Issue 14 - Standard American

Editorial by Paul Bowyer

Welcome to the fourteenth issue of V-Blue, the e-magazine for those learning the wonderful game of bridge.

In this edition we are looking at defense, specifically the way that the second player should act. In any trick there is always a second player and it is usually a defender. What should you do? How can you help your partner? It is surprising how many players there are who, trying desperately to help the partnership, only end up getting in partner’s way. Let us show you how to relax and let partner take the strain.

Also, some players, when declaring, can be heard to mutter adages under their breath to help them along. The “rules” for good defense are not the same as for good declarer play – as you will see.

Anyway, as ever, VuBridge will be by your shoulder, helping and hinting and making sure you are on the right path.

When you have worked your way through these dozen deals (six played as a defender, six played as a declarer), you may like to try the “General Series” of eight assorted hands. Here there is a mixture of eight deals, some you play as declarer and some as a defender. All the fun of the fair - you don’t know what’s coming next.

We also have a quiz for you to enjoy. Ten questions on “balancing” or “protective bidding”. Yes, we had a quiz on this last time; let’s see how you do with a few harder examples. Good hunting and good luck.

Series #2376 - Second player defense - Part I (SA)

This series is all about defense and relates to second player play. When you are the second player in any trick you are in the worst position of all. Your right-hand opponent has chosen to lead this suit and you are sandwiched between your two opponents (between a rock and a hard place, you might say). So you often can't win – whatever you do can be countered by the next player (be it dummy or declarer).

However... the shining light on the horizon is that you have a partner and he is sitting as fourth player, the last person to play to this trick. Being last to play is obviously the best position to be in – you can survey the other three cards and then make your decision. So – as second player – it is generally wise to leave the decison to partner. In effect, don't try to be smart – just let the trick ride. This is the origin of the ancient adage (it dates from whist) of "Second Player Plays Low".

Well, like all bridge aphorisms it is sound in theory but there are exceptions. Hence this series. Let's see how you do.

Series #2376 - Second player defense - Part I (SA):

Protective bidding (2) Quiz

In this series we are again looking at protectionism.

Here, the auction is about to die (at a low level), and you have to decide whether to allow the opposition to buy the hand cheaply or whether you should bid something in an attempt to steal the deal.

Click here to run the Quiz.

Series #2377 - Second player defense - Part II (SA)

This series is also about Second Hand Play but we have switched the focus from defending to declaring.

Many players think that Second Player Plays Low is a rule that should be applied to declarer as well as to a defender. Not a bit of it! The "rule" (such as it is) is guidance for a defender who is often struggling in the dark. Declarer, on the other hand, can see his side's assets so is much better placed to see whether he should play high or low from the second hand.

Many of these problems arise at trick one. Be warned!

Series #2377 - Second player defense - Part II (SA):

Series #2374 - General Hands (SA):