The Principles; Rules and Laws of Auction Bridge Stated, Explained (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1912 edition. Excerpt: ..."one club" is that the adversaries are most unlikely to raise their club declaration to a high contract. There is, therefore, little to be gained by lying in ambush, while an early show of strength in the opponent's suit may be the one thing needed to encourage the partner's no-trump bid. When the dealer announces "two spades," and the second player holds the ace, or the king or queen guarded in the suit, he should double, provided he has at least another trick in his hand. The reasons for this have already been stated. It is evident that, without protection in the suit named, the second player should adopt defensive tactics; since his chance to win the game at no-trumps is extremely doubtful, if not altogether out of the question. With the type of hand which would have justified an original "two-heart" bid, the second player should bid "two hearts" to shut out the third player's "one no-trump" call. This manoeuvre saves many games. When lack of protection in the dealer's declared suit has somewhat eliminated the second player's chance for game at no-trumps, he should consider whether or not he holds the requisite strength in a suit to justify an attacking declaration. Any really strong suit should, of course, be declared; but when the suit is long and straggling a bid is unsound unless the hand is worth at least five tricks; both adversaries may be strong and the partner's hand worthless. The tendency to over-bid is responsible for many of the heavy losses at Auction; and it is the aim of experienced players to escape, rather than to invite, defeat. When the dealer has announced an attacking bid, and the second player holds a protected honour in the suit declared, he should first consider whether...