Issue 4 - ACOL Version

Editorial by Paul Bowyer

Welcome to V-Blue Issue 4, the e-magazine for those fresh to the wonderful game of bridge.

In this fourth issue there are three series for you. Two series (of six hands each) are on defence. Mostly here at VuBridge we like to put you in declarer's seat and get you to play the dummy.

This edition we are doing things differently. Let's face it, when you are playing bridge you defend hands twice as often as you declarer them so you really need to know the tricks of this particular trade. Defence, they say, is difficult. Well, up to a point, that's true as it requires a great deal of co-operation between partners. Here we aim to build the foundation blocks for you, getting you to defend against 3NT contracts so that you can see what the basic strategies are.

There are six easy hands in the first series and six slightly harder hands in the second. When you have absorbed the lessons of defence you may care to sit yourself back in declarer's chair. In our "General Series" we have eight assorted deals for you to see what you have gained from previous editions of VuBridge. You can further test yourself with our quiz – this time on the topic of responding to 1NT with a good hand.

There's plenty here for you to get your teeth into. Good hunting and good luck.

Series #2098 - Defence against No-trumps - Part I (ACOL)

This set of deals is all about defence to 3NT contracts. The principles involved form the bedrock of defensive play. Let's list some of these ideas, which we hope to crystallize with these deals.

• Leading from long suits (fourth-highest from broken suits, top of sequences)
• The third player playing high to help establish the suit
• Return your partner's suit.

On these six deals you will be sitting as the third player, working out what to do when partner leads against West's 3NT. In the second series of six deals you will be switched to being the opening leader.

Series #2098 - Defence against No-trump contracts - Part I (ACOL):

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Responding to 1NT (unbalanced hands, game-forcing) Quiz

In this quiz, we will be looking at how to respond to a 1NT opening bid with a game-forcing unbalanced hand. That is, jumping to 3♣, 3♦, 3♥, or 3♠ telling partner that you have 10+ points and a five-card suit.

Assume in all cases that 1NT is 12-14 points and a balanced hand.

Click here to run the Quiz.

Series #2099 - Defence against No-trumps - Part II (SA version)

This is the second set of deals all about defence to 3NT contracts. The principles involved form the bedrock of defensive play. Let's remind you of some of these ideas, which we hope to reinforce with these deals.

• Leading from long suits (fourth-highest from broken suits, top of sequences)
• The third player playing high to help establish the suit
• Return your partner's suit.

On these six deals you are on lead against 3NT. Firstly, you have to decide what card to lead. Secondly (very important, this!) you need to keep careful track of the suit you lead.

This involves counting the cards in your suit and knowing when they are winners...

Series #2099 - Timing your Play - Harder examples (ACOL):

This set of eight deals is a gentle introduction to VuBridge and shows you how this program can help you learn how to play the cards at bridge. We can give you a useful nudge with the bidding, too...

Series #2111 General Hands: