Bridge

Dear Mr. Wolff: I would like to learn to play contract bridge but know nothing about it. Can you suggest a way that I and my three friends (who also know nothing about the game) might begin without being overwhelmed? – Timid Tyro, Vancouver, Wash.

Answer: A simple way: try contacting the American Contract Bridge League and ask if there are any beginner classes in your neighborhood. You can also call (901) 332-5586. If that does not work, write me again and let me know your area.

Dear Mr. Wolff: Holding ♠ K-2, ♥ K-7-5-2, ♦ A-Q-7-4-3, ♣ A-10, would you open one no-trump, or one diamond – in the latter case presumably planning to reverse to hearts after a one-spade response by your partner? – First Blow, Wichita Falls, Texas

Answer: Much as I hate opening in no-trump with this pattern, here I’d have to say that the black honors and weak hearts make it a sensible choice. Give me the heart jack in addition and I reverse into hearts after opening one diamond.

Dear Mr. Wolff: If I deal and open, and my LHO overcalls at the one-level, what does my partner need in order to respond one no-trump? – Free as a Bird, Madison, Wis.

Answer: The meaning of one no-trump changes only slightly - but there is a change. The call shows 7-10 plus instead of the 6-10 that it would be without competition. In other words, you get to pass miserable hands in the 5-7 range that you’d otherwise be forced to keep the auction open with.

Dear Mr. Wolff: In first position, no one vulnerable, RHO opened one diamond, I passed, and the bidding ended there. I held ♠ 7-2, ♥ K-9-6-5-2, ♦ A-K-8-7-4, ♣ A. Should I have made a one-heart overcall? My partner did not balance with 4-4 in the majors and seven points, of course. We managed to set one diamond a trick, but we could have scored at least 110 in hearts. – Silent Sam, Montreal

Answer: Length in the opponents’ suit is by no means a complete deterrent to overcalling. The issue is that if you don’t bid now, you will never get the chance to show a decent hand with a fair suit. Partner will think, “If you had that, why didn’t you bid before?”

Dear Mr. Wolff: With 16-17 HCP, but with a hand unsuitable for an opening no-trump, how can I get to no-trump, since a simple rebid in no-trump shows 12-14 and a jump shows 18-19? – Rebidding Riddle, Seneca, S.C.

Answer: The idea is to temporize with these hands, then move again over partner’s weak action. With 16-17 points unsuitable for opening in no-trump, you will always have a second suit to bid unless you are 6-3-3-1. Jumping in no-trump may be the best option if partner bids your shortage.