Defense Bridge Bidding

When the opposition have opened and you have the values to play you will need to use a different set of rules to bid. Being Bridge of course as soon as you are 'the defense' the rules change (sigh!) the silver lining is however that you can bid with far fewer points with a long (five or more cards) suit.

* Indicates Members Only Lessons

SAMPLE LESSON
LESSON 401.Overcalling : What's my bid if the opposition have already opened?

Many beginning bridge players can get confused about the rules of Bridge changing depending on whether you are the 'opener-responder' or 'the defense'. This lesson explains the bidding rules for the defense... [MORE]

401.Overcalling : What's my bid if the opposition have already opened?

401.Overcalling : What's my bid if the opposition have already opened? * members only [MORE]

402.Overcalling at the 2 Level :

402.Overcalling at the 2 Level : * members only [MORE]

405.Responding to Partners overcall : My partner has overcalled, what can I bid?

405.Responding to Partners overcall : My partner has overcalled, what can I bid? * members only [MORE]

406.Two Types of Doubling : What are the two types of doubling?

406.Two Types of Doubling : What are the two types of doubling? * members only [MORE]

407.Penalty doubles : Is partners double for penalties or takeout?

407.Penalty doubles : Is partners double for penalties or takeout? * members only [MORE]

408. Takeout doubles : The opposition have opened and I have an opening hand!

408. Takeout doubles : The opposition have opened and I have an opening hand! * members only [MORE]

409.Responding to a takeout double : What do I reply to my partner's takeout double?

409.Responding to a takeout double : What do I reply to my partner's takeout double? * members only [MORE]

410.Balancing Doubles : When is it a balancing double and how do I respond?

410.Balancing Doubles : When is it a balancing double and how do I respond? * members only [MORE]

411.Support Doubles : Double to show three card support for my partners suit?

411.Support Doubles : Double to show three card support for my partners suit? * members only [MORE]

413.1NT Overcall : The opposition have opened - what can I bid?

413.1NT Overcall : The opposition have opened - what can I bid? * members only [MORE]

414.Total Tricks : How can I quickly check the playing strength of a hand

414.Total Tricks : How can I quickly check the playing strength of a hand * members only [MORE]

NOTE: The beginner lessons have the unique Bridge terms linked to an online glossary so you can just click on the word and immediately see the definition and a link back to the full lesson if you require it.

Try clicking on HCP to test this feature. We will be rolling this feature out to more and more lessons over the next few days.

Many lessons also have links to practice games (you will need to be on a free trial to play these) and learning activities where you can practice what you have just learned.

Our interactive quizzes will give you instant feedback on right and wrong answers, reinforcing your learning even further.

Defense Bridge Bidding

High Card Points (HCP)