s Takeout Double: Over intervening double, redouble shows 10+ points, any other bid is
natural, weak and possibly preemptive.
• Ex: 1♥ - Double - Redouble (10+ pts), 1♥ - Double - 1♠ (4+ spades, 6-9 pts), 1♥ - Double - 2♠ (6+
spades, weak)

Bridge Tutorial - Prasad Upasani 28

 CompeKKve Bidding – NegaKve Doubles
• Negative Double: After a 1-level suit opening by partner and an intervening suit overcall, a double in 3rd place is
called a negative double. This is a sort of takeout double by responder promising 4-card length primarily in the
un-bid major(s) and possibly in the unbid minor. The exact suits shown depends on the bidding sequence:
• Over two minor bids - 1♣ - 1♦ or 1♦ - 2♣: Double by responder shows 4-4 in both majors. With 5-4 in the
majors, responder should the the 5-card suit first and rebid the other major unless too weak to bid twice.
• Over a minor and a heart - 1♣ - 1♥ or 1♦ - 1♥ : Since responder can still bid 1S, choosing to double shows
exactly 4 spades (and usually a weaker hand) whereas bidding 1S promises 5+ spades. Responder may or
may not have the unbid minor.
• Since 1♥ - 2♣ - 2♠ shows both 5+ spades AND 10+ points, 1♥ - 2♣ - Double shows either 4 spades with 6+
points, or 5 spades with 6-9 points. Likewise 1♠ - 2♦ - Double shows 4 Hearts and 6+ points OR 5 Hearts
with 6-9 points.
• Over a minor and a spade: 1♣ - 1♠ or 1♦ - 1♠ - Double promises 4+ Hearts, may have 4+ in the other minor.
• Over two major bids: 1♥- 1♠ - Double promises 4-4 or better in both minors.
• Note that responder’s double after a NT opening by partner or a NT overcall by opponent is always for penalty
and shows 10+ points.
• Ex: 1♥ - 1NT - Double or 1NT - 2♥ - Double are both Penalty doubles showing 10+ points.

Bridge Tutorial - Prasad Upasani 29

 Competitive Bidding:
Law of Total Tricks & 2-Suited Overcalls

• Law of Total Tricks: When competing, you are usually safe in bidding up to the level of your combined
trumps.
• Ex: with 6 hearts in opener’s hand + 3 hearts in responder’s hand, you can compete up to 3♥ (9 tricks).
• Michael’s Cue-Bid: After a suit opening by an opponent, a cue-bid of their suit shows two 5+ card suits. Over
a minor, the cue-bid shows both majors. Over a major, it shows the other major and a minor – partner can
bid 2NT to ask for the minor.
• Ex: 1♣ - 2♣ shows 5-5 or better in majors, 1♥ - 2♥ shows 5-5 or better in spades and a minor
• Unusual NT: After a suit opening by an opponent, a 2NT bid shows at least 5-5 in the two lower-ranking un-
bid suits. Keep vulnerability in mind since partner is forced to bid at the 3-level.
• Ex: 1♦ - 2NT shows 5-5 or better in Clubs & Hearts, 1♣ - 2NT shows 5-5 or better in Diamonds & Hearts
• Both the above overcalls require 8+ HCP (non-vulnerable), 10+ HCP (vulnerable), 13+ HCP if forcing partner
to bid at 3 level

