Transcriber's note:

 Minor typographical errors have been corrected without note. 

AUCTION OF TO-DAY

by

MILTON C. WORK

Author of "Whist of To-day"

Boston and New YorkHoughton Mifflin CompanyThe Riverside Press Cambridge1913

Copyright, 1913, by Milton C. WorkAll Rights Reserved

Published January 1913

 THIS BOOK IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED TOTHE AUCTION PLAYERS OF THE RACQUET CLUB OF PHILADELPHIA, WHO, WHILE OTHERS DOUBTED AND WAITED, WERE SUFFICIENTLY BROADMINDED AND DISCERNING TO ADOPT THE "NEW COUNT"AND WHO, THEREFORE, PLAYED AUCTION OF TO-DAY MONTHS BEFORE IT WAS IN VOGUE ELSEWHERE

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION xi

 I. THE DECLARATION 1

 II. ORIGINAL DECLARATIONS BY THE DEALER 15

 The Bid of One No-trump. Table of Hands in which the No-trump Declaration is Doubtful. When to bid Two No-trumps. Exception to the No-trump Rule. Table of Doubtful Hands illustrating Exception. Suit Declarations. Various Ideas of the Two Spade Bid. The Two Spade Bid. The Three Spade Bid. When to bid Two in Either Royals or Hearts. When to bid Three in Either Royals or Hearts. The Two Bid in Diamonds or Clubs. How to declare Two-Suit Hands. Table of Hands in which a Trump Declaration is Doubtful. 

 III. SECOND HAND DECLARATIONS 60

 Bidding over One Spade. When to bid No-trump. When to make a Trump Declaration. The Double of One Spade. The Bid of Two Spades. Table of Spade Bids. The Bid of Three Spades. How Second Hand should bid after an Offensive Declaration. The Shift. When to Bid Two No-trumps over One No-trump. How to Bid against Two or Three Spades. When to Bid No-trump over a Suit. 

 IV. THIRD HAND DECLARATIONS 82

 When the Dealer has called One Spade, and the Second Hand passed. When the Dealer has shown Strength, and the Second Hand passed. When "Two Spades" has been declared. When "Three Spades" has been declared. When "One Club" or "One Diamond" has been declared. When "Two Diamonds" or "Two Clubs" has been declared. When "One Heart" or "One Royal" has been declared. When "Two Hearts" or "Two Royals" has been declared. When to overbid a Partner's No-trump. When to overbid with Strong Clubs. A New Plan for Overbidding. When to overbid One No-trump with Two No-trumps. What Third Hand should bid when Second Hand has declared. 

 V. FOURTH HAND DECLARATIONS 114

 When the Dealer's Defensive Declaration has been the Only Bid. When the Only Offensive Declaration has been made by the Dealer. When the Only Offensive Declaration has been made by the Second Hand. When the Only Offensive Declaration has been made by the Third Hand. When the Dealer has Made a Defensive, and both the Second and Third Hands Offensive, Declarations. When the Dealer and Second Hand have made Offensive Declarations, and the Third Hand passed. When the Dealer and Third Hand have made Offensive Declarations, and the Second Hand passed. When all Three Players have made Offensive Declarations. 

 VI. CONTINUATION OF THE BIDDING 130

 When to advance the Bid. When to overbid the Partner. Flag-Flying. 

 VII. DOUBLING 143

 The Choice between a Game and a Double. When to redouble. What to do when the Partner is doubled. 

VIII. LEADING 158

 How to lead against a No-trump. Number-showing Leads. The Lead against a Suit Declaration. How to lead to a Double. Table of Opening Leads against a Trump Declaration. 

 IX. THE PLAY 183

 Difference between Play in Auction and Bridge. Playing for Game. Play for an Even Break. General Play of the Declarer. Declarer's Play of No-trump. Declarer's Play of a Suit Declaration. Play by Declarer's Adversaries. The Signal. The Discard. Blocking the Dummy. Avoid opening New Suits. How to return Partner's Bid. The Finesse. Table showing when Third Hand should finesse. 

 X. SCORING AND SCORE-SHEETS 213

 Samples of Score-Sheets. 

 XI. THE LAWS 225

 1912 Code of The Whist Club of New York. Decisions by the Card Committee of The Whist Club of New York. 

 SUMMARIZED PENALTIES 277

 APPENDIX: QUERIES AND ANSWERS 279

INTRODUCTION

With so many excellent textbooks now in circulation, it seems almostaudacious to add another treatise to current card literature. Ithappens, however, that the game of Auction, or Auction Bridge, as it isgenerally called ("Auction Whist" is perhaps a more appropriate title), has been so completely and so suddenly revolutionized that bookswritten upon the subject a few months ago do not treat of Auction ofto-day, but of a game abandoned in the march of progress. Only a smallportion of the change has been due to the development of the game, thealteration that has taken place in the count having been the mainfactor in the transformation. Just as a nation, in the course of acentury, changes its habits, customs, and ideas, so Auction in a fewmonths has developed surprising innovations, and evolved theories thatonly yesterday would have seemed to belong to the heretic or thefanatic. The expert bidder of last Christmas would find himself averitable Rip Van Winkle, should he awake in the midst of a game ofto-day. 

The present tourist along the newly macadamized Auction highway has nomodern signpost to guide him, no milestone to mark his progress. Theold ones, while most excellent when erected, now lead to abandoned andimpassable roads, and contain information that of necessity confusesand misleads. 

Beyond doubt, the present game, like other modern improvements, hascome to stay, and with that belief the following pages are offered asan aid to the thorough understanding of the new order of things. 

Until the latter part of 1911, practically all players used the samecount in Auction that had for years obtained in Bridge; namely, No-trump, 12; Hearts, 8; Diamonds, 6; Clubs, 4; and Spades, 2. Thechange was first suggested by the author, and it, therefore, seems onlyappropriate that he, having had the good fortune to conceive a systemwhich has been endorsed by general adoption, should have the privilegeof giving to the Auction-loving public his views upon the mostadvantageous methods of playing the game under the new conditions, andthus possibly help to allay the confusion created by the introductionof an innovation so drastic. 

In this connection, it may be interesting to recall how this new count, which is now so universally used that it should be called, not the"new" count, but "the" count, came to be suggested, and why it met withpopular favor. 

When Auction first took the place of Bridge as the paramount game inthe club and social life of the scientific card-player of the UnitedStates (just as Bridge had previously superseded Whist), it was butnatural that the Bridge count should be continued in Auction. 

Admitting that these values were the best possible for Bridge (and ofthat there is considerable doubt in the mind of the player of to-day), it, nevertheless, did not mean that for the new and very different gameof Auction they would of necessity be the most suitable. It was soonfound that the No-trump was so much more powerful than any other bidthat competition was almost eliminated. With even unusually strongsuits, only occasionally could a declaration valued at 12 besuccessfully combated by one valued at 8 or less, and the vast majorityof hands were, consequently, played without a Trump. 

The inherent theory of the game of Auction provides for a bidding inwhich each one of the four suits competes with each other, and alsowith the No-trump. Using the Bridge count, this does not take place. The two black suits, by reason of their inconsequential valuation, arepractically eliminated from the sea of competitive bidding. The Diamondcreates only a slight ripple, and even the Heart has to be unusuallystrong to resist the strenuous wave of the No-trump. 

Players in different parts of the country realized that as long as theBridge count was used, five bids could not compete in the race, as, dueto unequal handicapping, the two blacks could barely pass the starter, while the two reds could not last long in a keen contest. 

The desire to make the Spade a potent declaration had appeared inBridge; Royal Spades, valued at 10, having been played by someunfortunates who believed that, whenever they had the deal, the ficklegoddess favored them with an undue proportion of "black beauties. " Ascompetitive bidding is not a part of the game of Bridge, that could notbe offered as a reason for increasing the value of the Spade, and to belogical, Royal Clubs should also have been created. Naturally, RoyalSpades never received any very large or intelligent Bridge following, but as making the Spade of value was in line with the obvious need ofAuction, as soon as that game became the popular pastime, Royal Spades(or Lilies, as they were perhaps foolishly called in some places, thepseudonym being suggested by the color of the Spade), valued at 11 andat 10, were accorded a more thorough trial. 

They met objection on the ground that three Royals, equally with threeNo-trumps, carried a side to game from a love score, and, therefore, while some continued to experiment with Royals, it cannot be said thatthey were anywhere accepted as a conventional part of Auction. Finally, some clever Bostonians suggested that their value be made nine, andthis proved both more logical and more popular. 

With affairs in this state, the author determined that it wouldmaterially improve the game to arrange the count so that the variousbids be as nearly as possible equalized, every suit given a realrating, and the maximum competition created. After some littleexperimentation, the very simple expedient now in vogue was suggested. It makes the game _in reality_ what it previously was _only in name_. 

In September, 1911, the Racquet Club of Philadelphia, the first club toact upon the subject, incorporated in its club code the count of 10 forNo-trump, 9 for Royal Spades, 8 for Hearts, 7 for Diamonds, 6 forClubs, and 2 for Spades. Other clubs in this country and abroad slowlybut surely followed, and the card-playing public in its social gameadopted the new plan as soon as it received a fair trial. 

Early in 1912, the Whist Club of New York, a most conservative body, yielded to the pressure, and accepted the new count. Since then, it hasbeen universally used. 

It has been given various names, such as the "new count, " which is, ofcourse, a title that cannot long be retained; the "Philadelphia count, "which is now inappropriate, as it is played in all parts of thecountry; the "game of Royals, " which is grossly incorrect, as it is nota game of Royals any more than of any other suit, and certainly is notone-tenth as much a game of Royals as the old count was a game ofNo-trumps. One writer, who ably advocates the new count, calls thepresent game "Royal Auction Bridge, " yet frankly admits that No-trumpis still played more frequently than Royals, and Hearts almost asoften. There can be no question that the number of Diamond and Clubdeclarations has materially increased, so the only apparent reason forcalling the game Royals is the desire for some name to distinguish thecount now used from its predecessor. That, however, is totallyunnecessary. The old, or Bridge count, is a thing of the past--dead andalmost forgotten. The "new" count is "Auction"--"Auction of To-day" ifyou will, but unquestionably the best Auction yet devised, the onlyAuction now played, and destined to be Auction for all future time, unless some system be suggested which will create keener competition inbidding. It is generally conceded that this is practically impossible. 

In this book the author does not attempt to drill the uninitiatedplayer in the intricacies of the game. The rudiments can be learned farmore satisfactorily by watching a rubber, or by receiving the kindlyinstruction of a friend or teacher. 

In perusing these pages, the beginner will seek in vain to receive suchinformation as that the 10 is a higher card than the 9; or that theThird Hand plays after the Second. The reader is supposed to thoroughlyunderstand the respective values of the cards, as well as theunderlying principles and the rules of the game. 

Neither is this book intended for the player who recognizes himself asan expert and continuously prates of his own ability. Even should hecondescend to read, he would find either "nothing new, " or "nothing newworth knowing. " Why, indeed, should he waste his valuable timeconsidering the ideas of others, when by his brilliant exposition ofhis own inimitable theories, he can inculcate in the minds of hisinferiors a new conception of Auction possibilities? Such a player mayat any time confuse a conscientious partner by making an original bidwithout an Ace or King, or by committing some equally atrocious Auction_faux pas_, but as even a constant recurrence of such "trifles" willnot disturb his equanimity, why suggest ideas for his guidance?

The real purpose of this little book is to point out to the moderateplayer the system of bidding and methods of play now adopted by thebest exponents of the game, and to advise generally how to produce asatisfactory result at the end of the rubber, sitting, or season. 

Much of the success of an Auction player is due to his ability toconcentrate his entire attention upon the game. If it were possible tomake only a single suggestion to a beginner, the most important pointthat could be called to his attention would be the necessity forconcentration. From the moment the first bid is made until the lastcard is played, the attention of every player should be confined to thedeclaration and the play, and during that time no other idea shouldenter his mind. This may seem rudimentary, but as a matter of fact, theloss of tricks is frequently blamed upon various causes, such as"pulling the wrong card, " forgetting that a certain declaration hadbeen made, or that a certain card has been played, miscounting theTrumps or the suit in question, etc. , when the lack of completeconcentration is the real trouble. 

Success in Auction is indeed difficult, and the player who would graspevery situation, and capture every possible trick, must have the powerto concentrate all his faculties upon the task before him. No matterhow great his capacity, he cannot do thorough justice to any hand, if, during the declaration or play, his mind wander. Too often do we see aplayer, while the play is in progress, thinking of some such subject ashow many more tricks his partner might have made in the last hand;whether his partner has declared in the manner which he believes to besound and conventional; what is going on at some other table; whetherthis rubber will be over in time for him to play another, etc. 

When this is the mental condition of a player, the best results cannotbe obtained. If a trick has been lost, it is gone. Thinking over itcannot bring it back, but may very quickly give it one or morecomrades. As soon as each deal is completed, it should be erased fromthe mind just as figures from a slate. In that way only can be obtainedthe complete and absolute concentration which is essential to perfectplay, and goes a long way toward securing it. 

Auction is beyond doubt the most scientific card game that has everbecome popular in this country. The expert has the full measure ofadvantage to which his skill entitles him, and yet the game possesseswonderful fascination for the beginner and player of average ability. It is doubtless destined to a long term of increasing popularity, andit is, therefore, most advisable for all who participate that theythoroughly familiarize themselves with the conventional methods ofbidding and playing, so that they may become intelligent partners, anda real addition to any table. 

AUCTION OF TO-DAY

I

THE DECLARATION[1]

It is well to realize from the start that the declaration is the mostimportant department of the game, and yet the most simple to master. Afoolish bid may cost hundreds of points. The failure to make a soundone may lose a rubber, whereas mistakes in the play, while oftenexpensive and irritating, are rarely attended with such disastrousresults. 

 [1] Also known as "the Bid" and "the Call. "

Any good player who has to choose between a partner who bids well andplays poorly, and one who is a wild or unreliable bidder, but handleshis cards with perfection, without hesitation selects the former. 

To be an expert player requires natural skill, long experience, keenintuition, deep concentration, and is an art that cannot be accuratelytaught either by the instructor or by a textbook. Bidding has beenreduced to a more or less definite system, which may be learned in acomparatively brief space of time. Consequently, any one possessed ofordinary intelligence, regardless of sex, age, temperament, orexperience, may become an expert declarer, but of all who attempt toplay, not more than forty per cent. Possess that almost indefinablecharacteristic known as a "card head, " without which it is impossibleto become a player of the highest class. 

The average club or social game, however, produces numerous expertplayers, while the sound bidder is indeed a _rara avis_. 

The explanation of this peculiar condition is not hard to find. MostAuction devotees began their card experience with Whist, a game inwhich, beyond doubt, "The play's the thing"; then they transferredtheir allegiance to Bridge, where the play was the predominant factor;and now they fail to realize that in their new pastime _the mostimportant part of the game is concluded before the first card leavesthe leader's hand_. 

It must encourage the student to know that he may surely and quicklybecome a sound bidder, and that he will then be a more valued partnerthan a Whist or Bridge celebrity who does not accord to the Declarationthe care it deserves and rewards. 

Many methods of bidding have been suggested; some have been so absurdthat they have not warranted or received serious consideration; othershave been accorded a thorough trial, and found wanting. 

The system which is herein advocated is believed to be the most soundand informatory yet devised. 

Before taking up the declaration by each hand, it is important for theplayer to realize that with the introduction of the count of to-day, much of the bidding previously in vogue has, of necessity, passed intodisuse. For example, under the old count, a player, knowing that theClub suit would never be played and that there was no danger of thatdeclaration being continued by his partner, very properly called a Clubto show the Ace and King, even when these two cards were the only Clubsin his hand. 

In Auction of to-day, it being possible to score game with anydeclaration, a suit cannot be safely called unless it be of such lengthand strength that the partner may continue it as far as his handwarrants. In discussing the subject of Bidding, under the subheads ofDEALER, SECOND HAND, etc. , this will be considered more thoroughly, andit is referred to at this time only for the purpose of pointing outthat informatory bids from short suits containing high cards are nolonger included in the vocabulary of the Declarer. 

Another difference between the old and the present game is worthy ofnotice. In the old game a marked distinction was drawn between thecolor of the suits in the make-up of a No-trumper, it being moreimportant that the black suits should be guarded than the red. Usingthe Bridge count, the adversaries, if strong in the red suits, were aptto bid, but the black suits, by reason of their low valuation, frequently could not be called. Black was, consequently, the naturallead against a No-trump, and therefore, required more protection. 

Now, as every suit can be named with practically equal effectiveness, the color distinction has ceased to exist. The original leader, whenNo-trump has been declared, no longer attempts to guess his partner'sstrength by starting with a black suit, in preference to a red; and inbidding one No-trump, strength in one color is just as valuable as inthe other. 

When Auction was first played in England, it was believed that the dealwas a disadvantage, that the Declarer should disguise his hand as longas possible and use every expedient to force his adversary to be thefirst to show real strength. This doctrine has been found to beridiculous. The premium of 250 for winning the rubber is a bonus wellworth having, and the player who, when his cards justify a bid, undulypostpones his declaration, belongs to an antiquated and almost extinctschool. 

It is now conceded that the best results are obtained by that characterof bidding which gives the partner the most immediate and accurateinformation regarding the strength of the Declarer. 

There are still the "old fogies" who preach that, as there are twoopponents and only one partner, all information is doubly advantageousto the adversary. This "moss-covered" idea was advanced concerning theplay in Whist and Bridge, but experience proved it fallacious. InAuction, its folly is apparent, not only in the matter of the play, buteven more surely when applied to the bidding. 

A moment's consideration causes the realization that the declarationwould become an easy task if the exact composition of the partner'shand were known; it should, therefore, be the aim of the bidder tosimplify the next call of his partner by describing his own cards asaccurately as possible. 

True it is that the deceptive bidder at times succeeds in duping someconfiding or inexperienced adversary and thereby achieves a temporarytriumph of which he loves to boast. For every such _coup_, however, heloses many conventional opportunities, frequently gets into trouble, and keeps his partner in a continual state of nervous unrest, entirelyinimical to the exercise of sound judgment. Nevertheless, the erraticone rarely realizes this. He gives his deceptive play the credit forhis winning whenever he holds cards with which it is impossible forhim to lose, but characterizes as "hard luck" the hundreds that hisadversaries tally in their honor columns by reason of his antics, andis oblivious of the opportunities to win games which he allows to slipfrom his grasp. 

The difference between informative and deceptive bidding is shown inthe harmony of a partnership. When the former is practised, the pairpull together; the latter results in misunderstandings and disputes. 

It must not be understood, however, that the ability to give accurateinformation comprises the entire skill of the bidder. It is mostimportant that he possess the judgment which enables him to force theadversary into dangerous waters without getting beyond his own depth. 

It is no excuse for a player who has led his partner on to their mutualdestruction to murmur, "I could have made my bid. " An early bid beingallowed to become the final declaration is exceptional. Whether or notit could be made is, therefore, immaterial, but the result it mayproduce is vital. 

In club circles the story is told of the player of experience, who, after he had been deceived by his partner's declaration, said:"Partner, if you were reading the paper to a stranger, you would notvary a word of even an unimportant item. Why, then, should you, indescribing your thirteen cards, deliberately misinform a trustingpartner?"

