HOME > BRIDGE LESSONS > BRIDGE CONVENTIONS LESSONS

Bid Slam in a Suit

What works best is when there is a good trump fit and each player has a different short suit. Unbalanced hands take more tricks at a trump contract than balanced hands.

In a trump suit

Bidding a slam in a trump suit contract

You should hold a strong combined trump suit: If you have any doubts about bidding a slam its better to play the hand in game.

  • 33 or more revalued points between the two hands
  • An eight-card trump suit fit or longer
  • At least three of the four aces between you and partner
  • No two immediate losers in any one suit

The two hands below have the combined cards and values that can make a small slam in a suit contract

North

Responder
♠ Q 10 8 7
♥ J 5 2
♦ 3
♣ A K Q J 10

13 HCP

South

Opener
♠ A K J 3 2
♥ K 3
♦ A K Q J 10
♣ 2

21 HCP

First Round and Second Round controls

A first-round control is a holding which prevents the opponents from taking the first round of the suit. For example aces and voids are first round controls.. A second-round control is a holding which prevents the opponents from taking the second round of the suit. For example Kings and singletons are second round controls.

Bidding a Grand Slam in a Trump Suit

You should hold a strong combined trump suit: If you have any doubts about bidding a Grand Slam its better to play the hand in a Small Slam.

  • 37 + points between the two hands
  • An eight-card trump suit fit or longer
  • At least three of the four aces between you and partner
  • Controls in all Suits