2/5/23 (60 min)
In the balancing seat we usually “borrow a king” from our partner. Since NT bids are precisely defined this point change to our hand dramatically affects our bidding. Here we look at our balancing NT bids and the followup bidding that partner makes.
12/5/22 (65 min)
The modern system for bidding when we have a fit for partner's minor, called inverted minors, works on improving our ability to look for game or slam in a minor suit -- which is the most common time we want to support a minor suit. Make sure you and partner have a good grasp of these methods, both for playing them and playing against them.
12/12/22 (66 min)
One of the most powerful tools we have in competitive bidding is the preemptive raise. When we have a minor suit fit the opponents will often have a major suit fit. We want to make it as difficult as possible for them to find that fit and using preemptive raises is one the best ways to make their life difficult.
12/19/22 (69 min)
There are certain minor suit hands that can play extremely well in NT contracts. If evaluated correctly these hands can be bid in a way that makes the auction relatively simple. Let's make sure that you do not torture your partner with these hands when you could keep it simple and get to the right contract.
12/27/22 (63 min)
When we have a good hand and a minor suit fit then we may want to explore a minor suit slam. Part of the art form of minor suit slam bidding is using tools to explore slam while keeping a NT contract in the picture. Here we look at how to use these tools and better judge our minor suit slam.
6/1/21 (75 min)
When partner opens the bidding with 1-Major we are off to a good start in finding our Major suit fit. Here we look at Responder's tools for continuing the auction with a focus on raising partner's suit...
6/8/21 (81 min)
When partner opens the bidding 1-minor Responder must often bid their own suit, to search for a Major suit fit. But if we don't have a Major, then we need to know our other options. Here we look at these options in detail, with a focus on our options when we have a fit for partner.
6/15/21 (70 min)
In order to effectively respond to partner's preemptive opening you first must know your partner's style, to know what the range of hands you can expect. Then you must use your tools to search for a fit (or better fit) and determine if your side has the strength for a game.
6/22/21 (68 min)
Here we look at Responder's tools on the second round of the bidding, after Opener has rebid 1NT. It is important to have good agreements about corrective, invitational, and forcing bids later in the auction. Also, tools like New Minor Forcing are vital.
6/29/21 (67 min)
Here we look at Responder's tools for constructive, invitational, and forcing bidding after Opener rebids the suit they opened. We look at some tools similar to New Minor Forcing as well.
7/6/21 (71 min)
When Opener rebids a second suit, this leaves Responder with some of the most difficult bidding challenges. Here we look at how Responder can find the best partscore, invite game, or use tools like 4th suit forcing to determine the best game.
