Category Archives: Weekly Wisdom

A grand slam – but what’s the best chance to make it?

Posted on April 26, 2026 by Julian Foster

It’s not often you hold 20 points and hear partner open the bidding – let alone a strong NT opening! But that’s what happened on this hand. Most pairs bid to 6NT but 7NT was available and there were several … Continue reading →

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Timing in defence

Posted on April 19, 2026 by Julian Foster

On today’s hand North South reached a pushy game with only a combined 21 points but the defence actually need to be quite sharp to beat it. When West opens a strong NT, North is quite likely to come in … Continue reading →

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Responding to a takeout double to help reach a slam

Posted on April 12, 2026 by Julian Foster

Responding to a takeout double is very different to responding to an opening bid. On this hand, quite a few pairs missed a good slam and the initial response was a big part of the problem. Let’s have a closer … Continue reading →

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A great lead after listening to the auction

Posted on April 5, 2026 by Julian Foster

One defender found a killing lead on today’s hand and it was possible by listening to the auction. Sadly her partner didn’t also find the killing play! But there were several interesting points to learn from the hand. For East … Continue reading →

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Lebensohl and more matchpoint scoring

Posted on March 29, 2026 by Julian Foster

This recent hand from a pairs session showed again the vagaries of matchpoint scoring. At most tables the auction began 1♦ 1♥. South competed to 3♦ and East West usually bid onto 3♥. That contract just had a trick in … Continue reading →

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