Another exploded idea is that an advantage can be obtained by so-called"misleading" or "trap" bidding. There are some players who imaginethat, by calling one Spade with an excellent hand, they can induce theadversaries to believe that the bidder possesses a tricklesscombination, and as a result, some ridiculous declaration will follow, which will give an opportunity for a profitable double. Experience hasshown that in practice this idea does not produce satisfactory results. Adversaries will not bid to a point where they are apt to be doubled, except in the face of competition. When the Dealer has called oneSpade, his partner, unless he hold very strong cards, will notmaterially elevate the declaration. If both partners have strength, itis not probable that the adversaries can do much bidding, so that it isonly in the unusual case, and against the inexperienced and unskilled, that such a scheme is apt to prove successful. On the other hand, ittransfers the advantage of being the first to show strength and abusesthe confidence of the partner. It is a tool which should be employedonly by the Declarer of ripe experience, and he will limit its use tothe unusual hand. 

The bidder should remember that part of the finesse of the game, whenpartners vary considerably in their respective skill, is to so arrangethe declaration that the stronger player is at the helm most of thetime. A weak player with a strong partner should not jump with unduehaste into a No-trump, Royal, or Heart declaration; but rather, waitfor the partner, and then back up his call. The weak player should alsohesitate before taking away his partner's bid, although of course, there are many situations which thoroughly justify it, regardless ofthe greatest difference in the skill of the players. 

The objection to the game of Auction which makes it the subject of themost severe criticism is the possibility that improper information maybe conveyed to the partner by the manner of making the bid. 

After starting to bid, by using the word "one" or "two" there shouldnever be any hesitation, as that tells the partner that there is morethan one call under consideration. The same comment applies tohesitation when it is evident to the partner that it must be caused bya doubt whether or not to double, and the opportunity so to do stillremains with him. An extended delay in passing or bidding one Spadealso conveys an obvious suggestion. It goes without saying that nohonorable partner would avail himself of such information. Being theunwilling recipient of it, however, places him in an awkward position, as he must cross-examine himself as to whether any questionable bid ordouble he contemplates is in any way encouraged by it. If he have evena scintilla of doubt, he must pass. 

A few principles of bidding applicable to all conditions may be statedat the beginning of the consideration of the subject. 

Adopt informatory and conservative methods. 

A good player may bid higher than a poor one. 

When your partner fails to assist your bid, do not count on him formore strength than a Dealer who has bid one Spade. 

Any overbid of an adversary shows strength; an overbid of a partner whohas declared No-trump may show weakness. 

Overbidding a partner who has declared Royals or Hearts shows weaknessin his suit. 

Being without a suit, or holding a singleton, is an element of strengthfor a Trump declaration; of weakness for a No-trumper. 

When, if you do not bid, the adversary will be left in with adeclaration with which he cannot make game, do not take him out unlessyou expect to score game with your declaration. 

Do not, by reckless bidding, make the loss of one rubber equal theusual value of two. 

With a love score, it requires three tricks in No-trumps, four inRoyals or Hearts, and five in Diamonds or Clubs, to make game. It is anexceptional hand in which the Declarer does not lose more than twotricks. Diamonds and Clubs are, therefore, rarely played in preferenceto one of the three declarations of higher value, which are spoken ofas "game-going" declarations. 

There is very little declaring to the score in Auction, as the majorityof deals in which the contract is fulfilled score game, so that most ofthe time the score is love. In a certain percentage of cases, however, there is a score, and it affects the bidding to the following extent:--

If it be 2 or more, Diamonds should be treated as Royals or Heartswould be at love; if it be 6 or more, Clubs should be similarlytreated. 

If it be 3 or more, Royals, with a holding of five or more, should bebid in preference to No-trump, even with all the suits stopped, and ifit be 6 or more, Hearts should be similarly treated. 

When the score reaches a higher figure, such as 16, for example, holding five Diamonds, Hearts, or Spades, suit bids should be given thepreference over No-trumpers. 

The reason is plain. The winning of the game is the object of thebidder; when that is in sight with a suit declaration, No-trump shouldnot be risked unless in the higher declaration the fulfilment of thecontract be equally sure. 

The establishment of an adverse suit is the rock which sinks many aNo-trumper. There is little chance of this with a suit declaration. Therefore, especially when it does not require any more tricks to gogame, the suit should be selected, if the No-trump present any elementof danger. 

The state of the score never justifies an original bid which would notbe conventional at love. In other words, while being the possessor of ascore may make it wise for a bidder to select a suit instead of aNo-trump, it never justifies his calling a suit in which he has notboth the length and strength requisite for a declaration with a lovescore. 

Bidding by the different hands is so varied in its character that eachmust be considered as practically a separate subject, and they will, therefore, be taken up _seriatim_. In all cases where the score is notespecially mentioned, it should be understood that neither side issupposed to have scored. 

II

ORIGINAL DECLARATIONS BY THE DEALER

The Dealer, in making the initial declaration, obtains a valuablestrategic position whenever his hand justifies an offensive bid(_i. E. _, anything but one Spade); but when he is compelled to assumethe defensive, this advantage passes to his opponents. By anydeclaration which shows strength, he materially aids his partner andplaces difficulties in the path of his adversaries. A No-trump isnaturally his most advantageous opening. 

There are many hands in which the strength is so evenly divided thatthe advantage of playing the Dummy enables the player who "gets to theNo-trump first" to make good his declaration, and frequently, in suchequally balanced hands, one No-trump is the only bid that can be made. One No-trump eliminates all adverse calls of one, and sometimes whenthe strength of the opponents is considerable, but divided, results inshutting out a productive declaration. The Dealer, therefore, wheneverhis hand warrants it, should grasp his good fortune and declare hisstrength. 

He should not, however, rashly assume the offensive. There is no way inwhich he can more thoroughly deceive his partner, create greater havocwith the bidding of the hand and cast deeper distrust upon his futuredeclarations than by using the keynote bid to announce strength whichhis hand does not contain. 

He must thoroughly understand the conventional declarations, and whenin doubt should bid one Spade, as the damage which is apt to resultfrom an overestimation by his partner of his winning cards is muchgreater than any benefit gained by starting the attack. 

THE BID OF ONE NO-TRUMP

The Dealer is justified in basing his declaration upon the assumptionthat his partner has one-third of the high cards not in his own hand. He may, therefore, _bid one No-trump with any holding better than theaverage_ whenever he has

 (_a_) Four suits stopped. 

 (_b_) Three suits stopped and his hand contains an Ace. 

 (_c_) Three King suits, all of which contain in addition either Queen or Knave. 

 (_d_) A solid five-card Club or Diamond suit and another Ace. 

The first question to determine is what, from the standpoint of theDeclarer, constitutes a guarded or stopped suit. 

That an Ace comes under that head is self-evident. 

So also must a King, if accompanied by one small, because the leadcomes up to the Declarer, and the King must either be able to win thetrick or be made good. 

A Queen and one other manifestly will not stop a suit, and a Queen andtwo others is not apt to do so unless the leader hold both Ace andKing. Queen and three others is, however, comparatively safe, andQueen, Knave, and one other is a most satisfactory guard. 

Knave, Ten, and two others surely stops a suit, but Knave and threesmall is about as unreliable as Queen and two small. It, therefore, becomes evident that the Dealer, to count a suit as stopped, must havein it one of the following holdings:--

 Ace. King and one other. Queen and three others. Queen, Knave, and one other. Knave and four others. Knave, Ten, and two others. 

Some experts, with three suits stopped, bid No-trump with exactly anaverage hand, but experience has shown that this is advisable only whensupported by exceptional skill, and cannot be recommended to mostplayers. The average holding of high cards is one Ace, one King, oneQueen, and one Knave. From the average standpoint it is immaterialwhether they are all in one suit or divided. Any hand containing a facecard or Ace above this average is a No-trumper, whenever it complieswith the other above-mentioned requirements. When the average isexceeded by holding two Aces, instead of an Ace and King, a No-trumpshould be called, but two Kings, instead of a King and Queen, or even aKing and Knave, is a very slight margin, and the declaration isdoubtful for any but the most expert. A hand with two Queens instead ofone Queen and one Knave, while technically above the average, cannot beso considered when viewed from a trick-taking standpoint, and does notwarrant a No-trump call. 

In bidding No-trump with three guarded suits, it does not matter whichis unprotected. For example, the minimum strength of a No-trumpercomposed of one face card more than the average is an Ace in one suit;King, Knave, in another; and Queen, Knave, in a third. This hand wouldbe a No-trumper, regardless of whether the suit void of strengthhappened to be Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs, or Spades. 

The above-described method of determining when the hand sizes up to theNo-trump standard is generally known as the "average system, " and hasbeen found more simple and much safer than any of the other testssuggested. It avoids the necessity of taking the Ten intoconsideration, and does not involve the problems in mental arithmeticwhich become necessary when each honor is valued at a certain figureand a total fixed as requisite for a No-trump bid. 

The theory upon which a player with possibly only three tricks declaresto take seven, is that a hand containing three sure tricks, benefitedby the advantage derived from having twenty-six cards played in unison, is apt to produce one more; and until the Dummy refuse to help, he maybe figured on for average assistance. The Dealer is expecting to takefour tricks with his own hand, and if the Dummy take three (one-thirdof the remaining nine), he will fulfil his contract. Even if the Dummyfail to render the amount of aid the doctrine of chances makesprobable, the declaration is not likely to prove disastrous, as oneNo-trump is rarely doubled. 

It is also conventional to declare one No-trump with a five-card orlonger Club or Diamond suit, [2] headed by Ace, King, Queen, and oneother Ace. This is the only hand containing strength in but two suitswith which a No-trump should be called. 

 [2] With a similar suit in either Spades or Hearts, Royals or Hearts should be the bid. 

As a rule a combination of high cards massed into two suits does notproduce a No-trumper, although the same cards, divided into threesuits, may do so. For example, a hand containing Ace, Queen, Knave, inone suit; King, Queen, Knave, in another, and the two remaining suitsunguarded, should not be bid No-trump, although the high cards arestronger than the example given above with strength in three suits. 

Admitting all the advantage of the original No-trump, even the boldestbidders do not consider it a sound declaration with two defenselesssuits, unless one of the strong suits be established and the otherheaded by an Ace. The reason for this is easily understood. When theadversaries have a long suit of which they have all the high cards, thechances are that it will be opened; but if not, it will soon be foundunless the Declarer can at once run a suit of considerable length. Whena suit is established by the adversaries, the Declarer is put in anembarrassing position, and would probably have been better off playinga Trump declaration. It is a reasonable risk to trust the partner tostop one suit, but it is being much too sanguine to expect him toprotect two. Should he fail to have either stopped, the Declarer's lossis so heavy that only with a long and apparently established suit andan additional Ace is the risk justified. It is realized that the casecited, namely, Ace, King, Queen, and two others, may not prove to be anestablished (or solid, as it is often called) suit. If however, thedivision be at all even, as it is in the vast majority of cases, thesuit can be run, and it is cited as the minimum holding which may betreated as established. 

With the present value of Clubs and Diamonds, either suit presents aneffective original declaration. There is, therefore, much less excusethan formerly for a reckless No-trump bid, based upon five or six Clubor Diamond tricks and one other suit stopped. When, however, an Ace ofanother suit accompanies the unusual Club or Diamond strength, theadvantage of being the first to bid No-trump makes the chance worthtaking. 

The hands above cited as containing the minimum strength to warrant thecall are all what are known as "weak No-trumpers. " This kind of biddingmay not be conservative, but experience has shown it to be effective aslong as it is kept within the specified limits. A No-trump must, however, justify the partner in acting upon the assumption that thebidder has at least the stipulated strength, and it merely courtsdisaster to venture such a declaration with less than the conventionalholding. 

A few examples may possibly make the above somewhat more clear, as bythat means the various "minimum-strength" or "border-line" No-trumpers, and also hands which fall just below the mark, can be accurately shown. It will be understood that an effort is made to give the _weakest_hands which justify the No-trump declaration, and also the hands whichfall short by the smallest possible margin. In other words, the handswhich puzzle the Declarer. With greater strength or greater weaknessthe correct bid is plainly indicated. 

The suits are numbered, not designated by their respective names, inorder to emphasize that it does not matter where the weakness islocated. 

HANDS IN WHICH THE NO-TRUMP DECLARATION IS DOUBTFUL

Suit 1 King, Knave, X Does not contain an Ace, but is " 2 King, X, X above the average and has four " 3 Queen, Knave, X suits stopped. It is a No-trump " 4 Knave, Ten, X, X bid. 

Suit 1 Ace, Knave, X Has an Ace, three suits stopped, " 2 X, X, X and a Knave over the average. It " 3 King, X, X, X is a No-trump bid. " 4 Queen, Knave, X

Suit 1 Ace, Queen, X Has an Ace and two face cards " 2 King, Queen, Knave more than the average, but, not " 3 X, X, X, X having three suits stopped, is " 4 Knave, X, X _not_ a No-trump bid. 

Suit 1 King, Queen, X Has three suits stopped, but is " 2 King, Knave, X, X without an Ace, and is one King " 3 Queen, Knave, X short of three King suits all with " 4 X, X, X another face card. It is _not_ a No-trump bid. 

Suit 1 King, Knave, X Has three King-Queen, or " 2 King, Queen, X King-Knave suits. It is a No-trump " 3 King, Knave, X bid. " 4 X, X, X, X

Suit 1 Ace, X, X Has three suits stopped and is " 2 Ace, X, X, X above the average. It is a No-trump " 3 Queen, Knave, X bid. " 4 X, X, X

Suit 1 Ace, X, X This is the border-line hand " 2 King, X, X mentioned above. It may be a " 3 X, X, X, X No-trump bid for an expert, but " 4 King, Knave, X the moderate player is hardly justified in risking it. The presence of one or two Tens would add materially to the strength of this hand and make it a No-trump. 

Suit 1 Ace, X, X, X Only above the average to the " 2 King, Queen, X extent of a Queen in place of " 3 Queen, X, X, X a Knave. No-trump is not advised " 4 X, X unless Declarer is confident he can outplay his adversaries. 

Suit 1 Ace, Knave, X An average hand. With this holding " 2 King, X, X only an expert is justified in " 3 Queen, X, X, X bidding No-trump. " 4 X, X, X

Suit 1 Ace, X, X Below the average, and, therefore, " 2 King, X, X only "one Spade" should be bid. " 3 Queen, X, X, X " 4 X, X, X

Clubs } Has the weakest "solid" suit or } Ace, King, Queen, X, X that with one other Ace warrantsDiamonds } a No-trump bid. Suit 2 Ace, X, X " 3 X, X, X " 4 X, X

Clubs } Ace, King, Knave, X, X Absence of Queen in one case, and or } or of King in the other, keeps theDiamonds } Ace, Queen, Knave, X, X suit from being established. Even } the presence of the additionalSuit 2 Ace, Queen, X Queen in Suit 2 does not make this " 3 X, X, X a No-trumper. " 4 X, X

Clubs } Absence of additional Ace makes or } Ace, King, Queen, X, X a No-trump inadvisable. Diamonds }Suit 2 King, Queen, X " 3 X, X, X " 4 X, X

It is realized that in the last three cases cited the margin isunusually close; the last one, should the partner happen to have eitherSuit 3 or 4 stopped, and the Ace and some length of Suit 2, would bevery much stronger than the example justifying the bid. It is also truethat a fortunate drop of the King or Queen of the long suit, with alittle help from the partner, would make the next to the last thestrongest of the three. It is idle, however, to speculate on what thepartner may have. In such close cases it is most important toinvariably follow some fixed rule. The player who guesses each time mayalways be wrong, while the player who sticks to the sound bid is sureto be right most of the time. Experience has shown that, when only twosuits are stopped, it is not wise to bid No-trump without both an Aceand a solid suit, and experience is the best teacher. 

WHEN TO BID TWO NO-TRUMPS

An original bid of more than one No-trump is rarely advisable, as it isimportant that the partner be given the option of bidding two of asuit. With great strength such a call should never be made, as in thatcase there is no good reason for attempting to shut out the adversary. The only character of hand which justifies starting with two No-trumpsis the rare combination in which a long, solid suit of six or sevenClubs or Diamonds is held, accompanied by an Ace or guarded King in atleast two of the remaining suits, the idea being to shut out adverseRoyals or Hearts. 

Some players believe in bidding two No-trumps with "every Ace and not aface, " but that sort of an effort to "steal" the 100 is not justifiedas the partner's hand may make a game, which could not be won atNo-trumps, obtainable in a suit declaration. A game with the incidentalscore is worth much more than "one hundred Aces" and only two oddtricks, or perchance an unfilled contract. It is also important thatthe bid be limited to the one case mentioned, as in that way it givesthe most accurate information. 

EXCEPTION TO THE NO-TRUMP RULE

There is one important exception to most of the No-trump bids abovedescribed, and that is when the hand, which otherwise would be aNo-trumper, contains as its strong suit five or more Spades or Hearts. It takes only one more Royal or Heart than it does No-trump to win thegame, and with a suit unguarded, it is far safer and wiser, with such aholding, to bid the Heart or Royal than the No-trump. For example, withAce, King, Knave, and two small Clubs; King, Queen, Knave, and oneDiamond; Queen, Knave, and one Heart; and one Spade, the bid wouldunquestionably be No-trump. If, however, the Club and Spade holding betransposed, a Royal should be declared. When there is a score whichplaces the Club or Diamond within four tricks of game, these suitsbecome as valuable as the Heart or Royal, with the score at love, andshould be treated accordingly. 

The Declarer should bear in mind that as the game is the desideratum, the surest, not the most glorious or enjoyable, route of reaching itshould be chosen. When No-trump is declared with a hand containing adefenceless suit, there is a grave chance that the adversaries may savegame by making five tricks in that suit before the Declarer can obtainthe lead. With five or more strong cards of a suit and two other suitsstopped, four tricks are more probable with the suit declaration thanthree with No-trump, but three with the No-trump are more likely thanfive with the suit. It, therefore, depends upon which suit be heldwhether it or No-trump should be bid. The inclination which manyplayers have for a No-trump bid should be firmly curbed, when theholding is of the character mentioned and the strength is in Spades orHearts. 

A very different case arises, however, when all the suits are stopped;the Dealer is then, the game being probable with either declaration, justified in bidding either the No-trump or the suit, as he may prefer, and the value of the honors he holds should be an important factor inguiding his decision. When he has more than five Spades or Hearts, thesuit declaration is generally to be preferred, even with all suitsstopped, unless the hand contain four Aces. A few examples follow:--

Spades Ace, King, Queen, X, X While this hand contains threeHearts Ace, Queen, X Aces, it is more apt to scoreDiamonds Ace, Knave, X, X game with Royals than without aClubs X Trump. With the Spade and Club or Spade and Diamond suits transposed, it is a No-trumper. 

Spades Ace, King, Queen, X Not having five Spades, this handHearts Ace, Queen, X, X is a No-trump bid. The fact thatDiamonds Ace, Knave, X, X it contains a singleton is anClubs X argument in favor of a suit declaration, but with only four Spades it is safer to risk the Clubs than long adverse Spades with one more trick required for game. 

Spades Knave, Ten, X, X A No-trumper, as it has threeHearts Ace, Queen, Knave suits stopped and contains anDiamonds X Ace. A transposition of the ClubsClubs King, Queen, Knave, X, X to Spades or Hearts would make it a Trump declaration. 

Spades King, Queen, Knave, X, X Can be declared either RoyalsHearts Ace, Queen or No-trump, as four suits areDiamonds Ace, X, X stopped and it has five strongClubs Ace, Knave, X Spades. The 30 Aces as compared with 18 honors in Royals and the absence of a singleton make the No-trump more attractive. If, however, the Ten of Spades be substituted for a small Spade, the 72 honors would make it a Royal. 

