The Importance of Good Bidding in Bridge

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 46, 30 May 1930, Page 2

The Importance of Good Bidding in Bridge

a ee BRIDGD talk for beginners was given from 1YA on April 23, to be the first of a series of four at weekly intervals. Unfortunately it was impossible to continue the series during the month of May. They will be fe--commenced on June 6, and the follow-: ing brief summary of the first talk is_ printed here to refresh listeners’ mem- © ories. The first thing essential to good bridge is good bidding. Bridge is essentially a game of partners, and modern bridge has evolved. a system ‘ f bidding which gives sound informatj: to one’s partner. ; This system distinguishes: between a. free bid and a forced bid. The free bid is one made by a player without any other player having made .a bid before him. The forced bid is any bid made by any player subsequent to the opening free bid. It is called forced because it is necessary to keep the auction open and so force the opponents up. A. frée bid calls far a minimum of two quick tricks. ‘The only ecards or combination of cards that offer quick tricks in defence as well as attack are the ace (one trick), the ace king (two tricks) and the king queen (one trick). The king-jack combination is not a quick trick. The free bid is: expected to inform the partner that the caller has a minimum of two quick tricks. This is the definite information veyed to the partner. — Of course the beginner is not expected to call a free bid on the bare minimum, two quick tricks, but, if is insisted- that hé shall not make a free bid on a less holding than two quick tricks. The forced bid, as its‘name implies, is not expected to guarantee any quick tricks, it merely offers partner a | choice of the caller’s best suit, If you have six cards headed by the king-jack, do not call them on, the first vound. Say "No bid," and then call them on the second round. This will leave your partner in no doubt as to your meaning. He will know that you have a long suii of hearts without a top trick in them, and he will be able to base his subsequent calling ou that knowledge. The above remarks are a brief summary of the first lecture,, which dealt with the free bid in a trump suit. ‘fhe next talk, on June 6, will deal with the bidding in a no-trumper. In a 1 talk bridge problems will be set which will be published in the "Radio Record."