"I Can Resist Anything but Temptation" By Marti Ronemus
Don't miss Marti's hands below this text!
You’re going to have a great time with this issue. It’s all about some of the most fundamental concepts of defense and if you take it to Heart (pun intended), you’ll be leagues ahead of where you started.
We begin with Paul Bowyer, who focuses on opening leads, especially the consequences of our leads. He talks about taking advantage of hands that, while well-bid, have bad layouts for us to take advantage of. He also introduces a concept you will love… “Playing for partner’s hand,” or seeking out your partner’s strengths. And he does it with his trademark wisdom and dry British wit.
Next, six hands from David Bird. Spoiler Alert… you’re going to have to think especially hard. He tackles knowing what to discard, which cards to get rid of. This is a problem that has haunted less-experienced players from their very first hand. David is also going to show how to use Count Signals, probably the most difficult of signals. David will take you by the hand and guide you through. Say “Thank you!”
Also, we have an opening quiz and hands from Matt Huberschwiller. When I was writing this little essay, the hands weren’t quite ready yet, so I’m as excited as you are to see them. One thing we know is they will be lucid and fun. Matt brings a fresh view to almost anything he writes.
And finally, my warm-up offering, entitled “I can resist anything except temptation.” Each hand involves resisting the impulse to follow routine advice. It’s so easy to apply knee-jerk “rules” like “second hand low.” Also what about discards? Do we just throw away little cards? Not hardly!! Resist!!
Have fun with these hands. Defense is the hardest part of the game, but aren’t you tired of defending as if you owed the declarer money? Stick with us, we’ll make you a star.
* Paul's hands were already published in our early V-Green issues (2012) but the series are so good we think they're worth a "reprint" here.
Don't forget: if you like Marti's style, have a go with her Bridge Boot Camps. Click here to ask Marti about the schedule...
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