Author Archives: Julian Foster

Is there any chance left?

Posted on July 12, 2026 by Julian Foster

Sometimes your contract looks completely hopeless. At that point you have to consider is there any chance left? Today’s hand was an example where there was – but it’s not that easy to see. It’s also so obscure that it’s … Continue reading →

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Stoppers and Lebensohl

Posted on July 5, 2026 by Julian Foster

On some hands it’s essential to play no-trumps from one direction. Today’s hand (taken from the Newcastle Congress played the weekend of June 13-14) is an example. 3NT played by West is hopeless because North can lead ♦Q and the … Continue reading →

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When it’s dangerous to come into the auction

Posted on June 28, 2026 by Julian Foster

There are times when it’s quite dangerous to come into an auction. Today’s hand taken from the Newcastle congress held over the weekend of June 13-14 is an example. The bidding at the table began Pass 1NT (11-14) P 2♣. … Continue reading →

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Cover honours but not touching honours

Posted on June 21, 2026 by Julian Foster

A theme in bridge is to “cover an honour with an honour” – the idea being to promote lower value cards in either your, or your partner’s, hand into winners. That’s good advice. But, like all bridge “rules”, it’s not … Continue reading →

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Bidding in 4th seat after 2 passes

Posted on June 14, 2026 by Julian Foster

If a 1 level opening bid is followed by 2 passes, the situation is not the same as it is directly over the opening bid. Today’s hand taken from a recent congress looks at why not. East opened 1♠. South … Continue reading →

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