Baron Barclay Catalog (Spring 2020) | Page 3

Consider the 1NT opening bid which, for many players is 15-17 points. Here are two hands. You are the dealer. What is your call for each? Hand 1: ♠ A 5 2 ♥ J 10 6 ♦ K 4 ♣ K Q J 7 3 Hand 2: ♠ Q 7 ♥ A J 2 ♦ Q 10 6 4 2 ♣ K Q 3 Both hands have 14 high-card points and a five-card suit, yet there is a difference in their trick-taking potential. The strong club suit in hand 1 is a useful source of tricks. It makes sense to upgrade this to a 15-point hand and open 1NT. In hand 2, even though the diamond suit contains two honors, the suit is mediocre and the hand is not bolstered by intermediate cards. It may be prudent to open the bidding 1♦. This type of insight is available in every bi-monthly issue of the Better Bridge magazine. You’ll find well-written and in-depth articles on bidding, play, and defense techniques by Audrey Grant, David Lindop, and many top-ranked players and writers. Each article comes with carefully constructed examples and deals to help you practice and improve. Take your game to the next level. Order now! Better Bridge Magazine Subscription 1 year for $35 2 years $60 Induvidual copies are $8 each Get 12+ copies of the same issue for 50% off! Magazine articles may not be copied or distributed without the express written consent of Baron Barclay Better Bridge Magazine www.BaronBarclay.com 3