Bridge Tutorial - Prasad Upasani 30

 Declarer Play
• Plan, plan, plan: Make a plan of play before playing to the first trick from the dummy.
• Keep the bidding in mind to make a mental picture of the unseen hands.
• In a Trump contract, also count losers that you need to get rid of by ruffing or discarding on another long suit. In
No Trump contract count sure winners. Next make a plan for making the rest of the tricks.
• Analyze the opening lead to try and read what cards either defender started out with.
• In trump contracts it is usually best to draw trumps right away unless they are needed for cross-ruffing or entry to
dummy. One of the first decisions for declarer is whether to draw trumps right away, and if so how many of them.
• In NT contracts, keep at least one stopper in each suit if you need to relinquish control at any point.
• In key suits, count remaining cards in opponents’ hands rather than cards that have been played.
• An even number of cards will usually tend to divide unevenly (except with 2 cards). Ex: 4 cards will tend to split 3-1
• An odd number of cards will usually tend to divide as evenly as possible. Ex: 5 cards will tend to split 3-2
• Rule of 11: When a defender leads 4th best, the number of cards higher the one led in the other three hands is 11
– card led. Ex: RHO leads 7 of spades as 4th best, there must be 4 (11-7) cards higher than the 7 of spades in LHO,
dummy, and declarer’s hand combined.

Bridge Tutorial - Prasad Upasani 31

 Defense
• Plan your defense before leading a card. Try to decide the suit to lead before deciding the card to lead.
• Lead of a low card promises honor, high (non-honor) card denies it. Therefore, leading a small card asks partner
to return the suit when possible, leading a high card tells partner you are not interested in that suit.
• Leading an honor promises the honor just under it and usually shows some length in the suit. Lead A from AKx, K
from KQJx, etc.
• Slam contracts: Against 6NT, 7NT or 7 of a suit, it is usually best to find a safe passive lead rather than give
declarer extra informajon about the lay of the cards. Against 6 of a suit, an aracking lead is usually berer.
• 2nd hand: Second hand usually plays low. However, when an honor is led from dummy or declarer’s hand, cover
the honor with an honor, but only if you or partner are likely to get a trick by promojng a possible honor in
either of your hands.
• 3rd hand: Third hand usually plays high when needed to take the trick. When playing an honor from two or more
honors in sequence or near sequence, play the lower one – e.g. J from QJ or KJ, Q from KQ or AQ. When you
cannot take the trick, show a?tude.
• Rule of 11: When a partner leads 4th best, the number of cards higher the one led in the other three hands is 11
– card led. Ex: partner leads 8 of spades as 4th best, there must be 3 (11-8) cards higher than the 8 of spades in
your hand, dummy, and declarer’s hand combined.

Bridge Tutorial - Prasad Upasani 32

 Opening Leads – No Trump Contracts
• In general, lead from longest and strongest suit. When short of outside entries to your hand and no running suit,
lead partner’s suit instead. If partner has not bid, lead your shorter major if it has at least two cards.
• The first priority is to lead partner's bid suit. Avoid suits bid by opponents, especially declarer.
• Lead the top of a sequence of 3 of more touching cards, e.g. A from AKQxx. K from KQJxx, Q from QJTxx,
• Also lead top of broken sequence, e.g. Q from QJ9xx.
• Lead the card below gap from suit headed by an interior sequence, e.g. Q from AQJTx, J from AJ10x.
• Fourth best from all other suits containing 4 or more cards, e.g. from Qxxxx or Kxxx or even Axxx
• Also lead fourth best from AKxxx or AKxx against a NT contract. Leading A or K can block the suit if partner has Qx.
Leading small also knocks out any stoppers in declarer's hand while preserving communicajons with partner.
• Lead 4th best from a suit headed by 2 touching high cards, e.g. x from JTxx or JTx, x from KQxx
• Lead low from 3-card suit containing an honor (low from an honor), e.g. 3 from Q73
• Lead high card from doubleton (top of nothing). e.g. 9 from 94
• Lead middle-up-down (MUD) from 3 small cards. e.g. 7 followed by 9 from 972
• Lead 2nd highest from four small cards, followed by the lowest. e.g. 7 and then 2 from 9742
Bridge Tutorial - Prasad Upasani 33
 Opening Lead Guidelines – No Trump Contracts

