I will be on Vacation from 9/20 to 10/5.
In my absence Mark Sorenson will be managing and directing the games. There will be no lesson during those games.

I have prepared random hands for you to play and have provided commentary and analysis.

Please note there will be a delay in posting the results to Pianola as I will be in a different time zone. Thank you for understanding.

Try first playing the hand by clicking on at the bottom. Play the hand card by card, when done check the way I did.

 Play the Hand by clicking on "NEXT" at bottom. Read the analysis as you play card by card. (10/1/17)

Updated  Tuesday Classes - "Conventions & Bidding"
Updated  Friday Classes - "Defense & Play of the Hand"

New Schedule Syllabus Available (Forms & References Page)

Green denotes "Space Available"

A. Declarer Exposes a Card
Declarer is not subject to restriction for exposing a card (but see Law 45C2), and no card of declarer’s or dummy’s hand ever becomes a penalty card. Declarer is not required to play any card dropped accidentally.

B. Declarer Faces Cards
1. When declarer faces his cards after an opening lead out of turn, Law 54 applies.
2. When declarer faces his cards at any time other than immediately after an opening lead out of turn, he may be deemed to have made a claim or concession of tricks (unless he demonstrably did not intend to claim), and Law 68 then applies.

Law 45C2:
Declarer is deemed to have played a card from his hand if it is: (a) held face up, touching or nearly touching the table; or (b) maintained in such a position as to indicate that it has been played.

NEW QUIZES, 2 over 1 and More!

Go to "The QUIZ CORNER"

The section "Your Bridge or Mine" is now dedicated to all other Conventions we do not teach. We feel these conventions may help improve your game.

exp. 12/15/17

Surely a player of your bridge skills is familiar with most or all of the following tips you are about to read. But is your partner?

Fact #19

When RHO uses Stayman and you, fourth hand, have five ♣s or six ♣s headed by three of the top five honors, double to alert your partner you want a club lead against any eventual contract. A double of an artificial bid is a lead directing double.
You hold: ♠ xxx ♥ xx ♦ xxx ♣ AKJxx

Double. You want a club lead against any eventual contract the opponents may land in. Do not double with club length (Kxxxxx) unless you have the necessary honor strength.

Fact #20

Also use the lead-directing double when the opponents go through Blackwood. If the response to 4NT is a suit you want led, double! Very Important!
You hold: ♠ xx ♥ xxx ♦ KJ10x ♣ xxxx 


Double 5♦ to alert partner you want a ♦ lead against an eventual ♠ contract. At the four level or higher a double of an artificial bid can be made with a strong three or four card suit (KQx(x), KJx(x)). If you don't double 5♦, partner will make a negative inference that you didn't want a ♦ lead.