Finesse, Know the Bridge Odds/Probabilities (Contract Bridge)

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On today’s poll, we take a look at finesses and playing for opponents suit distribution from a different perspective.  Rather than simply look at a specific play, we introduce another possible wrinkle – does a line of play matter depending on the number of tricks required?   And while it is not really necessary to know the exact numeric percentage for a given play, over the long term it helps to know the best line of play.  In fact, knowing the mathematical odds by number may impress your friends – or maybe not…

Do you need instant gratification without study and training? Okay, go click here to go right to our animated video animation with bidding and play commentary – and now with background music!

So whether you ruminate, cogitate, contemplate, deliberate, or simply pray for divine inspiration, we figure you have a good chance to deduce the best response.  Look at it this way, with 5 choices you have the same odds of choosing the right card to lead after you’ve already played 8 cards!  Nah, we’re sure your odds are better here and especially at the table.  Good luck and happy hunting.

After 2NT, North should bid 3C Stayman – there is no hurry to jump to 6 NT

After 2N – 3C; 3D, partner’s who play 4C Gerber should use the bid.

But if you learned the way I initially did, playing “momma-papa kitchen Bridge” with my parents and my fiancé, then we’d play 4 Notrump as Ace-ask although bidding 4 Clubs would probably get the same response.  Now days, advancing players use 4 Notrump as inviting partner to bid 6 Notrump with a good hand – the upper end of their initial Notrump bid, i.e., Quantitative Slam ask.

Playing in a slam contract, we give special acknowledgment Aces and Kings – quick tricks to keep opponents from gaining 2 tricks.  So it takes more than 33 HCP to make a small slam – you must not be missing and Ace and King on a side suit.  Notice North is missing  those 2 controls in the Heart suit – 4 cards is the suit is nice, but that suit is suspect if partner is missing an Ace.

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Thanks for dropping by BridgeHands “Polling You” website. Every week, we continue to load our Bridge Blog with commentary, downloadable files, and video card animation with background music. And coming this month, we will begin including real video with action-packed adventures at the table. Our goal is to enlighten, entertain and educate Bridge players as well as offer our materials to Bridge Teachers to share with their students.

Happy Trails,
Michael