1. Prefer to lead major suits unless the suit bid by opponents or you have very good minor suit.
2. Give preference to suits with good spot (intermediate) cards.
3. Try to look for partner’s suit instead of leading your own when you have a very weak hand with no entries.
4. Be passive (avoid dangerous leads) when then have stopped in 2NT or stretched to bid 3NT.
5. Be aggressive when they have shown enough points to make game, or when you see their side suit breaking.
6. Avoid singleton leads except when you are extremely weak (see 3 above) without any sequence or obvious lead
and the singleton is a major. Ex: Consider leading ♥ 9 from ♠10 8 4 ♥ 9 ♦10 7 6 5 2 ♣10 8 3 2
7. When leading suits bid by opponents, prefer suit bid by RHO (declarer) if you have length and sequence or good
spot cards. With short suit missing honors, prefer leading through dummy (hoping to find partner). This is
important when they have bid all four suits or your suit.
8. If leading suit bid by RHO, always lead 4th best even with a sequence. So lead 6 from QJT64. This avoids blocking
the suit if partner has an honor in the suit.

Bridge Tutorial - Prasad Upasani 34

 Opening Leads – Suit Contracts

• First priority is to lead partner's bid suit. Avoid suits bid by opponents.
• Lead Ace from AKxxx. Lead of King followed by Ace shows doubleton AK. Similarly when you lead Q then K.
• Never underlead an Ace from Axxx (i.e. suit with Ace but no King). If you must lead from such a suit, lead the
Ace. If you lead a small card and opponent has singleton King your Ace will never get a trick!
• Lead of a side suit singleton is a good lead, especially if you have a weak hand, which means partner has enough
entries to get the lead in jme to give you a rough before trumps are drawn.
• From a suit headed by a sequence of two or more touching cards, lead the top of the sequence, e.g. Q from
QJTxx or from QJxxx. Also lead top of broken sequence, e.g. Q from QJ9xx.
• Lead the card below gap from suit headed by an interior sequence, e.g. Q from AQJTx, J from AJ10x.
• Lead high card from a doubleton, e.g. 10 from 10x, 5 from 53.
• With suits headed by one honor, lead small from 3-card suit (low from an honor) & 4th best from 4+card suit.
• Lead middle-up-down (MUD) from 3 small cards. e.g. 7 followed by 9 from 972
• Lead 2nd highest from four small cards, followed by the lowest. e.g. 7 and then 2 from 9742