Spades King, Knave, X While the four Suits are stopped, Hearts King, Queen, Ten, X, X, X the length in Hearts makes theDiamonds Ace, X suit call the more advisable. Clubs Ace, X

Spades King, Queen, Ten The Diamond is tempting, as aHearts King, Knave, Ten score of 56 honors is comparedDiamonds Ace, King, Queen, Knave with possibly 30 adverse aces. Clubs King, Queen, Knave If, however, the three missing Aces be held by the adversaries, game cannot be scored in Diamonds, and a game is always worth more than 100. It is therefore a No-trump. 

SUIT DECLARATIONS

For some reason the Dealer is more apt to make faulty suit bids thanunwarranted No-trumpers. It seems as difficult for the old Whist andBridge player as it is for the novice to realize that even excessivelength does not justify an original suit call, unless the suit containeither the Ace or the King. It, also, is just as important to rememberthat if the suit does not contain _both_ the Ace and the King, the handmust in addition have at least one other honor in the suit named, [3]and one other sure trick. By "sure trick" in this connection is notmeant merely a suit stopped, but a trick that can be won not later thanthe second round; in other words, either an Ace or a King and Queen, orKing and Knave, of the same suit. 

 [3] While, as a general rule, to justify an original suit declaration, "one other honor" should accompany either Ace or King, it is not necessary to blindly follow such a requirement to an absurd extreme. 

 If the suit be headed by the Ace, either unusual length (six or more) or considerable strength in another suit (Ace and King, or Ace, Queen, Knave) would justify a call without "one other honor. "

 If, however, the suit be headed by the King, the presence of another honor is essential unless the length or additional strength be extraordinary. 

Stating in another way the combination of high cards requisite for anoriginal suit bid, it may be said that a suit should never beoriginally declared unless the hand contain two sure high-card tricks, one of which must be in the suit named. These sure high-card tricksmust be either two Aces or their equivalent in value for trick-takingpurposes. The reason is obvious. The declaration of a suit by aninformatory bidder tells the partner, not only that the bidder issatisfied to have that hand played with the suit named as the Trump, but also that his holding will be helpful to the extent of at least twotricks, one of which is in his suit, should the declaration be shiftedto No-trump. This is one of the simplest and most vital rules ofbidding, yet it is probably the most frequently disregarded. Innumerable points have appeared in the adverse honor column because apartner has properly assumed that an original suit call showed thehigh-card strength just mentioned, only to find out too late that thebidder, with perhaps a couple of Kings, had yielded to the lure oflength. Even at the risk of seeming repetition, it is necessary to be alittle more explicit upon this subject. 

When the Dealer bids a suit, he says: "Partner, I have great strengthin this suit; it is probable that I have both the Ace and King, but ifnot, I have either the Ace or King, supported by at least one otherhonor, [4] and the Ace or the King and Queen, or King and Knave, of someother suit; you can bid No-trump or double any adverse declaration, positively assured that I will support you to the extent named. "

 [4] See footnote, page 31. 

The holding in the suit which is declared, is vital. Take, for example, such a hand as Queen, Knave, and five small Hearts; and the Ace andKing of Clubs. Of course, the Dealer wants to play this hand withHearts as Trump, but he should not bid a Heart at the start, as he hasnot the Ace or King. The fact that he has both the Ace and King ofClubs does not justify a Heart call without either the Ace or King ofHearts. With the hand cited there will be plenty of time to bid Heartslater. 

The rule which governs this case is the foundation of modern bidding;it is without exception, is not affected by the score, and is the mostimportant of all Auction conventions. 

Every player should resolve that, whatever his other shortcomings maybe, he will treat it as a veritable law of the Medes and Persians, andthat never, as Dealer, will he call a suit unless he hold the Ace orKing of it, and the other requisite strength. 

The combination of high cards above mentioned, however, is not initself sufficient to justify a suit declaration. There must, inaddition, be length in the suit. This is just as essential in Clubs orDiamonds as in Hearts or Royals. The partner may have great strength, and yet be unable to stop the adverse suit. A No-trump being thuseliminated, he, acting on the assurance given by the original call, maycarry the suit to high figures. This is sure to prove disastrous, unless the original bidder has length as well as strength. 

As a general rule, five is the minimum length with which a suit shouldbe called, but with great strength, such as Ace, King, Knave; Ace, Queen, Knave; or King, Queen, Knave, in the suit, coupled with anotherAce; or a King and Queen, a bid with a four-card combination may beventured. A four-card suit, headed by Ace, King, Queen, may be calledwithout other strength. 

A short suit, that is, one of three cards or less, should never be bidoriginally, regardless of its strength. Even the holding of Ace, King, Queen, does not justify the naming of such a suit. 

While the doctrine above enunciated as to the minimum strength requiredfor a Trump bid is unquestionably logical and is now regarded asconventional by a very large proportion of the expert players ofAuction, it is only natural that there should be some dissent. There isa certain character of mind that always desires to carry any soundtheory to dangerous extremes, and, consequently, some players andwriters have seen fit, while adopting the theory which has altered theold system of always starting with one Spade into the moderninformatory game, to advocate extensions which would practicallyeliminate the defensive declaration. 

These extremists desire to permit a Dealer to bid whenever he has along suit, regardless of whether it be headed by high cards, and alsowhether it would aid a No-trump. One system suggested is that a Trumpbe called whenever the Dealer holds any suit which counts 7, on thebasis of an Ace or face counting 2, and any lower card, 1. Thebelievers in this doctrine would, therefore, bid a Club from such ahand as Queen, Knave, X, X, X, without any possibility of anothertrick; or even from Knave, X, X, X, X, X. The absurdity of this becomesobvious when it is remembered that the only real object in bidding aClub or Diamond is to show strength which will justify the partner indeclaring one of the three game-going declarations. Any such holding asthat mentioned not only does not help any other declaration, but as amatter of fact is a hand so far under the trick-taking average that, ifany method could be devised by which weakness could be emphasized morestrongly than by making the defensive declaration, such a hand wouldfully justify employing it. It is difficult to conceive what benefitcan result to a partnership from any such weakness being, for thepurpose of the declaration, changed into alleged strength. If a playerdeclare with any such combination, his power to give information whenhe really possesses strength of course immediately ceases to exist, andthe entire structure of informative bidding thereby drops to pieces. 

The system of suit declarations above outlined, and upon which all thatis hereinafter suggested in relation to bidding is based, must befollowed by players who wish to give their partners accurate data, andwhile it may be tempting at times to depart from the conventional, themore frequently such exception is made by the Dealer in his bid, themore often does misunderstanding between the partners ensue. 

VARIOUS IDEAS OF THE TWO SPADE BID

Every game of the Whist family has some point upon which expertsdisagree, and which, consequently, produces apparently interminablediscussion. 

In Auction, it is the two Spade bid, and no less than four recognizedfactions have widely divergent views concerning it. These views may bebriefly stated as follows:--

 (_a_) With the border-line No-trumpers now in vogue, a hand not strong enough to bid No-trump is too weak to warrant any call but one Spade. The two Spade bid is, therefore, useless and should never be made. 

 (_b_) The two Spade bid should be used as a No-trump invitation with any hand not quite strong enough to justify a No-trump call. Having this meaning it does not matter whether the hand contain any Spade strength. 

 (_c_) The two Spade bid should be used as a No-trump invitation, but must also give the additional information that the hand contains at least one trick in Spades. 

 (_d_) The two Spade bid should be used to tell the partner that the hand has the high-card strength to bid one Royal, but not sufficient length. It thus becomes either a No-trump or Royal invitation. 

All these systems have their advocates, most of whom refuse to seemerit in any plan but their own. It is only fair, however, beforereaching a definite conclusion to accord to all a fair anddispassionate consideration. 

 (_a_)

The argument that, as long as light No-trumpers are conventional, anyhand not sufficiently strong to call No-trump is too weak to justifydeclaring more than one Spade, has considerable force. Beyond question, many followers of plans "_b_" and "_c_" call two Spades when theirholdings do not warrant such action, but the fact that a declaration isat times abused is far from being a sufficient reason for wiping it offthe Auction map, and saying to those who desire to use it rationally, "No, because some players see fit to make this bid with two Knaves anda Queen, it is not safe to allow you the privilege of using it sanely, wisely, and at the appropriate time. "

The supporters of "_a_, " however, go further, and say that the hands inwhich a No-trump cannot be called, but with which the invitation shouldbe extended to the partner to bid it, are so rare that the retention ofthe two Spade call merely encumbers the catalogue of the Declarer witha bid that is practically obsolete. 

This, if it be true, would be most convincing, but it is so surprisinga statement that it should be examined before being accepted. 

Every hand that class "_d_" would bid two Spades would be similarlycalled by "_b_" and "_c_, " and at least ninety-nine per cent. Ofexpert Auction players concede that such a bid is sound. For example:--

 Spades Ace, King, Knave Hearts X, X, X, X Diamonds X, X, X Clubs Ace, Queen, X

has strength which deserves, if possible, to be shown. 

This is merely a sample of a hand which would be a Royal, if length inSpades accompanied the strength. Such hands come within the "_d_"classification, and are not rare. This must be admitted when it isconsidered that three- or four-card suits are much more frequently heldthan suits of greater length. Therefore, two Spades should be bid moreoften than one Royal. With the single exception of No-trump, Royals isthe call most frequently played; consequently, as a preliminary call, two Spades must be used more constantly than any declaration, exceptNo-trump. 

Experience bears out this argument, and it, therefore, seems that the"_a_" allegations are not supported by examination. 

It is obvious that the more original calls with which it is possible toequip a Dealer, the more accurately can he distinguish for the benefitof his partner between the different classes of holdings. It thereforeseems absurd to contend that the bid of two spades should beeliminated. 

 (_b_)

The argument presented by the "_b_" school is also at first quiteconvincing. Take such a hand as

 Spades X, X, X Hearts Ace, X, X Diamonds King, Knave, X Clubs Knave, X, X, X

It is just too weak for a No-trump, but at first glance seems toostrong for a Spade. 

Why, however, should it be too strong for a Spade? It is under theaverage, which means the holding of the partner must be quite a bitbetter than the average to get one odd. If he have such a hand he willdeclare it in any event, and the dealer can then help. Furthermore, this system does not point out any one suit as stopped, and, therefore, gives the minimum degree of information. It is practically saying, "Ibid half a No-trump. " It is quite doubtful whether the holdingessential for such a bid can be properly limited and whether it willnot tempt bidding with too great weakness. 

Furthermore, it must be taken out. The Third Hand cannot allow hispartner to play two Spades, and if he be weak, all he can do under thissystem is to call three Spades, which only makes matters worse, as itis sure to be doubled, and the dealer must in turn take that out. To dothis with the hand above cited, he must either call two Clubs with fourto a Knave, or one Diamond with three to the King, Knave. 

The trouble is evident--the result apt to be unfortunate. If thepartner with average strength accept such a No-trump invitation, thecontract cannot be fulfilled; while if he be strong, he will bid in anyevent, so where is the advantage of the call?

For one purpose, however, this system of bid seems sound. If the dealerbe a poor player and the Third Hand an expert, it is for the benefit ofthe partnership that the Third Hand be the Declarer. When the Dealerholds a real No-trumper, but wishes his partner to become the Declarer, the two Spade, --not invitation, but command, --has real merit, but asfew players either concede their own inferiority or are willing toallow their partners to play a majority of the hands, this apparentargument in favor of the plan will not appeal to many, and will, therefore, seldom prove of service. 

 (_c_)

This comes nearer being logical, as it shows one Spade trick, and, therefore, indicates help for a partner's Royal, but with thatexception, it is subject to the same objections as "_b_. " It istroublesome to take out, and when compared with "_d_" gives extremelylimited information. 

It may, however, be of distinct advantage for a player who does notapprove of light No-trumpers. Followers of the theory that the callof one No-trump means four or five sure tricks will certainly find"_c_" or even "_b_" an advantageous system, but the advantage of"getting to the No-trump first" is so manifest that the lightdeclarations have become generally popular, and but few of the"I-will-not-declare-unless-I-have-the-'goods'" bidders are now to befound. 

If a player believe in calling No-trump with the minimum strength nowconsidered sufficient, he has little use for either "_b_" or "_c_. "

It is self-evident that "_c_" cannot be used as often as "_b_, " so theDeclarer who likes always to say something will prefer "_b_, " but thebidder who wishes, when he calls, to have distinct value attached tohis announcement, will elect in favor of "_c_" rather than "_b_, " andfor the same reason will find "_d_" the best system of all. 

 (_d_)

It is toward this system that the evolution of modern bidding isturning. True, two Spades cannot be declared as frequently when "_d_"is used as when "_b_" or "_c_" is employed, but the "_d_" bid conveysinformation so comprehensive and important that one call is of greatervalue than several "_b_" or "_c_" bids, which, at best, furnish thepartner with indefinite data. 

It makes the weakness take-out of the partner, namely, one Royal, easyand logical, and in every way seems the soundest, safest, simplest, andmost conducive to game-winning of all the plans suggested. 

It invites equally the two most important declarations, makes easy theposition of the partner when he holds long, weak Spades, and isdoubtless destined, in a short time, to be the only two-Spade systemin use, unless it be found advisable to include in the repertory ofthe original declarer both "_b_" and "_d_. "

This can be readily accomplished by calling two Spades for "_b_"; threeSpades for "_d_"; and four Spades for the combination hereinaftergiven, for which the declaration of three Spades is suggested. 

No serious objection can be advanced to this plan, except that it issomewhat complicated, and for a light No-trump bidder, possiblyunnecessary. It is a totally new idea, but believed to be of sufficientvalue to entitle it to a trial. 

As it is impossible to declare or play intelligently when any doubtexists between partners regarding the convention employed, and as it iswise not to follow unsound theories, no further reference will be madeto "_a_, " "_b_, " or "_c_" plans. The "_d_" system will be fullydescribed, and all suggestions that hereinafter appear will be basedupon the supposition that it is being used. 

THE TWO SPADE BID[5]

The bid of two Spades is a showing of Spade strength, with a hand whichdoes not contain Spade length sufficient to justify the bid of oneRoyal. 

 [5] See page 89, as to how the partner should treat this declaration; also table on pages 68 and 69. 

The latter is the more advantageous declaration, and should be madewhenever five Spades with the requisite high-card strength are held. When, however, the hand contains the strength, but not the length, fora Royal call, the bid of two Spades is a most useful substitute. 

It may be made with three or four Spades in any case in which, withfive, one Royal could be declared, except the solitary instance ofholding Ace and King of Spades without another trick of any kind. ARoyal may be called with five, headed by Ace, King, as, should the bidstand, the three small Trumps would surely take one trick. Everyoriginal offensive declaration is based upon a minimum of three tricks. This principle applies to the bid of two Spades, and, therefore, a handcontaining less than five Spades, headed by Ace, King, and no otherwinning card, is a one Spade call, as it is one and one-quarter tricksbelow the average. 

When a player bids two Spades, he sends his partner a message whichgives information about as follows: "I have three or four Spades withtwo or three high honors, and in addition, unless I have Ace, King, andQueen of Spades, I have one other suit well stopped. My hand does notwarrant a No-trump, because I have only two suits stopped. As I havenot more than four Spades, I do not wish to bid a Royal; I am toostrong to be satisfied with one Spade, so I bid two for the purpose ofencouraging you to call No-trump or Royals. "

Such a declaration certainly gives very accurate information, andshould be used whenever such a hand occurs, but not under any othercircumstances. 

THE THREE SPADE BID[6]

The declaration of three Spades by the Dealer is a very recent idea andis also most informatory. It says: "Partner, I am anxious to haveRoyals the Trump, but I cannot make that declaration now, as I have notthe requisite high cards. I probably have not the Ace of Spades, andthe chances are that I am without the King also. Either because thebalance of my hand is so strong that I fear I will be left in with oneSpade, or for some other reason, I do not wish to open with thedefensive declaration and wait for a later round to show strength. Youcan count on me for five or more (probably more) Spades and otherstrength. "

 [6] See page 90, as to how the partner should treat this declaration. 

WHEN TO BID TWO IN EITHER ROYALS OR HEARTS

Another case to consider in bidding by the Dealer is when more than oneof any game-scoring suit should be declared. 

The original theory of declaration was to withhold from the table aslong as possible all information regarding the strength of the hand;therefore, to start with one in the real suit was regarded as mostunwise, and to bid two would have been deemed the act of a lunatic. 

Now, however, the original suit declaration of more than one isgenerally acknowledged to be an important part of the finesse of theskilled bidder, and such bidding, when justified by the hand, isrecognized as eminently wise and proper. 

When the "two" and "three" original Trump bids first came into vogue, they were used indiscriminately with great length, regardless ofwhether or not high cards headed the suit. The meaning of the bid was"Do not take me out, " and it was made under widely divergentconditions. No distinction was drawn between a hand which might betrickless as an aid to, or defense against, a No-trump declaration, andone which would produce seven or eight tricks under such circumstances. This kind of bidding was found to be much too confusing for thepartner, and prevented him from rendering intelligent support. 

It is now realized that it is far wiser with length, no matter howgreat, but without commanding cards, to start with a Spade and then bidthe long suit on the succeeding round, thus practically photographingthe hand for the partner and energetically waving the red flag for anydeclaration but the one suit. 

Take, for example, such a hand as seven Hearts, headed by Queen, Knave;Ace, Knave, and two Clubs; two small Diamonds, and no Spades. Anoriginal two Heart or one Club call would grossly mislead the partnerwithout being of any real advantage, but one Spade followed by twoHearts, or even three, if necessary, shows the exact situation. As longas the hand containing a long suit is not so strong that there is gravedanger of its being left in with one Spade, it should be started withthe defensive declaration. When such great strength exists, a soundopening bid invariably presents itself. 

It, therefore, becomes apparent that an original suit bid of two orthree, just as necessarily as a bid of one, should demonstrate theunderlying principle of original suit declarations--namely, strength, as well as length. 

The incidental object in bidding more than one originally is to warnthe partner that the Dealer prefers to play the suit named rather thana doubtful No-trump; the main reason, however, is, if possible, to shutout adverse bidding. When there is great length in either Spades orHearts and distinct weakness in the other, a two or three bid is mostadvisable. In that case, the strength in the other suit may be entirelywith the adversaries and may be divided between them. They couldreadily find this out, if allowed to start with a cheap bid, but itfrequently happens that neither is sufficiently strong to make a highdeclaration without assistance from his partner. 

When the Dealer has sufficient strength in either Royals or Hearts tobid more than one, and, in addition, has considerable strength in theother suits, it is as a rule advisable to bid but one, as in that casehe does not wish to frighten off adverse bidding, but prefers toencourage it with the hope that it may reach a point which will givehim a safe and profitable double. 

Six sure tricks with the possibility of more is the minimum strengthfor an original call of two Hearts or two Royals. 

WHEN TO BID THREE IN EITHER ROYALS OR HEARTS

An original bid of three Royals or Hearts is justified by a hand inwhich sufficient strength exists to make it probable that thedeclaration will be successful, and which nevertheless cannoteffectively defend against a high bid by the adversaries in the othersuit. As a rule this is a two-suit hand, and in a genuine two-suiter itoften happens that one side may be able to win eleven tricks in Royalsor Hearts, while their adversaries can capture a similar number in theother. 

The three bid is, of course, a "shut-out" measure, and should beemployed for that purpose only. 

