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.

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]

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

LESSON 402.Overcalling at the 2 Level :

The criteria for two-level overcalls are significantly more. Points are not crucial but because It is far more difficult for everyone to bid at this level you need a better (ie. longer and stronger) suit since you must be concerned about getting left in your bid, possibly even doubled especially if you are vulnerable.... [MORE] To view and play this lesson CLICK HERE to Login or Register

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

After one of your bridge opponents opens the bidding and your partner overcalls, you need to respond to the overcall if at all possible. You know that your partner has at least a five card or if at the 2 or higher level a six card suit. The strength of your hand plus the number of cards you hold in your partner’s suit decides what you respond.... [MORE] To view and play this lesson CLICK HERE to Login or Register

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

Doubling for takeout occurs when the opposition have opened and you as wish to enter the bidding. You must have a strong hand with at least 3 cards in every unbid suit, and you want partner to choose the best suit for the combined hands. ... [MORE] To view and play this lesson CLICK HERE to Login or Register

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

Competitive bidding over time has become much more varied and players have developed new meanings for penalty doubles, now we are in a situation where it can be difficult to tell if our partners double is for takeout and therefore you must bid, or for penalties and you must leave it in.... [MORE] To view and play this lesson CLICK HERE to Login or Register

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

In beginner bridge when responding to a takeout double, partner should show you their longest suit at the lowest level possible. You will learn later in you will learn how to show points when responding to partners takeout double... [MORE] To view and play this lesson CLICK HERE to Login or Register

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

A short tutorial on responding to a takeout double when your Bridge partner forces you to bid even if you have "0" points, if you have 8+ points you need to show partner so that you do not miss out on a game contract if it is there.... [MORE] To view and play this lesson CLICK HERE to Login or Register

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

Balancing Double situations arise when we try to to force opponents to play every hand at a level higher than 2 Spades particularly with good vulnerability for us. Balancing Doubles are a form of Takeout Double, often used in the passout seat (Last person to bid).... [MORE] To view and play this lesson CLICK HERE to Login or Register

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

The support double is used to distinguish between 3 card and 4 card support for partner's suit in the situation where his suit bid has been either overcalled or doubled by the opposition. It is a competitive bidding situation which allows the bidding to stay at the lowest possible level.... [MORE] To view and play this lesson CLICK HERE to Login or Register

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

When the opponents open one of a suit and you overcall 1NT, you show a balanced hand with the strength of a strong 1NT. The normal range for a 1NT opening is 12-14 Acol or 15-17 Standard American. The overcall can be stronger up to 18 points... [MORE] To view and play this lesson CLICK HERE to Login or Register

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

In contract bridge, the rule of Total Tricks is used to help competitive bidders decide what level to bid up to in a competitive auction. The total number of tricks available is equal to the total number of trump cards held in the suit suited to be trumps.... [MORE] To view and play this lesson CLICK HERE to Login or Register

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Defense Bridge Bidding

High Card Points (HCP)