Bridge Tutorial - Prasad Upasani 35

 Opening Lead Guidelines – Suit Contracts
1. Never lead OR underlead an unsupported Ace (i.e. Ace missing the King). If partner has bid the suit AND you’re
reasonably certain he has the King, okay to lead A from Ax but lead small from Axx to capture RHO honors.
2. Underleading other honors (K, Q or J) in an unbid suit is fine, especially if you an^cipate partner having an honor in the
suit. This sets up a trick for your side before declarer can get his. Best to lead from suit with two honors, even broken
honors like KJxx is perfectly fine IF its not in a suit bid by the opponents.
3. Great to lead suit that partner has either bid OR implied via a takeout double or NT bid.
4. Singleton leads:
• Singleton lead is great IF in partner’s suit or unbid suit. Avoid leading into a suit bid or raised by declarer, since that may setup their
suit and negate the trick gained by a potenWal ruff.
• Avoid leading singleton if you have four or more trumps. BeZer to make declarer ruff in this case.
• Avoid leading singleton if you have a very good hand and you know partner must be broke so he cannot give you a ruff.
• Prefer leading from good honor sequence to singleton/doubleton leads.
5. Leading Trumps:
• Avoid leading trumps when you have a potenWal trump trick - even holdings like Jx or 10xx can take a trick if partner has an honor.
• Similarly avoid leading trumps when you or partner have long trumps - beZer to make declarer ruff.
• Avoid trump leads when dummy has not supported the suit, or given mere suit preference, when dummy has not shown shortness
• Lead trump when trumps are declarer’s 2nd suit to prevent him ruffing losers in his first suit in dummy
• Lead trumps when your side has most of the points (they are sacrificing), or in low-level doubles where your side has more trumps.
6. Passive/Aggressive: Tend to be aggressive when they have bid game/slam confidently, and passive if not.
Bridge Tutorial - Prasad Upasani 36
 Defense - Signaling
• A?tude: Show attude when following suit led by partner (like A from AKxxx) unless playing 3rd hand high:
• High-Low (or high card) is encouraging OR shows doubleton in suit contract.
• Low-High (or low card) is discouraging.
• Count: Show count when following to side suit led by opponents.
• High-Low (or high card) shows even number of cards in that suit.
• Low-High (or low card) shows odd number of cards in that suit.
• Suit Preference: Give suit preference when discarding (pick a method below) or when giving partner a ruff:
• Hi-Lo Discards: Discarding high card encourages the suit discarded in. Discarding low card discourages the suit discarded in
and implies preference for one of the other suits. This usually only applies to the first one or two discards.
• Odd/Even (Roman) Discards: This only applies to the first discard. An odd card is encouraging and shows preference for the
suit discarded. An even card is discouraging and gives suit preference - low for lower-ranking and high for higher-ranking of
the other two suits.
• Ruffs: When giving partner a ruff, leading a high card asks partner to return the higher of the two outstanding suits, and a
low card asks partner to return the lower of the two outstanding suits. This allows partner to quickly get back to your hand in
order to get another ruff.
• When discarding, keep length in the suit partner is discarding, and keep length with dummy’s long suit. Also if
declarer has shown length in a suit during bidding or play, keep length with declarer in that suit.

Bridge Tutorial - Prasad Upasani 37

The 5 Lines of Defense
1. Force Declarer: Force declarer to lose control by making him ruff in the long hand any cme
long trump hand can be forced early
• Any cme you have 4+ trumps or believe partner does
• Declarer is in a 4-3 trump contract
• Declarer has a two-suited hand
The Right Lead: Your partnership’s strongest (longest) suit
2. Be Passive: Be passive when your tricks cannot go away (Ex: 1NT-Pass-Pass-Pass)
• No evidence of strong side suit for declarer
• Declarer very strong, dummy weak
• A misfit or bad split for declarer in key suits
• You have no real suit to lead against no-trump
• Defending against 6NT, 7NT or suit grand slams (against suit mini-slam, accve lead is
beler)
The Right Lead: Top of sequence, or top of nothing - basically any lead that cannot hurt

Bridge Tutorial - Prasad Upasani 38

The 5 Lines of Defense (contd.)

3. Be AcBve: Be accve (i.e. try to cash or setup your tricks) any cme your tricks can go away
• Declarer’s side suit is breaking or already established
• Vigorous bidding by declarer’s side (slam interest)
• Declarer has long running suits (e.g. Gambling 3NT)
The Right Lead: Your partnership’s strongest suit
4. Create Trump Tricks
• By Ruffing Declarer’s Tricks when
• You are short in any un-bid suit
• You are long in opponents’ side suit, bid and raised (lead the suit, partner might be void)
• You have weak hand, no beler line of defense
• By Promobng Trump Tricks of Your Own
• Trump promobon: by forcing declarer to ruff high
• Trump uppercut: by forcing declarer to over-ruff high
The Right Lead: From or to shortness