Seven sure tricks, with the possibility of more, is the minimumstrength for an original call of three Hearts or three Royals. 

THE TWO BID IN DIAMONDS OR CLUBS

The original bid of two in either Diamonds or Clubs with the score atlove is a totally different character of declaration from two Hearts ortwo Royals. The Dealer does not with this declaration say, "Let me stayin and make game, " but he does say, "I have a long suit (at least fivecards) headed by Ace, King, Queen, with no considerable support on theside. (If I had another Ace, I would bid No-trump. ) Now you know myexact hand. "

When there is a score which places Diamonds or Clubs within four tricksof game, the original bid of two or more in either suit is of exactlythe same significance as a similar call of Royals or Hearts, with thescore at love. 

HOW TO DECLARE TWO-SUIT HANDS

The only remaining case of original declaration by the Dealer is thehand with two suits, both of which are of sufficient strength to bid. As a general rule, it is wiser first to call the lower in value, andthen to declare the higher on the next round. This gives the maximumamount of information, but should only be attempted when the handclearly indicates that there will be another opportunity to bid, asotherwise the Dealer may be left in with a non-game-producingdeclaration. 

The Dealer must determine from the composition of his hand whether asecond opportunity to bid is assured. When he is not very strong, thechances are that some one else will declare. When he is without a suitor has a singleton, it is a reasonably safe assumption that some onewill be strong enough in that suit to call it. 

A few examples follow of hands which have the minimum strength tojustify the various Trump calls and also of hands which, by a smallmargin, fall short:--

HANDS IN WHICH A TRUMP DECLARATION IS DOUBTFUL

Spades Ace, King, X, X, X Has five Spades headed by AceHearts X, X, X and King. With Royals Trump hasDiamonds X, X, X two high-card tricks, and canClubs X, X take at least one with small cards. It is, therefore, a one Royal bid. 

Spades King, X, X, X Has not high-card strengthHearts King, Knave, X, X, X sufficient for either a Heart orDiamonds X, X two-Spade bid. One Spade is theClubs X, X correct call. 

Spades X, X Complies with all the requirementsHearts King, Queen, X, X, X of a Heart bid. Diamonds Ace, Knave, XClubs X, X, X

Spades X, X, X Has only four Hearts; is, Hearts King, Queen, X, X therefore, a one Spade call. Diamonds Ace, Knave, XClubs X, X, X

Spades X, X, X Has only four Hearts, but hasHearts Ace, Queen, Knave, X sufficient high-card strengthDiamonds Ace, Queen, X to justify a Heart bid. Clubs X, X, X

Spades Ace, Queen, X, X A two Spade bid; with one moreHearts X, X, X Spade, it would be one Royal. Diamonds Ace, X, XClubs X, X, X

Spades Ace, Knave, X A two Spade bid. With two moreHearts X, X, X, Spades, it would be one Royal. Diamonds King, Queen, XClubs X, X, X, X

Spades Ace, Knave, X, X Either two Spades or one ClubHearts X, X could be bid, but the Club isDiamonds X, X distinctly preferable. Clubs Ace, Queen, Knave, X, X

Spades King, X, X, X A one Spade bid, as it has notHearts Ace, X, X two honors in Spades. Diamonds Knave, X, XClubs Knave, X, X

Spades Queen, Knave, Ten, X, X, A three Spade bid; cannot be X, X started as a Royal without AceHearts Ace, Queen or King, and so strong, one SpadeDiamonds King, Knave, X might not be overbid. Clubs King

Spades None A two or three Heart bid. Hearts Ace, King, Knave, Ten, X, XDiamonds Queen, Knave, TenClubs Ace, X, X, X

Spades Ace, King A one Heart bid. So strong thatHearts Ace, King, Knave, Ten, a higher call is unnecessary, as X, X adverse bidding is desired. Diamonds Queen, Knave, TenClubs King, Queen

Spades Ace, King, Knave, Ten, A three Royals bid. Important to X, X, X shut out adverse bidding. Hearts NoneDiamonds X, XClubs Ace, King, X, X

Spades X, X A two Diamonds bid. Hearts King, X, XDiamonds Ace, King, Queen, X, X, XClubs X, X

Spades Ace, King, Knave, X, X Should either be bid one ClubHearts X and subsequently Royals, orDiamonds X, X started at two Royals to shut outClubs Ace, King, X, X, X other bidding. 

Spades King, X While this hand has more thanHearts Ace, King, Queen sufficient high-card strength toDiamonds X, X, X, X justify an offensive bid, it is onlyClubs X, X, X, X a Spade. Two Spades would mislead the partner as to length and strength of Spades and might induce him to bid high Royals; one Heart would mislead him as to length of Hearts; having, however, called one Spade, the hand can advance any declaration of the partner and if the partner bid either Clubs or Diamonds, can call No-trump. 

Spades King, Knave, X, X, X, Should not be bid one Royal, as X, X that deceives partner as toHearts X, X high-card strength; two SpadesDiamonds X, X invites a No-trump, which is notClubs X, X wanted. Either three Spades or one Spade should be called. The hand, outside of Spades, is so weak that the latter is the wiser bid. 

Spades Queen, Ten, X, X Spade honors are too weak for twoHearts Ace, X, X Spades. One Spade is the onlyDiamonds X, X, X sound bid. Clubs X, X, X

Spades X One Club should be bid, followed, Hearts Queen, Knave, Ten, X, regardless of the partner's X, X, X declaration, with Hearts. Diamonds NoneClubs Ace, King, X, X, X

Spades Queen, Knave, Ten, X, Three Spades, and on the next X, X round, Hearts, unless the partnerHearts King, Knave, Ten, X, has bid _two_ Royals. X, XDiamonds NoneClubs X

Spades Knave, Ten, Nine, X, X, X This very interesting hand affordsHearts None a number of correct original bids. Diamonds Ace, Knave, X One Club, three Spades, and oneClubs Ace, Queen, Knave, X Spade are all sound; the latter is not apt to be left in, as a Heart call is most probable, the long hand in that suit containing at least five. Three Suits being stopped, with more than an average hand, one No-trump is also technically correct. The chances are, however, that the hand will produce better results if the Trump be Royals, and as the call of one No-trump may stand, it is not wise to open the bidding that way. Three Spades seems the most advisable declaration, as it gives the information most important for the partner to receive. The risk in calling one Spade, while slight, is totally unnecessary, and one Club does not warn the partner not to bid Hearts, if he have anything in Spades. 

 Should three Spades be called and the partner declare one Heart, the dealer on the next round could try No-trump, but one Club, followed by one Heart from partner, would necessitate a Royal from the dealer, as the absence of Spades in the partner's hand is not then announced. 

 In the event of the small Club being transposed to a Diamond, so that the hand contain four Diamonds and three Clubs, three Spades would unquestionably be the most advantageous original call. 

III

SECOND HAND DECLARATIONS

The Second Hand bids under two totally dissimilar conditions. TheDealer of necessity has declared and, either by a call of one Spade, shown comparative weakness, or, by an offensive declaration, givenevidence of strength. 

It is obvious that whether the Dealer be strong or weak materiallyaffects the question of how the Second Hand should bid, as it makesquite a variation in the number of tricks he has the right to expect tofind in his partner's hand. This, however, is not the only, and, possibly, not the most important difference. 

When the Dealer has called one Spade, it is practically certain, shouldthe Second Hand pass, that he will have another opportunity to enterthe bidding. When, however, the Dealer has declared a suit or No-trump, it is possible, if the Second Hand fail to declare, that no other bidwill be made, and the declaration of the Dealer will stand. 

It is, therefore, readily seen that, in the first case, the Second Handis making an initial declaration; in the other, a forced bid. 

BIDDING OVER ONE SPADE

When Auction was in its infancy, the authorities advised the SecondHand, regardless of the character of his cards, to pass a declarationof one Spade. The reason given was that the Third Hand would have totake his partner out, which might prove embarrassing, and that a bid bythe Second Hand would release his left-hand adversary from this, possibly, trying position. 

Modern Auction developments have proven the futility of this idea. TheThird Hand of to-day is not troubled by any obligation to take theDealer out of "one Spade, " and will not do so without considerablestrength. Should the Second Hand pass, with winning cards, the FourthHand may be the player who finds himself in the awkward position, andif, adopting the conservative course, he allow the Spade declaration tostand, a good chance to score game may be lost by the failure of theSecond Hand to avail himself of his opportunity. 

Second Hand silence is not now regarded as golden, but there is stillsome question as to the amount of strength required to make adeclaration advisable. Some authorities believe the Second Hand shouldpass, unless his cards justify him in expecting to make game. Thistheory was for a time very generally accepted, and even yet has aconsiderable following. Experience, however, has convinced most of itsadvocates that it is unsound, and it is being rapidly abandoned. 

It is now conceded that the deal is quite an advantage, because of theopportunity it gives the Dealer to strike the first blow. It followsthat when the Dealer has been obliged to relinquish his favorableposition, it is the height of folly for the Second Hand, when he hasthe requisite strength, not to grasp it. Furthermore, the Dealer havingshown weakness, the adverse strength is probably in the Third Hand. Should the Third Hand call No-trump, the Fourth Hand will be theleader, and it will then be important for him to know which suit hispartner desires opened. On the first round of the declaration, this canbe indicated by a bid of one, but after the No-trump, it takes two, which, with the strength over the bidder, may be dangerous. 

The bid of the Second Hand, furthermore, makes the task of hisleft-hand adversary more difficult and may prevent a No-trump. Itcertainly aids the Fourth Hand--indeed, it may be just the informationhe needs for a game declaration. 

It seems clear, therefore, that the Second Hand should show hisstrength when he has the chance. He should not, however, carry too farthe principles above outlined. It is just as fatal for the Second Handas for the Dealer, to deceive his partner. 

WHEN TO BID NO-TRUMP

The rules governing an original offensive bid by the Dealer apply tothe Second Hand, after the Dealer has called one Spade, in practicallyevery instance. The only possible exception is the holding necessaryfor a border-line No-trump. When the Dealer, with the minimum strength, declares "one No-trump, " he figures on the probability that his partnerholds one-third of the high cards not in his own hand. When the SecondHand declares after "one Spade, " it is reasonable for him to count uponhis partner for a slightly greater percentage of strength; therefore, he may bid No-trump a little more freely. 

To justify a No-trump by the Dealer, he should have slightly betterthan average cards. The Second Hand, with exactly an average holding, may make the bid. The No-trump requirements, --namely, four suitsstopped, three suits stopped and an Ace, three King-Queen or King-Knavesuits, or at least five solid Diamonds or Clubs and an Ace, --whichlimit the declaration of the Dealer, apply, however, with equal forceto the Second Hand, and should never be disregarded. 

WHEN TO MAKE A TRUMP DECLARATION

The Dealer, having declared one Spade, a Trump declaration of one, two, or three by the Second Hand is subject to exactly the same rules as inthe case of the original call by the Dealer. Precisely the samereasoning holds good and the same danger is apt to arise, should theSecond Hand digress from the recognized principles of safety, and bid along suit which does not contain the requisite high cards. The SecondHand will have an opportunity to declare his weak suit of great lengthon the next round, and there is no necessity for deceiving the partneras to its composition by jumping into it with undue celerity. 

THE DOUBLE OF ONE SPADE

The question of when the Second Hand should double is covered in thechapter on "Doubling, " but as the double of one Spade is really adeclaration, rather than a double, it seems proper to consider it here, especially as it is of vital importance that it be accuratelydistinguished from the Second Hand bid of two Spades, with which it isvery frequently confused. Many good players treat the two declarationsas synonymous, although by so doing they fail to avail themselves of asimple and safe opportunity to convey valuable information. The reasonfor this apparent carelessness on the part of many bidders is that noscheme of declaring that accurately fits the situation has hithertobeen generally understood. 

The idea that follows has been found to work well, and while as yet notsufficiently used to be termed conventional, seems to be growing infavor with such rapidity that its general adoption in the near futureis clearly indicated. 

The Second Hand doubles one Spade, with practically the same holdingwith which the dealer bids two Spades, not with the expectation or wishthat the double will stand, but as the most informatory actionpossible, and as an invitation to his partner to bid No-trumps orRoyals. In a general way his bid of two Spades has the samesignificance, except that it more emphatically suggests a call ofRoyals. By accurately distinguishing the two, the partner may declarewith much greater effect. 

The double shows short Spades (two or three), with at least two highhonors in Spades, and one other trick, or the Ace of Spades and twoother tricks. 

THE BID OF TWO SPADES[7]

The bid of two Spades shows exactly four Spades and the same high-cardholding which justifies doubling one Spade. 

 [7] See Bid of Two Spades by Dealer, page 47. 

The Second Hand, when he doubles one, or bids two Spades, says: "I havenot three suits stopped, so I cannot bid No-trumps. While I havesufficient high-card strength to call one Royal, I have less than fiveSpades, and, therefore, am without sufficient length. I can, however, by this declaration, tell you the exact number of my Spades, and Iexpect you to make the best possible use of the exceptionally accurateinformation with which you are furnished. "

As much care should be taken in selecting the correct declaration, whenin doubt whether to bid two Spades or double one, as when determiningwhether to call a Royal or a Heart. Many a player doubles one Spadewith five or six, headed by Knave, Ten, apparently never realizing thatwith such a hand he wishes the trump to be Royals, and yet, by his bid, is inviting his partner to call No-trump; or he bids two Spades withthe Queen of Spades and a couple of Kings, and after his partner hasdeclared a Royal, or doubled an adverse No-trump, counting on theannounced Spade strength, says: "I realize I deceived you in theSpades, but I had two Kings about which you did not know. "

That sort of a declarer makes it impossible for his partner to takefull advantage of any sound bid he may make. 

Every Second Hand bidder should remember that when he doubles one Spadeor bids two, he tells his partner he has short or exactly four Spades, as the case may be; that he has not three suits stopped, and that hisminimum high-card holding is one of the following combinations:--

 SPADES MINIMUM STRENGTH IN OTHER SUIT

 Ace, King, Queen No strength required Ace, King Queen, Knave, and one other Ace, Queen King, Knave

 Ace, Knave Ace, or King and Queen, or King, Knave, Ten

 Ace Ace and King; Ace, Queen, Knave; or King, Queen, Knave

 King, Queen Ace, or King and Queen, or King, Knave, Ten

 King, Knave, Ten Ace, or King and Queen, or King, Knave, Ten

 King, Knave Ace and King; Ace, Queen, Knave; or King, Queen, Knave

 Queen, Knave, Ten Ace and King; Ace, Queen, Knave; or King, Queen, Knave

In order that the distinction between the various Second Hand Spadedeclarations may be clearly marked, take such a holding as

 Spades Ace, King Hearts Three small Diamonds Four small Clubs Ace

Only ten cards are mentioned, and the remaining three are either Spadesor Clubs. 

 _When Making the The Second the missing number of Hand cards are Spades in the Hand should_

 All Clubs Two Double Two Clubs and one Spade Three Double One Club and two Spades Four Bid two Spades All Spades Five Bid one Royal

The method suggested above is not the only plan for distinguishingbetween the double of one and the bid of two Spades. 

Some players think the double should mean a No-trump invitation, without any significance as to strength in the Spade suit, and twoSpades should show two honors in Spades. The same comment applies tothis as to a similar declaration by the Dealer; namely, that with thelight No-trumpers now conventional, the invitation without Spadestrength is unnecessary and possibly dangerous. 

Those, however, who wish to have the privilege of issuing such aninvitation, are not obliged to deprive themselves of the undoubted andmaterial advantage of being able, when strong in Spades, to distinguishbetween a holding of short Spades (two or three) and of exactly four. They can convey to their partners that very important information byusing the following system:--

 THE BID THE MEANING

 Double of one Spade A No-trump invitation. No information as to Spade strength

 Two Spades Short Spades with two high honors and one other trick

 Three Spades Four Spades with two high honors and one other trick

 Four Spades Same as bid of three Spades described immediately below

This system is entirely new, is somewhat complicated, and is suggestedfor what it is worth for those who wish, without Spade strength, toinvite a No-trump. 

As the bid of four Spades can be taken out by the partner with oneRoyal, the system is not subject to objection, on the ground that fourSpades forces the partner to an unduly high declaration. The scheme is, as yet, merely an experiment, and of doubtful value except for thepurpose of enabling a poor player to place with an expert partner theresponsibility of the play. 

It is not hereinafter referred to, but the suggestions made regardingThird and Fourth Hand bidding can be readily adapted to comply with itsself-evident requirements. 

THE BID OF THREE SPADES[8]

The bid of three Spades when made by the Second Hand shows a holding ofat least five (probably six) Spades, almost certainly without the Aceand probably without the King, but with some side strength. It says, "Iwant this hand played with Royals as the Trump, but I cannot bid thatsuit now, as I have not the requisite high-card holding. Either becausethe rest of my hand is so strong that I fear neither the Third Hand normy partner can bid, or for some other good reason, I prefer now, ratherthan later, to give my partner all possible information. "

 [8] See page 123 as to how the partner should treat this declaration. 

This system of bidding differentiates most accurately between thevarious lengths of Spade holdings and enables the partner to electbetween No-trump and Royals, with an exact knowledge of the situationnot otherwise obtainable. 

HOW SECOND HAND SHOULD BID AFTER AN OFFENSIVE DECLARATION

When the Dealer has made an offensive declaration, the Second Hand mustbear in mind that it is possible this may be his last opportunity todeclare. A declaration under such circumstances being what is veryproperly termed "forced, " is of a totally different character from the"free" declaration heretofore considered, and is not limited by anyhard-and-fast rules as to the presence of certain cards. For example, should the Dealer bid one Royal, and the Second Hand hold seven Hearts, headed by Queen, Knave, he obviously must declare two Hearts; otherwise, even if the Fourth Hand hold the Ace and King of Hearts, and otherstrength, the declaration of one Royal might stand. 

The principle is that an offensive bid having been made, thedeclaration of the player following does not of necessity show highcards, but does suggest the ability of the Declarer to successfullycarry out the proposed contract. 

When the Dealer has called a No-trump, the Second Hand is obligedeither to pass, or declare two of some suit, or of No-trump. He mustremember that against the Dealer's No-trump he is the leader, and asthe information regarding his strong suit will be given to his partnerby the first card played, it is not important that he convey it by abid. 

The No-trump may be only of minimum strength, but it may, on the otherhand, be of much more than average calibre. The Third Hand has yet tobe heard from, and if, as is possible, he have considerable strength inthe suit that the Second Hand thinks of declaring, such a bid willoffer an ideal opportunity for a profitable double. The Second Hand, therefore, should be somewhat diffident about bidding two in a suit. Heshould make the declaration only when his hand is so strong that inspite of the No-trump, there seems to be a good chance of scoring game, or he has reason to think he can force and defeat an adverse twoNo-trumps, or the No-trump bidder is a player who considers it the partof weakness to allow his declaration to be easily taken away, and can, therefore, be forced to dangerous heights. 

This is an opportunity for the Second Hand to use all his judgment. TheDealer may be taking desperate chances with a weak No-trumper, and thebalance of strength may be with his partner and himself, in which caseit is important for him now to show his colors; yet he must always keepin mind that conservatism, in the long run, is the main factor ofAuction success. It is the ability (possibly "instinct" is the properterm) to act wisely in such cases that makes a bidder seem inspired. 

With a strong Club or Diamond holding and a reëntry, such a hand as, for example, --

 Spades Two small Hearts Two small Diamonds King, Queen, Knave, and two small Clubs Ace, Knave, Ten, Nine

it is generally unwise to bid Second Hand over one No-trump. 

