Game Tries

After we open 1♠ or 1♠ and partner raises to 2, what should we do? We should add at least a point to our original evaluation, because our 5+ card suit is now worth more. For example, ♠K10765 might not be worth much opposite a singleton, but knowing partner has support (picture ♠QJx), means we have lots of tricks in our suit. With a re-evaluated strength of less than 16, game is unlikely (facing at most 9 or a so-so 10). With about 16-18 in strength, we want to invite game. This is done by bidding a new suit (typically something like Axxx or Q10x -- where you want partner to evaluate his cards in that suit to help with marginal decisions). A re-raise (1♠-2♠-3♠) should just be a blocking bid--based on the LAW of Total Tricks--not invitational. With more than 18, opener just bids game (no need to give away extraneous information). What if the opponents interfere after the raise? After 1♠ (Pass) 2♠ (3♠), opener can bid 3♠ just to compete (not invitational). To invite game, he has to bid a new suit (in this case, the only try is 3♠--and says nothing about hearts). What if the opponents overcall in the suit one below opener's? For example: 1♠ (2♠) 2♠ (3♠) ?  In this case, 3♠ is needed as just competing for the partscore (not inviting game). If opener wants to invite, the partnership has to use "Game-Try Doubles"(also called "Maximal Doubles") -- whereby double of the suit 1-under is not penalty, but invites game. In all cases above, responder would bid game with about 9-10 and reject with about 6-7. In between hands require judgment.

  • IMPs, both vulnerable, South holds:

    ♠ A 
    ♥ KQJ82 
    ♦ K1087 
    ♣ K87
     

    What is his call after:

    WestNorthEastSouth
        1♠
     Pass 2♠Pass ??
    Choose One:
    1. -

    Pass

    2. -

    2♠

    3. -

    3♠

    4. -

    3♠

    5. -

    3♠

    6. -

    4♠

    Answer: 3

    3♠. South is too strong to Pass, but not strong enough to jump to game. If responder's values are in spades (♠KQx  ♠xxx  ♠Qxx  ♠Jxxx), game is no good. But, if responder fits a minor(s), and has a decent hand, game is good (♠Jxx  ♠xxx  ♠AJxxx  ♠Qx). I think 3♠ is the best call because it allows responder to "punt back" with 3♠ if not sure. A game try in the suit 1-under leaves the least wiggle room. Note: Vulnerable at IMP scoring, opener should be more aggressive than at other vulnerabilities or forms of scoring.

    Your result so far:
    Next
  • Matchpoints, vulnerable against not, South holds:

    ♠ 5  
    ♥ AQJ983 
    ♦ KJ42
    ♣ Q2
     

    What is his call after:

    WestNorthEastSouth
        1♠
     Double 2♠Pass ??
    Choose One:
    1. -

    Pass

    2. -

    3♠

    3. -

    3♠

    4. -

    4♠

    Answer: 3

    3♠. Game is unlikely (especially after West's takeout double). That rules out 4♠ or a game try. Pass makes it too easy on West. Surely, your opponents can make something, and you want to make it harder on them. Your side has 9 trumps and you should compete to the 3-level with a non-invitational 3♠.

    Your result so far:
    Next
  • IMPs, nobody vulnerable, South holds:

    ♠ AQ1075  
    ♥ 8  
    ♦ AQ32  
    ♣ KJ2
     

    What is his call after:

    WestNorthEastSouth
        1♠
     Pass 2♠3♠ ??
    Choose One:
    1. -

    Pass

    2. -

    Double

    4. -

    3♠

    5. -

    4♠

    Answer: 2

    Double. Warning -- this assumes the partnership uses Game-Try ("Maximal") Doubles. If there is any doubt that your partner might forget, then don't risk this call (unless you enjoy being minus 530). Assuming the partnership can be counted on to properly use this convention, South's hand should employ it. He is too strong for only 3♠, but not strong enough to jump to game on his own.

    Your result so far:
    Next
  • Matchpoints, nobody vulnerable, South holds:

    ♠ AQJ76 
    ♥ KJ8  
    ♦ K2  
    ♣ KJ2
     

    What is his call after:

    WestNorthEastSouth
        1♠
     Pass 2♠Pass ??
        
    Choose One:
    1. -

    Pass

    2. -

    2NT

    3. -

    3♠

    4. -

    3♠

    5. -

    3♠

    6. -

    3NT

    7. -

    4♠

    Answer: 2

    2NT. This is a natural game try. Partner can pass, bid 3♠, raise to 3NT or bid 4♠. He will expect about 18-19 balanced (with less, you would have opened 1NT and with more, 2NT).

    Your result so far:
    Next
  • Matchpoints. Nobody vulnerable. South holds:

    ♠ K52  
    ♥ AJ10862  
    ♦ A8 
    ♣ 98
     

    What is his call after:

    WestNorthEastSouth
        1♠
     Pass 2♠ Pass ?

     

     

    Choose One:
    1. -

    Pass

    2. -

    3♠

    3. -

    3♠

    4. -

    Other

    Answer: 3

    3♠. Yes, the opponents have been quiet so far, which is a little strange, but do you trust them to remain silent if you settle in 2♠? Bidding 3♠ isn't invitational, and you hope it will buy the contract.

    Your result so far:
    Next