Bridge Tutorial - Prasad Upasani 39

The 5 Lines of Defense (contd.)
5. Lead Trumps: Lead trumps to cut down Declarer’s Ruffing Power
• When Declarer has a par=al / total misfit
• Suit preference taken for opener’s 2nd suit and dummy has side shortness, Ex: 1♥ - 1♠ -
2♣ - Pass
• Your side has trump stack (control)
• Misfits in general
• When Bidding suggests Dummy shortness (in a side suit)
• Part-score in opener’s 2nd suit or (weak) responder’s suit. Ex: 1♠ - 1NT - 2♥ - Pass, 1♥ -
1♠ - 2♠ - Pass
• Dummy denied no-trump due to flaw. Ex: 1♥ - 1♠ - 1NT - 2♦ - Pass
• Dummy bid two suits and raised a third. Ex: 1♥ - 1♠ - 2♣ - 2NT - 3♠ - Pass
• One of the opponent’s has shown a 3-suited hand in the bidding (4441, 5431 or 5440).
• When You are strong in other suits
• You control opponents’ side suit
• You control all other suits
• Opponents are sacrificing
The Right Lead: A trump

Bridge Tutorial - Prasad Upasani 40

Planning Declarer Play at No Trump
1. Count Total Points, and Sure Winners
2. Analyze their Lead
• Try and figure out distribujon of that suit
• Try and figure out points with each opponent
3. How Can I get More Tricks:
• Knock out a high card to establish rest of suit, say with KQJxxx in two hands
• Finesse to capture their honors
• Establish long suit(s)
4. Assess Stopper Situajon
5. Make a Plan:
• Do I have enough sure tricks for my contract? If so, I can just think about safely trying for overtricks.
• If not, how can you make your tricks
• If I have to give up the lead, do I have enough stoppers to keep control?
• Do I need to hold up winners to the opening lead?
• Who is the danger hand?

Bridge Tutorial - Prasad Upasani 41

Planning Declarer Play At Suit Contracts
1. Count Total Points and Your Losers
2. Analyze their Lead
• Try and figure out distribujon of that suit
• Try and figure out points with each opponent
3. How Can I Get Rid of Losers:
• Trumping in Dummy
• Discarding
• Finesse / Establish long suit(s)
4. Make a Plan keeping the bidding in mind:
• Should I Draw Trumps First? How Many?
• Play Card Combinajons to Make Tricks:
• Ex: Lead honor only if you have the card(s) under it, else lead towards the honor.
• Jxx vs AQxxx, lead x towards the Q, whereas with J10x vs AQxx, lead the J hoping to finesse the King.
• End Plays

Bridge Tutorial - Prasad Upasani 42

 Appendix: Scoring
• Minor trick = 20 points, Major trick = 30 points, 1st NT trick = 40 points, subsequent NT tricks = 30 points
• Game needs at least 100 points worth of tricks, therefore 3NT, 4 of a major, 4 of a minor are all game.
• Making part-game give 50 points bonus, total score usually between 100-150 points
• 2H = 2 x 30 + 50 = 110, 4D = 4 x 20 + 50 = 130
• Game gives 300 bonus if non-vulnerable, 500 bonus if vulnerable. Important to remember common games scores:
• 3NT: 400 (non-vulnerable), 600 (vulnerable) NOTE: 40+30+30+ (300 or 500)
• 4H/4S: 420 (non-vulnerable), 620 (vulnerable) NOTE: 30 x 4 + (300 or 500)
• 5C/5D: 400 (non-vulnerable), 600 (vulnerable) NOTE: 20 x 5 + (300 or 500)
• In addi:on to the game bonus, Mini Slam gives bonus of 500 (non-vulnerable), 750 (vulnerable) & Grand Slam
gives 1000 (non-vul), 1500 (vul).
• 6S non-vulnerable = 6x30 + 500 + 300 = 980,
• 6NT vulnerable = (40+5x30) + 750 + 500 = 1440,
• 7NT vulnerable = (40+6x30) + 1500 + 500 = 2220
• Doubled contracts when made double the value of each trick, plus add 50 points ”for the insult”
• Down tricks cost 50 each if not vulnerable, 100 each if vulnerable. If doubled, down tricks cost 100-300-500-etc
non-vulnerable, and 200-500-800-etc vulnerable
• 6S doubled down 2 vulnerable = 500 points

Bridge Tutorial - Prasad Upasani 43