There is little danger of the adversaries going game in No-trumps, butthey may easily do so in Hearts or Royals. A Second Hand declaration inthis position may point out to the opponents their safest route togame, and is not apt to prove of material benefit, as with such hand, eleven tricks against a No-trump is extremely improbable. 

A similar principle presents itself when the holding is five of anysuit, headed by the four top honors, or even by the three top honors, and no other strength. With such cards, the No-trump can almostcertainly be kept from going game, and if the partner be able toassist, the declaration may be defeated. If, however, two of that suitbe called, the adversaries, not having it stopped, will not advance theNo-trump, but if sufficiently strong, will declare some other suit inwhich they may score game. 

THE SHIFT

Holding six or more of a suit, headed by Ace, King, Queen, some writershave very properly called it an Auction "crime" to double. The questionarises, however, "What should the Second Hand do under suchcircumstances?" A bid of two in his solid suit will eliminate anychance of the No-trump being continued, and an adverse call of twoNo-trumps is just what the holder of the solid suit most desires, as hecan double with comparative safety, being assured both of the successof the double and of the improbability that the Declarer will be ableto take himself out. 

There has been suggested to meet this emergency a declaration calledthe "Shift. " It consists in bidding two of a suit in which the Declarerhas little or no strength. For this purpose a suit of lower value thanthe solid suit, should, if possible, be selected. The theory of the bidis that either the original No-trump declarer or his partner, havingthe suit securely stopped, will bid two No-trumps and that the doublecan then be effectively produced. The advocates of the Shift urge thatshould the worst happen, and the declaration be doubled, the playermaking it can then shift (this situation giving the declaration itsname) to his real suit, and that no harm will ensue. 

The trouble is that a double under such circumstances is not the worstthat can happen. When the Shift was first suggested, players were notfamiliar with nor on the lookout for it. Success, or at least theabsence of failure, therefore, often attended its use. Now, however, itis generally understood, and players will not either overbid or doublea declarer they suspect of it. They merely allow him to meet his doomattempting, with weak Trumps, to win eight tricks against an adverseNo-trumper. 

While, therefore, at long intervals and under advantageous circumstances, the Shift may be successfully utilized, against experienced players itis a dangerous expedient, especially for any one known to be fond ofthat character of declaration. 

The conservative and safe course to follow with a holding of thecharacter described is to pass the one No-trump. 

WHEN TO BID TWO NO-TRUMPS OVER ONE NO-TRUMP

The bid of two No-trumps over one No-trump is a more or less spectacularperformance, that appeals to those fond of the theatrical. There aresome hands that justify it, but it is safe to say that in actual playit is tried far more frequently than Second Hand holdings warrant. 

Such a bid may be made with a strong suit--not of great length--and thethree other suits safely stopped, with the four suits stopped twice, with a long solid Club or Diamond suit and two other suits stopped, orwith some similar, and, under the circumstances, equally unusualcombination. 

HOW TO BID AGAINST TWO OR THREE SPADES

With two Spades bid by the Dealer, if the Second Hand have a suit hedesires led against a No-trump, it is of the utmost importance that heindicate it to his partner. 

Under such conditions, the Second Hand should declare a suit headed byKing, Queen, Knave, or some similar combination, but should avoidbidding a long, weak suit, as the No-trump declarer may hold Ace, Queenof it, and the partner may, by the call, be invited to lead his Kinginto the jaws of death. Of course, if the hand contain reëntries, itmay be advisable to make such a bid, although even then it mayadvantageously be delayed until the second round, since against a twoSpade declaration the Second Hand is sure of having another opportunityto speak. 

With three Spades declared by the Dealer, the Second Hand expects aRoyal from the Third Hand. He knows that he will have another chance tobid, but, as he will then probably have to go much higher, it is justas well not to wait if the hand contain any advantageous declaration. 

WHEN TO BID NO-TRUMP OVER A SUIT

The question of what amount of strength warrants the Second Hand inbidding one No-trump, after a suit has been declared by the Dealer, issomewhat difficult to accurately answer. It goes without saying that tojustify a No-trump under such circumstances, the Second Hand must havemuch better than merely an average holding. The suit that the Dealerhas bid should be safely stopped, and when the declarer has only onetrick in that suit, at least four other tricks should be in sight. 

Occasionally cases arise in which the Second Hand may bid one No-trumpover a suit declaration without the suit that has been declared beingstopped, but these are rare and such a call should only be made withunusual strength, as it gives the partner the right to assume that theadverse suit is stopped and he may consequently advance the No-trump todangerous figures. 

It is probably a good rule that a No-trump should not be called over adeclared suit, that suit not being stopped, with a holding of less thansix sure tricks. Even with one stopper in the suit bid, it is generallybetter to declare either Royals or Hearts in preference to No-trump, provided the hand contain sufficient length and strength to warrantsuch declaration. 

IV

THIRD HAND DECLARATIONS

Third Hand declarations can best be considered by dividing them intothree classes:--

1. When the Dealer has called one Spade, and the Second Hand passed. 

2. When the Dealer has made an offensive declaration, and the SecondHand passed. 

3. When the Second Hand has declared. 

The distinction between these three situations is so clearly drawn thateach is really a separate and distinct subject. They will be taken up_seriatim_. 

WHEN THE DEALER HAS CALLED ONE SPADE, AND THE SECOND HAND PASSED

In the old days, when the Dealer's "one Spade" was without significance, the Third Hand was always obliged to declare, in order to give theDealer the opportunity to get back into the game, as it was possiblethat he had great strength. Now the Third Hand recognizes that there isnot the least obligation upon him to bid, and that it is inadvisablefor him to do so unless his hand be so strong that, even with a weakpartner, game is in sight, or unless it be important for him toindicate to the Dealer what to lead if the Fourth Hand make the finaldeclaration. 

Should the Third Hand pass, and the Fourth Hand also pass, allowing theone Spade declaration to stand, the liability of the Declarer cannotexceed 100 points, but if the Third Hand bid, the liability becomesunlimited. While the Dealer and Second Hand both have the right toassume that their partners have an average percentage of the remainingcards, the Third Hand is not justified in any such presumption, afterthe Dealer, by bidding one Spade, has virtually waved the red flag. True it is, a similar warning has appeared on the right, but if bothdanger signals are to be believed, the only inference is that thestrength is massed on the left. The bidding by the Third Hand must, therefore, be of a very different character from that of the Dealer orSecond Hand. He should not venture a No-trump unless he have four suretricks with the probability of more and at least three suits stopped. When in doubt whether to declare No-trump or a suit, it is generallywise for him to select the latter. 

Third Hand suit declarations should be made under either of twoconditions:--

 (_a_) When the hand is so strong that there appears to be at least a fair chance for game with the suit he names as Trump. 

 (_b_) When he expects a No-trump from the Fourth Hand and wishes to indicate to his partner the lead he desires. 

In the former case, it is often good policy for the Third Hand to startwith a bid of two. This serves a double purpose, as it shows the Dealerthe character of the hand and helps to shut out an adverse declaration. 

If the main idea of the bid be to indicate a lead, it is advisable tomake it on the first round, when one can be called, rather than waituntil it becomes necessary to bid two, which, against a No-trump, mayprove dangerous. If the Third Hand have any such combination as King, Queen, Knave, with one or more others of that suit, and a reëntry, adeclaration at this stage is most important, as unless the partner openthat suit, it will probably never be established against a No-trump. Even if the long suit be headed by Queen, Knave, it may be important toshow it, as the partner may hold an honor, in which case the suit maybe quickly established. When the long suit is headed by a Knave, itshould not be shown unless the hand contain more than one reëntry. Itmay be so necessary for the Third Hand, in the position underconsideration, to indicate a lead that no absolute strengthrequirement, such as a fixed number of tricks, is essential for a bid. It frequently keeps the adverse No-trumper from going game to have theright suit called originally--otherwise, the Dealer has to lead his ownsuit, and when the Third Hand is without strength in it, such a leadgreatly facilitates the Declarer. 

WHEN THE DEALER HAS SHOWN STRENGTH AND THE SECOND HAND PASSED

One of the cardinal principles of harmonious team play is that when thepartner has made a suit declaration which is apt to result in game, itis inadvisable to "take him out" merely with the hope of obtaining aslightly higher score. Suppose the partner has declared a Heart and theThird Hand holds three Hearts, headed by the Ace, four Clubs headed bythe King, no Diamonds, and five Spades with three honors. Of course, the partner may have an honor and some other Spades, and, therefore, abid of Royals may produce a higher count than Hearts, but that is only"may. " The Declarer certainly has Heart strength, and the Third Hand, valuable assistance. It takes the same number of tricks to score gamein each suit. Why, therefore, risk the game for a paltry addition tothe trick and honor score?

One of the most remarkable features of Auction is the extraordinarydesire, exhibited by a large percentage of players, to play thecombined hands. This comment is not applicable to a strong player, who, for the good of the partnership, is anxious to get the declarationhimself, in order that during the play two or three tricks may not bepresented to the adversaries, but is intended for the general run ofcases where the partners are of equal, or nearly equal, ability. 

A player, before determining to overbid his partner's call, shouldremember that one of the greatest pleasures of the game is facing theDummy, especially when the declaration is apt to be successful, and heshould assure himself beyond peradventure that, in bidding his own suitin preference to advancing his partner's, he is not in any wayinfluenced by his own selfish desires. He should be sure that, with thepositions reversed, he would thoroughly approve of just such action byhis partner; and, if his partner be the better player, he should alsoconvince himself that his suit is at least two tricks stronger, as hispartner's superior play probably makes a difference of at least one infavor of his declaration. 

It should be put down as axiomatic that, when a partner takes out aHeart or Royal with a bid of another suit, he denies strength in thesuit originally declared and announces great length with probably fourhonors in the suit he names; also, that when a Heart or Royal is takenout by a No-trump declaration (except with a four-Ace holding), notonly is weakness in the declared suit announced, but also the fact thatevery other suit is safely stopped. 

This must not be understood as a suggestion that a partner shouldseldom be overbid. Quite the reverse. The informatory school of modernbidding, which attempts, as nearly as possible, to declare the twohands as one, has as an essential feature the overbidding of thepartner in an infinite number of cases. It is against the foolish andselfish instances which occur with great frequency that this protest isdirected. 

WHEN "TWO SPADES" HAS BEEN DECLARED

When the Dealer bids two Spades, he gives explicit informationregarding the contents of his hand. [9] The Third Hand is, therefore, practically in the position of having twenty-six cards spread beforehim, and the question of what he should declare is not apt to be at allconfusing. 

 [9] See page 47. 

If his hand be trickless, or practically so, he must bid one Royal, asthat reduces the commitment from two tricks to one, and increases thepossible gain per trick from 2 points to 9. 

It is a noncommittal bid, as it may be made with great weakness ormoderate strength. With considerable Spade strength, however, twoRoyals should be declared. 

When the Third Hand has other than Spade strength, he will, of course, bid in accordance with his holding, but it goes without saying that heshould make the best possible use of the accurate information he hasreceived. With four strong Spades, even with sufficient additionalstrength to justify a weak No-trump, a Royal is generally preferable, and with more than four Spades, two Royals is unquestionably the bid, regardless of the strength of the remainder of the hand, unless, ofcourse, it contain the much looked for, but seldom found, four Aces. 

WHEN "THREE SPADES" HAS BEEN DECLARED

When the Dealer has called three Spades, the Third Hand has quiteaccurate data with which to work. [10] In this case, even if his hand betrickless, he must bid one Royal, as his partner's three Spades mightotherwise be left in by the Fourth Hand. With some strength in othersuits, one Royal is his bid, unless his cards justify him in tellingthe Dealer that, in spite of the announced long, weak Spades, thecombined hands are apt to sail more smoothly and on more peaceful seasto the port called "Game" by the No-trump than by the suggested Royalroute. 

 [10] See page 49. 

Should the Third Hand overbid three Spades with either Hearts, Diamonds, or Clubs, he shows great strength in the suit named andabsolute weakness in Spades; the bid of two Royals shows assistance inSpades, and probably other strength. 

WHEN "ONE CLUB" OR "ONE DIAMOND" HAS BEEN DECLARED

When the Dealer has called one Club or one Diamond, the Third Hand (thescore being love) must realize that going game with the declarationmade is most unlikely. He should, therefore, overbid it whenever he hassufficient strength to justify such action. With strong Hearts orSpades, he should bid Hearts or Royals; without such Heart or Spadestrength, but with three tricks and two suits stopped, he should bidNo-trump. In the rare case in which game seems probable with the Clubor Diamond declaration, he should advance his partner's call to two orthree. 

WHEN "TWO DIAMONDS" OR "TWO CLUBS" HAS BEEN DECLARED

When the Dealer has called two Clubs or two Diamonds with the score atlove, the Third Hand should allow the declaration to stand, unless hisHeart or Spade holding be such that he believes, with the assistance ofhis partner's Club or Diamond suit, he may win the game; or unless ableto bid two No-trumps. With the information that his partner has anestablished suit, it does not require much strength to justify the twoNo-trumps call. With all the other suits stopped, no matter how weakly, the bid is imperative. With two securely stopped, it is advisable, butwith only one stopped, it is entirely out of the question. 

With a score in the trick column, the Third Hand will treat either aone or two Club or Diamond declaration just as, with the score at love, he treats a similar call in Hearts or Royals. 

WHEN "ONE HEART" OR "ONE ROYAL" HAS BEEN DECLARED

When the Dealer bids one Heart or one Royal, the Third Hand should notoverbid unless without strength in the declaration. By this is meantnot only the absence of high cards, but also the absence of length. With four small Hearts or Spades, and that suit bid by the Dealer, itis almost invariably the part of wisdom to allow it to remain. 

The Third Hand should bid one Royal over one Heart, or two Hearts overone Royal with strength sufficient to justify an original call in thatsuit, and distinct weakness in the partner's declaration. The theory isthat the Third Hand knows he cannot help his partner's declaration, while it is possible his partner may help him. 

When the Third Hand has such strength in Hearts or Royals that he wouldadvance his partner's declaration of either, in the event of an adversebid, it is wise for him to bid two on the first round, in order, ifpossible, to shut out such adverse declaration and the informationthereby given to the leader. 

The Third Hand should call two Diamonds or Clubs over one Heart orRoyal when he holds a long and practically solid suit. The originalbidder can then use his judgment whether to let this declaration stand, continue his own, or try two No-trumps. 

With a score, two Clubs or Diamonds may be bid more freely over thepartner's Heart or Royal. 

The Third Hand should not bid a No-trump over the Dealer's Heart orRoyal, unless he have the three remaining suits safely stopped, or hishand contain solid Diamonds or Clubs, and one other suit stopped. 

WHEN "TWO HEARTS" OR "TWO ROYALS" HAS BEEN DECLARED

The declaration of two Hearts or two Royals is practically a command tothe partner not to alter the call. It indicates at least six suretricks, probably more, and a valuable honor count, in the Declarer'shand, provided the suit named be the Trump. The Third Hand should onlychange such a declaration when convinced beyond reasonable doubt thathis holding is so unusual that he is warranted in assuming theresponsibility of countermanding the order that has issued. 

Weakness in the Trump and strength in some other suit is far from beinga sufficient justification, as the chances are that the Dealer is weakin the suit of the Third Hand, and called "two" mainly for the purposeof keeping it from being named. To overbid two Royals or Hearts withthree Diamonds or Clubs is obviously absurd, unless holding _fivehonors_ and such other strength that game is assured. 

To overbid two Hearts with two Royals, or two Royals with three Hearts, is almost tantamount to saying, "Partner, I know you are trying to shutout this declaration, but I am strong enough to insist upon it. " Suchaction is only justified by 64 or 72 honors, and a sure game. 

To overbid two Hearts or two Royals with two No-trumps, as a rule, means 100 Aces. High-card strength assures the game in the partner'scall with probably a big honor score; only the premium of 100 makes thechange advisable. 

With strength, in the case under consideration, the Third Hand shouldadvance his partner's call with much greater confidence than if it werean ordinary bid of one. He should not worry even if absolutely void ofTrumps; in that suit his partner has announced great length as well ascommanding cards; Aces and Kings of the other suits are what theDeclarer wishes to find in his hand, and with them he should bidfearlessly. 

The same line of comment applies with even greater force to the actionof the Third Hand when the Dealer has bid three Royals or three Hearts. 

WHEN TO OVERBID A PARTNER'S NO-TRUMP

When the Dealer bids one No-trump and the Third Hand holds five or moreof any suit, one of the most disputed questions of Auction presentsitself. 

The conservative player believes that with five Hearts or Spades, inasmuch as but one more trick is required to secure game, it is saferto bid two Hearts or Royals, except, of course, when the Third Hand, inaddition to a five-card suit, has the three remaining suits stopped. The theory is that if the combined hands are very strong, the winningof the game is absolutely assured with the suit in question the Trump, but may possibly be lost in the No-trump by the adversaries running along suit. The chance of a hostile suit being established isunquestionably worthy of the consideration of the Third Hand whenever, with great strength in Hearts or Spades, he allows his partner'sNo-trump to stand. Five adverse tricks prevent a game. In the majorityof cases, the leader opens a five-card suit. When it is not stopped, the game is saved by the adversaries before the powerful No-trump handcan get in; if it be stopped but once, the game is still in gravedanger unless the Declarer take nine tricks before losing the lead. 

With a Heart or Royal declaration the adversaries are not apt to takemore than two tricks in their long suit, which, at No-trumps, mayproduce four or five (in rare cases six), and yet the Trump bidrequires only one more trick for game. 

It is unquestionably true that, with great strength, the game will bewon nine times out of ten with the No-trump declaration, but in everysuch case it is absolutely "cinched" by the Heart or Royal call. 

It is further argued that, when the combined hands are not quite sostrong, a game is more frequently won with the Trump declaration, asthe small Trumps are sure to take tricks, but the long suit may not beestablished in the No-trumper. 

The believers in taking a chance, however, view the situation from theopposite standpoint. Their argument is that the game requires one moretrick, when a Trump is declared, but does not count as much, that theoriginal declarer may be weak in the suit named, yet strong in all theothers, and therefore, with a good hand, it is wiser to leave theNo-trump alone. 

It is possible that the question is one rather of the temperament ofthe player than of card judgment. It is susceptible of almostmathematical deduction that five or more cards of a long suit are ofgreater trick-taking value when that suit is the Trump than whenNo-trump is being played, and it does not require any argument tosubstantiate the proposition that the slight difference in the score, between the total in the trick and honor columns netted from a gamemade without a Trump and a game made with Royals or Hearts, is soinfinitesimal as not to be worthy of consideration. Nevertheless, players possessed of a certain temperament will, for example, refuse tooverbid a partner's No-trump with Ace, King, Ten, and two small Spades, King of Hearts, and Ace of Diamonds, on the ground that the hand is toostrong, although the No-trump bid may have been thoroughly justified bysuch a holding as Ace, Queen, Knave, of Hearts; King, Queen, Knave, ofDiamonds; and Queen, Knave, of Spades. In that event it is practicallysure the adversaries will open the Club suit and save the game beforethe Declarer has a chance to win a trick. This and similar situationsoccur with sufficient frequency to make them well worthy ofconsideration, and when such a hand fails to make game, it certainlyseems to be a perfect example of what might be termed "uselesssacrifice. "

In spite of all this, however, probably as long as the game lasts, inthe large proportion of hands in which the taking-out does not make anydifference, the Declarer will say, "With such strength you should havelet my No-trump alone"; or the Dummy will learnedly explain, "I was toostrong to take you out. "

It would be in the interest of scientific play, if, except when allsuits are stopped, the theory, "Too strong to take the partner out ofthe No-trump, " had never been conceived, and would never again beadvanced. 

