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PLAY practice game for this lesson
Which game?
Choosing the correct game contract
"Game" in opener’s Major suit
If you have 3 cards in your partner’s opening major suit, you have at least 8 trumps between you. Partner has promised at least 5 with the opening bid (majors only). Having 8 trumps is called a FIT. If you have a fit in a major, that is likely to be the best place to play your game (26 TP's and a fit in trumps between you and your partner).
"Game" in Notrumps
If you don’t have 3-card support for your partner’s major suit, you should usually bid 3NT - needs 25 HCP's between you and your partner"Game" in opener’s Minor suit
Because 9 tricks in 3NT scores the same as 11 tricks in 5C or 5D, minor suit games are less common. If 5 of a minor makes, then is likely 3NT will also make. Making more than 9 tricks in NT gives a better score - needs 27 TP's between you and your partnerExercise: Your partner opens the bidding with 1 ♠. What do you respond with the hand below?
Responder
- ♠Q 8 7
- ♥A 7 6
- ♦K 9 8 6
- ♣Q 7 4
Answer: You should bid 3NT. Your partner has shown 13-15 HCP and you have 11 HCP together you have enough to be in 'game' in No Trumps