The same comment applies with equal force to the remark so often heard, "Partner, I was too weak to take you out. "

This generally emanates from a Third Hand who has a five- or six-cardsuit in a trickless hand. He does not stop to realize that his handwill not aid his partner's No-trump to the extent of a single trick, but that in a Trump declaration, it will almost certainly take twotricks. The Trump bid only increases the commitment by one, so it isobviously a saving and advantageous play. Furthermore, it prevents theadversaries from running a long suit. It, also, in Clubs and Diamonds, is a real danger signal, and, in the probable event of a bid by theFourth Hand, warns the partner away from two No-trumps. 

The advocates of the weakness take-out realize that in exceptionalinstances the play may result most unfortunately. When the Dealer hascalled a border-line No-trump, without any strength in the suit namedby the Third Hand, and one of the adversaries has great length andstrength in that suit, a heavy loss is bound to ensue, which may beincreased 100 by the advance of the bid from one to two. This case is, indeed, rare, and when it does turn up the chances are that theDeclarer will escape a double, as the holder of the big Trumps willfear the Dealer may be able to come to the rescue if he point out thedanger by doubling the suit call. 

The fact, however, that a play at times works badly is not a sufficientargument against its use, if in the majority of cases it proveadvantageous, and that is unquestionably true of the weakness take-out. 

The strength take-out, above advocated, applies only to Spades andHearts. With Diamonds and Clubs, at a love score, the distance to gofor game is in most cases too great to make it advisable, but theweakness take-out should be used equally with any one of the foursuits, as it is a defensive, not an offensive, declaration. With ascore, Clubs and Diamonds possess the same value that Hearts and Spadeshave at love, and should be treated similarly. 

WHEN TO OVERBID WITH STRONG CLUBS

The question of whether the Third Hand, with strong Clubs, shouldoverbid his partner's No-trump has aroused considerable discussion. Theargument in favor of such a declaration in Clubs, which does not applyto any other suit, is that the difference between a strength and aweakness overbid can be made apparent by calling three and tworespectively, and yet the show of strength will not force the Dealerhigher than two No-trumps, when his hand is such that the announcementthat the Third Hand holds strong Clubs, but nothing else, makes thereturn to No-trump advisable. 

On this basis of reasoning some believe in calling three Clubs wheneveran otherwise trickless Third Hand contains five or more Clubs headed byAce, King, Queen. This, it is conceded, only results advantageouslywhen the No-trump has been called with one suit unguarded, and Clubs isone of the protected suits. When the No-trump has been declared withsuch a hand as

 Spades Ace, King, X Hearts X Diamonds Ace, King, Knave, X, X Clubs Knave, Ten, X, X

the employment of such a system of declaration is exceptionallyadvantageous; as the game is assured in Clubs, while if the No-trump beleft in, the adversaries will probably save it by making all theirHearts before the Declarer secures the lead. 

It is admitted that this case is somewhat unusual, but the advocates ofthe system, conceding this, argue it is advantageous to have this bidin the repertory, and, in the exceptional instance, to obtain thebenefit, which is bound to ensue from its use. The contention is thatit can do no harm, with such a Club holding, to force the partner totwo No-trumps, if he have all the other suits stopped, and the factthat three Clubs is called with strength more clearly accentuates theprinciple that the two Club takeout means nothing but weakness. 

Admitting the force of this argument, and conceding that the systemadvocated should be universally adopted were there not a wiser use forthe three Club take-out, first brings forth the question of whether thecase does not more frequently arise in which the long Club holding ofthe Third Hand is headed by King and Queen, and is it not much moreprobable, when the Third Hand has _long_ Clubs, that the No-trumpmaker has the suit stopped with the Ace than with _four_ headed byKnave, Ten?

It must be remembered that the three Club take-out with Ace, King, Queen, at the head of five or more, is only advantageous when theNo-trump has been called with a hand in which only three suits arestopped, of which the Club is one. If the Club be the suit unstopped, the call merely forces an advance in the No-trump. 

If, however, the convention be to use three Clubs to overbid thepartner's No-trump only when holding an otherwise trickless hand whichcontains either at least five Clubs headed by King, Queen, Knave, or atleast six headed by King, Queen, would not the number of instances inwhich the call proves of benefit appreciably increase, and would notevery reason applicable in the former case be even more forceful in thelatter?

It cannot be questioned that the partner having called No-trump, theThird Hand is more likely to hold either five Clubs headed by King, Queen, Knave, or six headed by King, Queen, than five or more headed byAce, King, Queen. The greater probability that the Dealer will have theAce than four headed by Knave, Ten, is just as obvious. 

Take such a No-trump declaration as

 Spades Ace, King, Knave Hearts X, X Diamonds Ace, King, Knave, X, X Clubs Ace, X, X

and the advantage of the proposed system becomes apparent. The game, which is almost sure to be lost by the Heart lead in No-trump, becomesalmost a certainty with Clubs Trump. When this plan is used and theDealer has the other suits stopped but has not the Ace of Clubs, he caneasily decide whether to go to two No-trumps, as he can estimate fromthe length of his Club holding whether he can establish the long Clubsor the adverse Ace will block the suit. When the latter is the case, heshould not bid two No-trumps unless his own hand justify it, as theThird Hand has announced the absence of a reëntry. 

Take such a No-trump declaration as

 Spades Ace Hearts Ace, King, X Diamonds Ace, King, X, X, X, X Clubs X, X, X

and suppose the Third Hand hold one or two small Diamonds; six Clubs, headed by King, Queen, Knave, and no other face card. 

In such a case Clubs is the call most likely to produce game. 

Another and possibly the wisest theory of the three Club take-out, isthat it should be reserved, not for any one particular holding whichmay not occur once in a year, but for any hand in which the Declarerwishes to say, "Partner, my cards are such that I believe we can gogame in Clubs; with this information, use your judgment as to whetheror not to return to your more valuable declaration. "

A NEW PLAN FOR OVERBIDDING

In this connection, a new scheme of take-out is respectfully called tothe attention of the thoughtful and studious Auction players of thecountry. It is not in general use, is not recognized as conventional, has never been given a satisfactory trial, and is, therefore, suggestedmerely as an experiment worthy of consideration. 

The idea is that when a partner has called one No-trump, Second Handhaving passed, the Third Hand with five or more Spades or Hearts, unless he have four suits stopped, should bid his long suit in thefollowing manner: if the hand be weak, the bid should be two; ifstrong, three. This warns the Dealer, when two is called, to let thedeclaration alone, as it is defensive. 

On the other hand, when three is bid, the Dealer knows that his partneris strong, and he may then use his judgment as to the advisability ofallowing the bid to stand or going back to the No-trump, which he cando without increasing the number of tricks of the commitment. 

It must be remembered that, with great strength, it is as easy to makethree No-trumps as one, three are needed for game, and, therefore, nothing is lost by the expedient. 

Playing under this system, should the Third Hand hold four or fivehonors in his suit, and earnestly desire to play it for the honorscore, it would be a perfectly legitimate strategy to deceive thepartner temporarily by bidding two, instead of three. 

WHEN TO OVERBID ONE NO-TRUMP WITH TWO NO-TRUMPS

When the Dealer has bid one No-trump and the Second Hand passed, theThird Hand, much more frequently than most players imagine, should call two No-trumps. It must be remembered that should the ThirdHand pass, the Fourth Hand can, by bidding two of a suit, indicate tohis partner the lead he desires. This places the adversaries in a muchmore advantageous position than if the leader open his own suit withoutinformation from his partner. The bid of two No-trumps by the ThirdHand generally prevents the Fourth Hand from declaring, as itnecessitates a call of three, which, sitting between two No-trumpbidders, is, in most cases, too formidable a contract to undertake. 

It is, therefore, advisable for the Third Hand, on the first round, toadvance, from one to two, his partner's No-trump declaration, in everyinstance in which, in the event of an adverse bid, he is strong enoughto call two No-trumps. This convention, while as yet comparatively new, and, therefore, but little used, works most advantageously, as itfrequently shuts out the only lead which can keep the No-trump fromgoing game. It is important for every player to understand the scheme, and never to overlook an opportunity to make the declaration. 

WHAT THIRD HAND SHOULD BID WHEN SECOND HAND HAS DECLARED

This situation involves so many possibilities that it is hard to coverit with fixed rules. 

The Third Hand in this position should reason in very much the samemanner as the Second Hand, after the Dealer has made a declarationshowing strength. [11] There is this distinct difference, however: in thecase of the Second Hand, he only knows that the Dealer has sufficientstrength to declare, and is without any means, other than the doctrineof chances, of estimating the strength of his partner's hand. The ThirdHand, however, in the situation under consideration, is not onlyadvised that one adversary has sufficient strength to declare, but alsoknows whether his partner's cards justify an initial bid. When theDealer has shown strength, he can be counted upon for at least theminimum that his bid has evidenced; when he has called "one Spade, " itwould not be wise to expect him to win more than one trick. 

 [11] See page 72. 

The Third Hand should consider these features of the situation, andsatisfy himself, when his partner has not shown strength, that he istaking a wise risk in bidding over an adverse declaration. To justify acall of No-trump over a Trump, he should either have the declared suitstopped twice or, if it be stopped but once, he should also have solidClubs or Diamonds. When the Dealer has declared Hearts or Royals, andthe Second Hand made a higher suit call, it is, as a rule, wiser forthe Third Hand to advance his partner's declaration than to venture aNo-trump unless he have the adverse suit stopped twice. 

When the Dealer has bid No-trump and the Second Hand two of any suit, the Third Hand should not bid two No-trump unless he have the declaredsuit stopped and at least one other trick. Without the declared suitstopped, he should not bid two No-trump unless his hand be so strongthat he can figure with almost positive certainty that the No-trump bidof his partner could not have been made without the adverse suit beingstopped. When in doubt, under such conditions, as to the advisabilityof either bidding two No-trumps or some suit, the latter policy isgenerally the safer. 

When the Dealer has called No-trump and the Second Hand two of a suit, the Third Hand must realize that his partner has already been takenout, and therefore, under no circumstances, should he bid in thissituation, except for the purpose of showing strength; or with theconviction that, aided by his partner's No-trump, he can fulfil thecontract he is proposing. For example, Dealer bids one No-trump; SecondHand, two Royals; Third Hand holds six Hearts, headed by the Knave, without another trick. Under these conditions, a Heart bid would bemost misleading, and probably most damaging. The Dealer may not be ableto help the Heart declaration, and he may very properly be encouragedby it to believe that the Third Hand has considerable strength, especially in Hearts, but is very weak in Spades. If, in consequence ofthis supposed information, he return to his No-trump declaration, ordouble an adverse three Royals, the result is apt to be extremelydisastrous. 

The Third Hand must distinguish this case carefully from the situationin which the Dealer has bid one No-trump and the Second Hand passed. With the combination mentioned, he should then, of course, mostunhesitatingly take out his partner by bidding two Hearts; that bid, under such circumstances, not showing strength. 

Another situation that arises more frequently than would be supposed, and the advantage of which it is most important for the Third Hand tograsp, is when the Dealer has bid No-trump; the Second Hand, two of asuit; and the Third Hand, without the adverse suit stopped, holds greatstrength in Clubs, with such a hand that he desires his partner to goto two No-trumps; provided he have the adversaries' suit stopped. Thebid of three Clubs does not increase the No-trump commitment which thepartner is obliged to make, and is much safer than for the Third Handto bid two No-trumps without the adverse suit stopped. It is asuggestion to the partner to bid two No-trumps, provided he can takecare of the suit which the Second Hand has declared. 

V

FOURTH HAND DECLARATIONS

Some of the principles that have been considered in connection withcertain Second and Third Hand bids are also applicable to similarFourth Hand declarations. These are easily pointed out, but the biddingby the Fourth Hand presents other problems much more difficult. 

Each player who has an opportunity to declare materially complicatesthe situation, and makes it harder to accurately describe. As threeplayers declare or pass before the Fourth Hand has his turn, it isalmost impossible to anticipate every contingency that may arise. Thebest that can be done is to subdivide Fourth Hand declarations asfollows:--

1. When the Dealer's defensive declaration has been the only bid. 

2. When the only offensive declaration has been made by the Dealer. 

3. When the only offensive declaration has been made by the SecondHand. 

4. When the only offensive declaration has been made by the Third Hand. 

5. When the Dealer has made a defensive, and both the Second and ThirdHand, offensive declarations. 

6. When the Dealer and Second Hand have made offensive declarations andthe Third Hand passed. 

7. When the Dealer and Third Hand have made offensive declarations, andthe Second Hand passed. 

8. When all three players have made offensive declarations. 

1. WHEN THE DEALER'S DEFENSIVE DECLARATION HAS BEEN THE ONLY BID

As a general rule, when this situation arises, the Fourth Hand holds acombination of cards which makes his bid unmistakable. The other threeplayers having shown weakness, or, at least, the absence of offensivestrength, the Fourth Hand almost invariably has a No-trumper of suchstrength that his pathway is plain. Of course, his hand may, by reasonof Spade or Heart length, call for a Royal or Heart declaration inpreference to a No-trumper, but nevertheless, under thesecircumstances, it is generally easy for the Fourth Hand to declare. 

When, however, the exceptional case occurs, in which the Fourth Handfinds himself, no previous offensive declaration having been made, without a plainly indicated bid, it is difficult to lay down a rule forhis guidance. Three players have shown weakness, and yet his cardsassure him that one or more of them is either unduly cautious, haspassed by mistake, or is trying to deceive. If the strength be with hispartner, it may be that, by passing, he will lose an opportunity tosecure the game. On the other hand, if the adversaries have the winningcards, he may, by declaring, allow them to make a game declaration, whereas they are now limited to an infinitesimal score. 

He must also consider that, should he pass, the maximum he and hispartner can secure is 100 points in the honor column. This is aposition to which conventional rules cannot apply. The individualcharacteristics of the players must be considered. The Fourth Hand mustguess which of the three players is the most apt to have been cautious, careless, or "foxy, " and he should either pass or declare, as hedecides whether it is more likely that his partner or one of the twoadversaries is responsible for his predicament. 

It sometimes, although rarely, happens that the strength not in theFourth Hand is so evenly divided that no one of the three has beenjustified in making an offensive declaration, and yet the Fourth Handis not very strong. When this occurs, a clever player can as a rulereadily and accurately diagnose it from the character of his hand, andhe should then pass, as he cannot hope to make game on an evenlydivided hand, while as it stands he has the adversaries limited to ascore of 2 points for each odd trick, yet booked for a loss of 50 ifthey fail to make seven tricks; 100, if they do not make six. In otherwords, they are betting 25 to 1 on an even proposition. Such a positionis much too advantageous to voluntarily surrender. 

It is hardly conceivable that any one would advocate that a Fourth Handplayer with a sure game in his grasp, instead of scoring it, shouldallow the adverse "one Spade" to stay in for the purpose of securingthe 100 bonus. 

Inasmuch, however, as this proposition has been advanced by a prominentwriter, it is only fair that its soundness should be analyzed. 

The argument is that the score which is accumulated in going game isgenerally considerably less than 100, averaging not over 60, and that, therefore, the bonus of 100 is more advantageous. The example is givenof a pair who adopted these tactics, and on one occasion gathered eightsuccessive hundreds in this manner, eventually obtaining a rubber ofapproximately 1150 points instead of one of about 350. 

The answer to any such proposition is so self-evident that it isdifficult to understand how it can be overlooked. It is true that agame-going hand does not average over 60 points, which is 40 less than100, but a game is half of a rubber. Winning a rubber is worth 250, without considering the 250 scored by the adversaries, if they win. Agame, at its lowest valuation, is, therefore, worth 125 plus 60, or 85more than the 100. 

Examining the case cited, it will be seen that even had the pair, whoare so highly praised for their self-control in scoring eight hundredbefore going game, known that for ten successive hands they would holdall the cards, and, therefore, that they had nothing to fear fromadverse rubber scores of 250, they, nevertheless, made but poor use oftheir wonderful opportunities. If, instead of accumulating that 800, they had elected to win five rubbers, they would have tallied at themost moderate estimate five times 350, or 1750, in place of the 1150 ofwhich they boast. 

If, however, during that run of luck the adversaries had held two gamehands--say, the 5th and 10th, the exponents of self-control would havemade on the ten hands about 450 points, instead of approximately 1350, which would have been secured by players who realized the value of agame. 

In the event of an even and alternate division of game hands, thenon-game winners at the end of twelve hands would have lost threerubbers and won none, as compared with an even score had they availedthemselves of their opportunities. 

It is, therefore, easily seen that the closer the investigation, themore apparent becomes the absurdity of the doctrine that it isadvantageous to sacrifice a game for a score of 100. 

2. WHEN THE ONLY OFFENSIVE DECLARATION HAS BEEN MADE BY THE DEALER

In this case the Fourth Hand, before making a declaration in any mannerdoubtful, should remember that his partner has, by failing to declare, announced that he has not sufficient strength to overbid the Dealer. This does not, however, signify that he has a trickless hand, and theFourth Hand may even yet count upon him for some support. There are twofeatures--both of importance--one weighing in favor, the other against, a declaration under these circumstances. One is, that the strengthbeing over the Fourth Hand, he is placed in the worst possible positionin the play, and there is more probability of his being doubled thanunder any other conditions. If he be doubled, it is not likely that hispartner can take him out or prove of material assistance, as the doubleis apt to come in the case in which the partner has passed with apractically trickless hand. 

On the other hand, the lead is with the partner, and especially when aNo-trump has been declared, it may be of great advantage to indicatethe suit which should be led. The Fourth Hand should, therefore, ifpossible avoid placing a large bonus in the adversaries' column, yet heshould not hesitate to take a chance when his hand indicates that thelead of a certain suit will be likely to save game. 

In the event of a Dealer's declaration which is not apt to produce gamecoming up to the Fourth Hand, he should pass, unless his holdingconvince him that he will be able to go game should he declare. 

3. WHEN THE ONLY OFFENSIVE DECLARATION HAS BEEN MADE BY THE SECOND HAND

In this situation the Fourth Hand is in much the same position as theThird Hand when the Dealer has made an offensive declaration, and theSecond Hand passed. [12] The only difference is that the Fourth Handknows that both of the adversaries are apparently weak, whereas in theprevious case the Third Hand had that information as to only one. TheFourth Hand can, therefore, act much more freely, and should, if in anyway possible, increase a declaration which is not apt to result in gameto one of the three game-producing bids. At a love score, a Club orDiamond declaration should be allowed to stand in two cases only:--

 (_a_) Weakness, which does not make any further declaration reasonable. 

 (_b_) A combination of cards which makes it probable the Club or Diamond call will result in game. 

 [12] See page 86. 

When the Second Hand has declared No-trump, Royals, or Hearts, his bidshould be accorded exactly the same treatment that a similar call ofthe Dealer receives from the Third Hand. [13]

 [13] See page 86. 

Neither a two nor three Spade declaration made by the partner shouldunder any circumstances, be passed. In these cases, the Fourth Hand canhave little doubt what course to pursue. His partner's hand is spreadbefore him almost as clearly as if exposed upon the table. [14] Withweakness, or with a moderate hand, he should bid one Royal, this beingmerely a takeout, and not giving any indication of strength. In thisposition he is placed in the same situation as the Third Hand when theDealer has made a similar declaration, [15] and these two propositionsare the only instances in the modern game of Auction where a playerwithout strength is required to assume the offensive. No matter howweak the hand may be, the Fourth Hand must declare one Royal, so as toreduce the contract, and also to increase the advantage obtained fromits fulfillment. The partner must read "one Royal" to be an indicationof weakness, or, at least, not a showing of strength. 

 [14] See pages 67-72 inc. 

 [15] See pages 88, 89, 90. 

With Spade length or strength, the Fourth Hand, especially in the caseof the three Spade declaration, should bid two Royals. If he declareanything but Royals, he says to the partner, "I realize perfectly whatyou have, but my hand convinces me that the declaration I am makingwill be more advantageous than the one you have suggested. "

In the event of one Spade doubled coming to the Fourth Hand, he is alsoaccurately informed as to his partner's holding, and suggestion. [16] Inthis case, it is the rare hand which does not warrant an offensivedeclaration. 

 [16] See pages 65, 66. 

It is not so great an advantage for the Fourth Hand to call twoNo-trumps over one No-trump declared by the Second Hand as it is forthe Third Hand to similarly overbid the Dealer. [17] The reason for thisis, that the main purpose of this overbid by the Third Hand is toprevent the Fourth Hand from indicating the suit he desires his partnerto lead, but the Dealer, having already declared weakness, is not solikely to be able to make a bid which will in any way interfere withthe success of a No-trumper. It is, however, not at all impossible thata declaration of the Dealer's long weak suit, especially when theSecond Hand has an honor or two of it, may be awkward for the No-trumpdeclarer, and therefore, with the holding which justifies it, the bidof two No-trumps, under these conditions, is distinctly commendable. 

 [17] See pages 108, 109. 

4. WHEN THE ONLY OFFENSIVE DECLARATION HAS BEEN MADE BY THE THIRD HAND

In this position the Fourth Hand is informed of his partner's weakness. This weakness is probably quite pronounced, as the Second Hand haspassed the Dealer's defensive declaration, and although it is doubtlessreasonable for the Fourth Hand even yet to count upon his partner forone trick, he certainly would not be justified in expecting muchgreater aid. It is a place for caution; although he is in theadvantageous position of sitting over the adverse strength, he shouldbid only if he see a fair chance for game, or think his hand is suchthat he may safely attempt to force the adversary. 

5. WHEN THE DEALER HAS MADE A DEFENSIVE, AND BOTH THE SECOND AND THIRDHANDS OFFENSIVE, DECLARATIONS

In this situation, the Fourth Hand comes more nearly within thecategory of a second round, or late bidder; that is, he is in theposition in which a player often finds himself when, after some biddingin which he has not participated, he is in doubt whether he hassufficient strength to advance his partner's declaration. 

Under such circumstances, a player should always remember that hispartner has counted upon him for a certain percentage of high cards. Ifhe have not more than that percentage, it would be the part of extremefolly for him to declare. When the partner has made a suit declaration, and he has weakness in the suit, but some strength elsewhere, he shouldbe especially careful, and, before bidding, convince himself that hisside strength is more than his partner expected. Advancing a partner'ssuit bid by reason of strength in other suits, while, when the strengthwarrants it, unquestionably sound, is apt to deceive the partner, ashis first thought necessarily is that the bid indicates help in thesuit declared. 

When the partner has declared No-trump, and the Third Hand has calledtwo in a suit, the Fourth Hand is in much the same position regardingthe advancement of his partner's No-trumper as the Third Hand when theDealer bids a No-trump, and the Second Hand, two of a suit. [18] The onlydifference is that in this case there is little probability ofhigh-card strength being developed on the left. 

 [18] See page 111. 

6. WHEN THE DEALER AND SECOND HAND HAVE MADE OFFENSIVE DECLARATIONS, AND THE THIRD HAND PASSED

It is an exceptional hand which justifies taking the partner out of asuit declaration, called over a No-trump bid by the Dealer. The partnerhas the advantage of sitting over the Dealer, while the Dealer wouldhave this same advantage should the Fourth Hand declare some othersuit. 

In this position the partner having bid two Clubs or Diamonds, theFourth Hand, with the other three suits stopped, is justified inassuming that the original No-trump was made with the minimum strength, and the chance of game, as the declaration stands, being remote, shouldtry a bid of two No-trumps. 

When the Dealer has declared a suit, and the Second Hand, No-trump, theFourth Hand should overbid the Second with a suit declaration (except, of course, in the almost inconceivable case in which the strength ofthe Fourth Hand is in the suit named by the Dealer), with the sameholding that the Third Hand is justified in overbidding the Dealer'sNo-trump. [19]

 [19] See pages 96-108 inc. 

7. WHEN THE DEALER AND THIRD HAND HAVE MADE OFFENSIVE DECLARATIONS ANDTHE SECOND HAND PASSED

In this case, both adversaries having shown strength, and the partnerweakness, it is dangerous for the Fourth Hand to declare, and he shoulddo so only when his holding convinces him that his declaration is notlikely to be successfully doubled. 

8. WHEN ALL THREE PLAYERS HAVE MADE OFFENSIVE DECLARATIONS

This case is entirely analogous to the second round or late bidding, and is covered under the head of CONTINUATION OF THE BIDDING. 

VI

CONTINUATION OF THE BIDDING

After the completion of the first round, the situation of the bidderbecomes so complex that it is most difficult to apply general rules. Some principles, however, should be borne in mind. 

Bidding one Spade, or passing, places a player with two tricks in aposition to increase his partner's call; but when a bidder has alreadyshown the full strength, or practically the full strength, of his hand, he should not, under any circumstances, advance either his own or hispartner's declaration. The temptation to disregard this rule is attimes exceedingly strong. For example, the dealer declares one Heart, holding King, Queen, at the top of five Hearts, and the Ace of Spades. The partner calls one No-trump, and the Fourth Hand, two Royals. Insuch case, the original Heart bidder frequently advances the No-trumpto two, because he has the adverse suit stopped, without consideringthat his partner, in bidding one No-trump, counted upon him for eitherthat Ace of Spades, or the equivalent strength, and, therefore, heshould leave the question of the continuance of the No-trump to theplayer who knows its exact strength. 

Another example of this proposition may be worthy of consideration. Thedealer holds

 Spades X, X, X Hearts Ace, X Diamonds King, Knave, Ten, X, X Clubs X, X, X

He bids one Diamond; Second Hand, pass; Third Hand, one Heart; FourthHand, one Royal. 

In this position a thoughtless player might call two Hearts, but such adeclaration would greatly exaggerate the value of the hand. The dealerby his first bid has announced his ability to take at least threetricks if Diamonds be Trump, and at least two tricks if the deal beplayed without a Trump. His hand justifies such a call, but that isall; having declared his full strength, his lips must thereafter besealed. 

His partner is already counting upon him for two high-card tricks, which is the maximum his hand can possibly produce; should he call twoHearts on the basis of the Ace, the original Heart bidder would expectassistance to the extent of at least three tricks. He might receiveonly one. 

If, however, the dealer's hand be

 Spades X Hearts X, X, X, X Diamonds King, Knave, Ten, X, X Clubs Ace, X, X

a very different proposition presents itself. While this combination, had No-trump been called, would not be stronger than the other andshould not advance the bid, with Hearts Trump it is a most valuableassistant, and being worth at least three tricks, is fully warranted incalling at least two Hearts. 

The fact that it contains four Hearts is one material element ofstrength and the singleton Spade is another, neither of which has beenannounced by the original call. 

One of the most difficult tasks of the bidder is to accurately estimatethe number of tricks the combined hands of his partnership canreasonably be expected to win. It sometimes occurs, especially in whatare known as "freak" hands, that one pair can take most of the trickswith one suit declaration, while with another, their adversaries can beequally successful. This is most apt to happen in two-suit hands, orwhen length in Trumps is coupled with a cross-ruff. In the ordinary runof evenly divided hands, there is not such great difference in thetrick-taking ability of two declarations. The player who, except withan extraordinary hand, commits his side to ten or eleven tricks, afterthe adversaries have shown that with another declaration they do notexpect to lose more than two or three, is extremely venturesome, andapt to prove a dangerous partner. In normal deals, a change in theTrump suit does not produce a shift of seven or eight tricks. 

WHEN TO ADVANCE THE BID

It is frequently most difficult for a bidder to determine whether he isjustified in advancing his own or his partner's declaration, and whenin doubt it is generally better to err on the side of conservatism. 

The continuation of a No-trump without the adverse suit thoroughlyguarded is most dangerous, and should be risked only when the Declareris convinced beyond doubt that his holding justifies it, or when thepartner has shown that he can stop the threatening suit. 

When the partner, either as Dealer or Second Hand, has declared oneNo-trump, the bid has unquestionably been based upon the expectation ofaverage assistance, and unless able to furnish more, a higher callshould not be made. If, however, the partner bid twice, without aid, two tricks unquestionably justifies assisting once. 

The minimum trick-taking ability with which an original suitdeclaration is made being appreciably greater than the number of trickscontained in a border-line No-trumper, the former should be assistedwith less strength than is required to advance the latter. With twosure tricks the partner's suit call should be helped once by a playerwho has not declared, but whether a No-trump should be aided with justtwo tricks and no chance of more is a question depending upon thejudgment of the bidder and upon whether one of the tricks is in theadverse suit. With two sure high-card tricks and a five-card suit, butwithout the adverse suit guarded, the five-card suit is generally thecall, especially if two in it will be sufficient. Three Clubs, however, should not be declared without due consideration, as that declarationis recognized as demanding two No-trumps from the partner if he havethe adverse suit stopped. 

Being void or holding only a singleton of a suit, especially if it bethe suit declared by the adversary, is to be considered in reckoningthe trick-taking value of a hand which contemplates assisting apartner's Trump declaration. For example, four small Hearts, the Aceand three other Clubs, and five small Diamonds, when the partner hascalled one Heart, are worth three or four tricks, although the handcontains but one Ace and no face card. Holding such a combination, apartner's bid of one Heart should be advanced at least twice. 

When a declaration by the dealer is followed by two passes and anoverbid by the right-hand adversary, the dealer is frequently placed ina doubtful position as to whether he should advance his own bid. Someauthorities contend that with less than six tricks he should wait forhis partner, and while no inflexible rule can be made to cover all suchcases, the follower of this proposition has probably adopted the safestguide. 

When the original call has been one No-trump, it is the part of wisdomwith less than six tricks, even if the adverse suit be stopped twice, to give the partner a chance. If he can furnish more than two tricks, he will declare, and the Dealer can then, if he so desire, continue theNo-trump, but to bid without first hearing from the partner isobviously venturesome. If the Dealer have five tricks, that is enoughto save game, but is three tricks short of making two No-trumps. 

When the Dealer has declared a strong No-trump with one unprotectedsuit and his right-hand adversary calls two in that suit, it ismanifestly unwise to continue the No-trump. Holding six sure tricks ina higher-valued suit or seven in a lower, it is probably wise to bidtwo or three, as the exigencies of the case may require, in that suit. 

In close cases, when advancing or declining to advance the partner'sbid, the personal equation should be a most important, if not thedeciding, factor. Some players are noted for their reckless declaring;with such a partner the bidding must be ultra-conservative. Otherplayers do not regard conventional rules in their early declarations. The bids of a partner of this kind should not be increased unless thehand contain at least one trick more than the number that normallywould justify an advance. 

When playing against a bidder who has the habit of overbidding, fulladvantage should be taken of his weakness, and whenever possible heshould be forced to a high contract he may be unable to fulfil. 

When a dealer who has opened with one Spade, or any other player whohas passed the first round, subsequently enters the bidding, he givesunmistakable evidence of length but not strength. This is a secondarydeclaration, and the maker plainly announces, "I will take many moretricks with this suit Trump than any other; indeed, I may not win atrick with any other Trump. "

Overbidding a partner's secondary declaration, or counting upon it fortricks when doubling an adversary who has overcalled it, showsinexcusable lack of understanding of the modern system of declaring. 

WHEN TO OVERBID THE PARTNER

Overbidding a partner with a declaration which he has once taken out isonly authorized by an honor count which is of material value, or a suregame. For example, if a player declare one Royal, holding four or fivehonors, and the partner overbid with a No-trump, the original declarershould bid two Royals; but without the big honor count it is wiser tolet the No-trump stand, as the partner has announced weakness inSpades. 

The same line of reasoning should be followed when the partner hascalled two of a suit over a No-trump. As a rule, under theseconditions, it is most unwise for the original No-trump declarer to bidtwo No-trumps, but with four Aces, the value of the honors thoroughlywarrants such a declaration, unless the partner's call has evidentlybeen a "rescue. "

The "rescue" or weakness take-out is a warning not to be disregarded. Two Clubs or Diamonds over a No-trump is the most self-evident example, and after such a call by the partner it takes a holding of eight suretricks to justify two No-trumps. Of course, with four Aces, seventricks would warrant the call, on the theory that at the worst the 100for the Aces would set off the possible loss by the double, and morethan equal the loss if a double be not made. 

FLAG-FLYING

The practice generally called "flag-flying" consists in overbidding anadverse declaration, which will surely result in game and rubber, witha holding which is not of sufficient strength to carry out thecontract. 

While at times flag-flying is of great advantage, in inexperiencedhands it is apt to prove a dangerous expedient. The argument in itsfavor is obvious. The bonus of 250 points for the rubber really makes500 points the difference between winning and losing, and in additionthere must be computed the points and honors which would be scored bythe adversaries in the deal with which they go game, and the points andhonors which may be scored by the flag-flyers in the succeeding dealwhich they hope will carry them to their goal. On this basisflag-flyers estimate that it makes a difference of 600 points whethertheir opponents go out on the current deal or the flag-flyers scoregame on the next, and they claim that any loss under 600 is a gain. Theestimate is correct; the claim, ridiculous. Whenever the next dealfurnishes the player who offers the gambit sufficient strength tocapture the rubber, he gains, when his loss has been under 600, but atbest it is not more than an even chance that he will win, and when thependulum swings in the adverse direction, the only result of theperformance with the flag is to increase the size of the adversaries'rubber by the amount of the sacrifice. This continued indefinitely isbound to produce Auction bankruptcy. 

The player who figures that, on the doctrine of chances, he and hispartner will hold the strong cards once in every two deals, shouldremember that the fickle goddess would never have deserved nor receivedher well-earned title had she been even approximately reliable. 

A run of bad luck may continue for an indefinite period. It has pursuedgood players not only for a day or a week, but continuously for monthsand years. It does not sound warnings announcing its appearance ordisappearance. To attempt to fight it by the flag-flying process as arule only multiplies the loss many fold. And yet, it must not beunderstood that the flag-flyer should always be shunned and condemned. When his loss amounts to only 100 or 200, or when, not detecting hispurpose, the adversaries fail to double, and the loss is, therefore, smaller, the odds favor his exhibition of nerve. Flag-flying, however, is like dynamite: in the hands of a child or of one unfamiliar with itscharacteristics, it is a danger, the extent of which none can foretell;but used with skill, it becomes a tool of exceptional value. 

It is only during the rubber game that even the most enthusiastic andexpert flyer of the flag should allow it to wave. With a game out, tomake the play successful Dame Fortune must bestow her favors twice insuccession. Before taking such a long chance, a player should realizethat there are future rubbers which he has an even chance of winning, and that it is better to minimize the present loss than to allow it tobecome so great that, even if good fortune follow, it will beimpossible to recoup. On the first game of the rubber, or with a gamein, and the adversaries still without a game, it is plainly too earlyand the situation is not sufficiently desperate to resort to any realflag-flying. Except when playing the rubber game, a voluntary loss ofover 100 should never be considered. 

VII

DOUBLING

All doubles, except the double of one Spade by the Second Hand, whichis really an informatory bid, [20] are made for the purpose of increasingthe score of the doubler. 

 [20] See pages 65, 66. 

The old idea of informatory doubles has been abandoned. Now when aplayer doubles, he does not invite a No-trump by showing one or moretricks in the adversary's suit, but he practically says, "Partner, I amsatisfied that we can defeat this declaration, and I desire to receivea bonus of 100 instead of 50 for each trick that our adversaries fallshort of their contract. I do not wish you to overbid, unless your handbe of such a peculiar character that you have reason to believe thedouble will not be very profitable and feel sure that we can go gamewith your declaration. "

Although doubles are made under widely divergent conditions, they maybe subdivided into two classes:--

1. The double of a declaration which, if successful, will result ingame, regardless of the double, such as four Hearts, with a love score. 

2. The double which, if unsuccessful, puts the Declarer out, althoughif undoubled, he would not secure the game by fulfilling his contract, such as two or three Hearts, with a love score. 

In the first instance, the doubler has nothing to lose except thedifference in points which the Declarer may make as a result of thedouble. When, for example, a bid of four Hearts is doubled and theDeclarer fulfils his contract, the double costs exactly 82 points. Ifthe Declarer fall one trick short, the double gains 50 points. When, however, there is a redouble, the loss is increased 114 points, thegain 100 points. The doubler is, therefore, betting the Declarer 82 to50 that he will not make his contract, and giving the Declarer theoption of increasing the bet, so that the odds become 196 to 150. It isevident, therefore, that even when the Declarer will go out in anyevent, it is not a particularly advantageous proposition for thedoubler to give odds of 8 to 5 or 20 to 15, if the chances be even. When the declaration is Royals or No-trumps, the odds against thedouble are increased. If four No-trumps be doubled, the figures are 90to 50 with the option given to the Declarer to increase them to 220 to150. 

The explanatory remark so often heard after an unsuccessful double, "Itcould not cost anything, as they were out anyhow, " is not an absolutelyaccurate statement. It may be worth while to consider one ordinaryillustration of how many points may be lost by a foolish double of thischaracter. A bid of four Hearts is doubled and redoubled. The Declarertakes eleven tricks, as he is able to ruff one or two high cards whichthe doubler hoped would prove winners. This is an every-day case, butthe figures are rarely brought home. Without a double, the Declarerwould have scored 40 points; with the redouble, he scores 160 pointsand 200 bonus, or 360, presented by an adversary, who hoped at most togain 50 and thought his effort "could not cost anything. "

A doubtful double should not be made when the partner has another bid, as, for example, when the adversary to the right has called fourHearts, over three Royals declared by the partner. Under thesecircumstances, the double, on the theory that the doubler expects tosecure a large bonus, may properly deter the partner from a successfulfour Royals declaration. Even when the double is successful to theextent of 100, that is not a sufficient compensation for losing theopportunity to win the game. 

The fact that a good player has declared an unusually large number oftricks, as, for example, five Hearts, is not in itself a reason fordoubling. A player of experience, when he makes such a declaration, fully realizes the difficulty of the undertaking. He does not take thechance without giving it more consideration than he would a smallerbid, and it is only fair to assume that he has a reasonable expectationof success. Doubling, therefore, merely because the bid requires ten oreven eleven tricks, is folly, pure and simple. This comment, however, does not apply when the bid is of the flag-flying character. [21] As towhether or not it comes within that category the doubler will have todetermine. The Auction expert is always on the lookout for anopportunity to gather a large bonus at the expense of a flag-flyer, andas unduly sanguine players indulge in that practice more than others, their declarations should be subjected to the most rigid scrutiny. 

 [21] See pages 139-142 inc. 

The doubtful double, which, should it prove unsuccessful, will resultin the Declarer scoring a game he would not otherwise obtain, is, as arule, inexcusable. By this is not meant that a bid of two or threeHearts or Royals, or of three or four Clubs or Diamonds, should neverbe doubled. That would be absurd doctrine, but such a double shouldnever be made with the chances even, or nearly even. An experiencedbidder will not risk presenting the adversaries with the game and abonus unless reasonably sure of defeating the declaration. 

Another absurd notion is doubling because of the partner's generalstrength. The partner has an equal opportunity to double, and is muchbetter posted in relation to his own cards. If the strength be his, heshould decide whether or not to take the chance. When, however, onepartner has some strength in the suit the adversaries have declared, and the other, high side cards, the double is more apt to confuse theDeclarer if made by the player without the Trump strength. 

The above refers to doubtful doubles only; when the indications arethat the Declarer can be decisively defeated, the double is mostimportant. It is worth 100 if the Declarer go down two; 150, if he losethree, etc. These additional points should not be allowed to escape. 

Even the most venturesome doublers realize that, except in the unusualcase, it is unwise to double a bid of one, whether it be in a suit orNo-trump. Some players hesitate about doubling a bid of two, preferringto take the chance of forcing the bidder higher. No general rulecovering the situation can be laid down, as it depends greatly upon thecharacter of the doubler's hand whether the adversary is apt to advancehis bid. 

A double of a No-trump is much safer than of a suit declaration. Thedoubler of the No-trump knows approximately what to expect from hislong suit, what suits he has stopped, and if one be unguarded, canestimate how many tricks it may be possible for the declarer to run. The doubler of a suit declaration cannot figure with any such accuracy. He rarely has more than two winning Trumps, and therefore, as a rule, must depend upon side Aces and Kings for the balance of his tricks. Itis always possible that the Declarer or his partner may be absolutelyvoid of the suit or suits in which the doubler expects to win histricks, so that sometimes a hand with which the most conservativeplayer would double, goes to pieces before a cross-ruff. When one handis evenly divided, the chances are that the others are of the samecharacter, but it is not a certainty that they are. When one hand has avery long suit, and is either blank in some other suit, or has but asingleton of it, the other hands are apt to contain very long and veryshort suits. Therefore, if the doubler be without, or have but asingleton of, a suit, he should be more conservative, in doubling asuit declaration upon the expectation of making high side cards, thanwhen he has an evenly divided hand. 

Probably the most advantageous situation for a double is when thepartner has declared No-trump, and the adversary to the right, two of asuit, of which the doubler, in addition to other strength, holds fourcards, at least two of which are sure to take tricks. This comes nearerbeing an informatory double than any other in vogue in the game ofto-day. The partner, however, should not take it out unless hisNo-trump consist of some such holding as a solid suit and an Ace. 

A hand of this character may not prove formidable against a suitdeclaration, and it justifies the original Declarer, as he knows thatthe adverse suit is well stopped, in bidding two No-trumps. It is oneof the few cases where it is not advisable to allow the double of apartner to stand. 

It is generally conceded that the double, although a most powerfulfactor in the game, and the element which is productive of largerubbers, is used excessively, especially by inexperienced and rashplayers. If a record could be produced of all the points won and lostby doubling, there is little doubt that the "lost" column would lead bya ratio of at least two to one. 

The double in the hands of a discreet player of sound judgment is, indeed, a powerful weapon greatly feared by the adversaries; when usedby the unskilled, it becomes a boomerang of the most dangerous type. 

A player cannot afford to have the reputation of never doubling, asthat permits his adversaries to take undue liberties in bidding, but itis better to be ultra-conservative than a foolish doubler whocontinually presents his opponents with games of enormous proportions. A player should not double unless able to count with reasonableexactness in his own hand and announced by his partner a sufficientnumber of tricks to defeat the Declarer. It is not the place to take achance or to rely upon a partner, who has not shown strength, for anaverage holding. It must also be remembered as an argument against adoubtful double that the Declarer is more apt to make his declarationwhen doubled, as he is then given more or less accurate informationregarding the position of the adverse strength, and can finesseaccordingly. A double frequently costs one trick--sometimes even more. 

THE CHOICE BETWEEN A GAME AND A DOUBLE

A most interesting question arises when a player is placed in thegratifying position of having the opportunity of electing whether to gogame or secure a bonus by doubling. 

Which course he should take depends entirely upon the state of therubber, and the size of the bonus that the double will probablyproduce. A game is always to be preferred to a double which is not aptto net more than 100. When 200 is sure and a greater bonus probable, the double should be made during either the first or second game of therubber. During the rubber game, however, the doubler should be moreconservative, and should "take in" his rubber unless satisfied that thedouble will produce 300, with a potential possibility of more. 

The reason, which may not at first be apparent, for this difference inthe situation, may be briefly explained as follows: Before a game hasbeen won, the securing of a large bonus in the honor column places thefortunate doubler in a most advantageous position, as he starts therubber insured against loss unless he suffer a similar penalty. 

When the only game finished has been won by the adversaries, a largebonus should be preferred to game. As the adversaries already have agame, the next hand may give them the rubber, and should it do so, itsamount will be most materially affected by the action of the player whohas the chance either to score a bonus or win a game. If the first gamebe of normal size, a large bonus will nullify the result of the rubber, but if instead a game be taken in the adversaries will score an averagerubber. 

When the player considering a double has a game and the adversarieshave not, he is in a most excellent position to double with the hope ofa big winning. To secure the enlarged rubber, it is only necessary forhim to obtain one game before the adversaries get two, and as the oddsare greatly in his favor it is a chance worth taking. 

When, however, each side has a game and the question is whether toobtain a bonus or score rubber, the bonus must be large and sure tojustify giving up a rubber practically won for merely an equal chanceof capturing a larger one. It has been elsewhere stated that when aplayer who has an opportunity to win a rubber fails to avail himself ofit, and on the next hand the adversaries reach the goal, the loss maybe roughly estimated at 600 points. The player who doubles during thethird game knows that the next hand may see the adversaries score therubber. Even if he obtain 400 points by doubling, and this happens, theadversaries gain to the extent of approximately 200 points by hisaction. On the other hand, he has an equal chance for the game, and ifhe win it, he will be the gainer by the amount secured by the double. When he has a sure 400 in sight, or even a sure 300, with a reasonablechance of more, the odds favor the double, but it is the height offolly to take an even chance of losing 600 unless 300 be the minimumreturn. 

Advice as to whether to double or go game is useful only for playerswho can with accuracy estimate the trick-taking value of their hands. To refuse a double which would net several hundred for the sake ofgoing game and then fall a trick short of both the game and thedeclaration is most exasperating, while on the other hand to double fora big score, instead of taking in a sure game, only to have the doublefail, is equally heart-breaking. 

The player who takes either horn of this dilemma must be sure of hisground and must figure the chances with the greatest care. 

WHEN TO REDOUBLE

The question of when to redouble is so intricate that it is hard toconsider, except when the specific case arises. Some players frequentlyredouble, as a kind of bluff, when convinced their declaration willfail, the intent being to frighten either the doubler or his partnerinto another declaration. Against a very timid player, this issometimes successful, but unless it catch its victim, it is expensivebait. 

Nine out of ten redoubles, however, are _bona fide_, and made becausethe fulfilment of the contract seems assured. Even then, however, aplayer should not redouble unless practically positive that neither ofhis adversaries can get out of the redouble by making a higher bid. 

The player who has been doubled and is sure of his contract is in amost enviable position; game and a handsome bonus both are his, and itwould be most foolish for him to risk so much merely for the chance ofthe extra score. If, however, there be no escape for the doubler, theredouble is most valuable, and a real opportunity for it should neverbe overlooked. 

WHAT TO DO WHEN THE PARTNER IS DOUBLED

The player who, whenever his partner's declaration is doubled, becomesfrightened, concludes that the worst is sure to happen, and that it ishis duty to come to the rescue by jumping headlong into some otherdeclaration, even if it require an increased number of tricks, is amost dangerous _vis-à-vis_. A double does not justify the assumptionthat the Declarer is beaten, especially when the partner has anyunannounced help. If the partner be weak, it is folly for him to gofrom bad to worse; if strong, he may enable the Declarer to make alarge score. In any event, in nine cases out of ten, "standing pat" ishis best policy. 

VIII

LEADING

The selection of the correct lead in Auction is not attended with somany difficulties as in Whist, or even in Bridge. In Whist, theoriginal leader is obliged to begin the play in the dark, the turn-upconstituting his entire knowledge of the strength or weakness of theother players. In Bridge, the extent of his information is limited tothe inferences that can be drawn from the declaration and the double, but in Auction every player has made at least one announcement which ismore or less instructive. 

When there has been considerable bidding it is frequently possible toaccurately estimate the length and strength of the suit of each playerand the trick-taking value of the balance of his hand. When only one ortwo declarations have been made, so much information may not beobtainable, but even then the leader, from the failure of certainplayers to bid, may be able to make deductions of considerable value. 

The Auction leader, therefore, must remember the various declarations, draw both positive and negative inferences therefrom, and whenever itis not advisable to open his partner's suit or his own, should followthe old principle which, since the days of Pole, has been applicable toall games of the Whist family, and realize "'Tis seldom wrong to leadup to the weak and through the strong. "

The original opening is materially varied by the character of the finaldeclaration, the system of leading against a No-trump being quitedifferent from that employed when a suit is Trump. 

HOW TO LEAD AGAINST A NO-TRUMP

When the partner has not shown strength, the leader, against aNo-trump, should open his own long suit. If he have two long suits, heshould pick the stronger except when he has declared it, and has notreceived support from his partner, in which case it is generally wiseto try the other. The possible exception to the lead of a long suitagainst a No-trump is when that suit has been declared, has not beenhelped by the partner, and the No-trump has been subsequently bid tothe right. In this situation, with a tenace in the long suit, it issometimes advisable to try, by leading another suit, to get the partnerin, so that he may lead through the Declarer's strength in the suitcalled by the leader. This, however, is a dangerous expedient when thepartner has not declared. Should a suit be guessed which the partnercannot win, one of his high cards is apt to be sacrificed, and not onlynothing gained, but the advantage of the lead transferred to theadversary. If two high cards be missing from the tenace suit, as in thecase when it is headed by Ace, Queen, Ten, or King, Knave, Ten, and theDeclarer hold the missing honors and one small card, it will take twoleads to establish the suit. It is not likely that a partner withoutsufficient strength to declare will be able to get in twice, and tryingto put him in once is most apt to establish a suit for the Declarer. Therefore, as a general proposition, unless the partner have declared, the tenace suit should be led. When, however, the partner has shown asuit, opening it, in preference to a tenace, is elementary andcompulsory. 

When the partner has declared, the leader should open the suit namedunless satisfied that his own affords a more potent weapon for theattack. 

There are only three conditions which justify the leader in assumingthis, viz. :--

 (_a_) When the leader has called his suit and his partner has advanced the declaration. 

 (_b_) When the leader's suit is headed by Ace, King, Queen, or King, Queen, Knave. 

 (_c_) When the leader has only a singleton of his partner's suit and has several reëntries. 

Innumerable tricks, games, and rubbers have been thrown away by aleader who, considering solely his own hand, has started with his suitin preference to that of his partner. There is some peculiarcharacteristic in the composition of many players which magnifies thevalue of their own cards, so that they seem of greater importance andmore desirable to establish than their partners'. Even experiencedplayers have been known to commit such an Auction absurdity as openinga suit headed by a Knave, in preference to the suit named by thepartner, which, of necessity, contains the strength requisite for aTrump declaration. 

It is fair to estimate that ten tricks are lost by denying thepartner's declaration to one that escapes the player who leads hispartner's suit in preference to his own. 

When the partner has declared, his suit can be counted upon for bothlength and strength, and unless it be practically solid, his handcontains at least one reëntry. The leader by his opening can attackonly one-quarter of the No-trump fortification, and it is his duty topick out the spot which promises to be most vulnerable. A No-trump callis very likely to spell game unless a suit can be established againstit. In order to accomplish this it is generally necessary to start withthe first card led. Therefore, making the right original opening isprobably the only opportunity to save the game. When the leader selectshis own suit in preference to his partner's, he should be able to say, "In spite of the strength you have declared, I am reasonably sure thatwe have a better chance to establish this suit than yours. "

As a rule, however, the leader does not have sufficient strength tosupport such a statement, and, therefore, his lead generally says, "Partner, I know you have considerable strength, you may have declaredexpressly for the purpose of asking me to lead your suit, but Iselfishly prefer to play my own hand rather than act for the benefit ofthe partnership. "

It is but a puerile excuse for a leader who does not open his partner'ssuit to explain that the No-trump was called by the right-handadversary after the partner's declaration, and that the bid, havingbeen made with the anticipation that the suit named would be led, heshould surprise the Declarer. It is true that the Declarer expects thatsuit, but it may be the only opening he fears. It is more than possiblethat the suit is stopped but once, and that leading it will save thegame, even if it do not defeat the declaration. It is certainly a veryshort-sighted or unduly sanguine player who selects a suit of his own, which has not nearly the strength of his partner's, merely on the wildchance that his partner, rather than the No-trump bidder, has themissing high cards. 

When the partner has declared two suits and the leader has length orstrength in one of them, he should open it, but when he cannot assisteither, he should open the suit named first, as it is probably thestronger. 

As will be seen from the tables of leads against a No-trumpdeclaration, in some cases whether the leader has a reëntry materiallyaffects the manner in which he should open his long suit. By a reëntryin this connection is meant either an Ace or King, unless the suitcontaining the King have been bid by the adversary to the left of theleader. In that case the King cannot be expected to win unlessaccompanied by the Queen. A Queen, or even Queen, Knave, cannot beconsidered a reëntry, as the suit may not be led three times. 

The reason for varying the lead, depending upon the presence of areëntry, is that the sole thought of the leader against a No-trump isto establish the suit led, and to insure so doing he opens his suitexclusively with that end in view, regardless of whether it wouldotherwise be the opening most apt to prove trick-winning. He knows thatthe Declarer will, if possible, hold up a winning card until the ThirdHand is unable to return the suit. Therefore, if he be without areëntry, he must do all in his power to force the winning card from theadversary's hand as early in the play as possible. If he have areëntry, he may play much more fearlessly. An example of this is a longsuit, headed by Ace, Queen, Knave. The most advantageous lead from thiscombination is the Ace (as an adversary may hold an unguarded King), and that would be the lead with a reëntry; but the chances are that thepartner does not hold more than three cards of the suit, and, if it beopened in the usual way, the King will be held up until the thirdround. The leader without a reëntry, therefore, is compelled to openwith the Queen, so as to establish the suit, while the partner, whoprobably has a reëntry, still retains a card of it. 

Another important convention which applies to the opening of theleader's suit against a No-trump declaration (but, of course, against aNo-trump declaration only) is that the original lead of an Ace callsfor the partner's highest card. An Ace, therefore, should be led fromsuch a combination as a suit headed by Ace, King, Knave, Ten, since thedrop of the Queen will permit the suit to be run without hesitation, and the failure of the partner to play the Queen will permit the leaderto place its position positively, and to continue the suit or not, ashis judgment and the balance of his hand dictate. This doctrine isextended to all cases of the original lead of an Ace against a No-trumpdeclaration. 

The Ace should not be led unless the partner's best card, regardless ofits size, be desired, and the partner should play it unhesitatingly, beit King, Queen, or Knave, unless the Dummy convince him that meetingthe demand of the lead will be trick-sacrificing, in which case theleader's command should be ignored. 

In leading a partner's suit, the general rule of selecting the fourthbest, when opening with a small card, is not followed. The object inleading that suit is to strengthen the partner, and it is moreimportant to do that and also to tell him what is the leader's highestcard than to post him regarding exact length. Holding either two, three, or four of a partner's suit, the top, therefore, should be led, followed on each succeeding trick by the next in order, the lowestbeing retained until the last. This is sometimes called the "down andout. " The one exception to the lead of the top of the partner's suit iswhen it consists of three or more headed by Ace or King, and theright-hand adversary has called No-trump after the suit has beendeclared. In that case, it may be that the stopper which the Declarerthinks he has in the suit can be captured, and the lead, therefore, should be a low card. 

NUMBER-SHOWING LEADS

The lead in Auction is materially simplified by the fact thatnumber-showing is not nearly so important as in Whist, and really onlybecomes of value when opening a small card against a No-trumpdeclaration. In that case the lowest should always be led with four inthe suit, because the partner, having the Dummy spread before him, being able to count his own hand, and being informed by the leadregarding the leader's length in the suit, can generally tell the exactnumber held by the Declarer, and can, therefore, accurately determinewhether it is better to continue that suit or try some other. Ithappens more frequently than would be supposed that when a four-cardsuit is opened with a small card, the Dummy and Third Hand have onlyfour cards of it between them. The Third Hand can then, if the leaderhave shown exactly four, mark it as the long suit of the Declarer, andmake an advantageous shift. This is the only method of giving thiswarning. If the fourth-best lead be not adopted, the suit must, in mostcases, necessarily be continued to the great benefit of the Declarer. 

Number-showing by the lead of a small card (one of the rudiments ofWhist) is doubtless thoroughly understood by most Auction players; itconsists in leading the fourth best, when the suit is not of such acharacter as to demand a high card or intermediate sequence opening. This informs the partner that the leader has exactly three cards inthat suit higher than the card led, and that he may or may not have anysmaller card. 

For example: the leader has Queen, 7, 6, and 4; the Dummy, a singleton(the 3); and the Third Hand, who wins the trick with the Ace, only twoothers (the 8 and 2). The Third Hand can place the Declarer with five, as the leader, having opened his lowest, can have had only fouroriginally. 

Number-showing leads in high cards, so advantageous in Whist, areabsolutely unimportant in Auction, and only complicate the situation. They are not given in the table of leads appended at the end of thischapter, nor is their use permissible, even by the Whist-player of theold school who is thoroughly familiar with their meaning. He mustrealize that Auction is not a number-showing game, and must be contentto limit his skill in that respect to the fourth best, which isadvisable when it is not higher than the 7. The limitation of thefourth-best lead to a 7 or lower card is a useful modern innovation. When the 8 or a higher fourth best is led against a No-trump, theDeclarer, with his twenty-six cards at his command, and with greatstrength in his own hand, is apt to receive information as to the exacthigh cards held by the leader which will prove of greater value to himthan to the partner. Furthermore, the lead of an 8 or 9 as a fourthbest is bound at times to conflict with the valuable lead known as the"top of an intermediate sequence. "

The holdings from which the top of an intermediate sequence should beled are shown in the tables, and while some of the leads in such cases, which are absolutely conventional in Auction, may shock theWhist-player, they have, nevertheless, been found to be advisable inthe present game. Trick-winning is far more important than givingnumerical information, and the top of an intermediate sequence oftensucceeds in capturing a valuable card in the Dummy, does not give toomuch information to the Declarer, helps to establish the suit, andseldom interferes with the play of the partner. 

Much has been written by those who contend that the fourth-best leadagainst a No-trump gives the Declarer too much information, and, therefore, should never be employed. The writers, however, do notconsider that practically the only cases in which the lead isobjectionable for the reason cited is when it is an 8 or higher card, while the great advantage of the lead is the warning above mentioned. 

There are also instances in which the Third Hand is at some time in theplay in doubt whether to return the original lead or try his own suit. The knowledge of whether his partner holds three or more of the suitfirst led may in such case be of the greatest value. 

The idea of leading the fourth best only when it is a 7 or smaller cardeliminates the objection, yet in practically every case affords theadvantage. 

A player who adopts this system may at times, as, for example, withsuch a holding as Ace, Queen, 10, 8, 2, be obliged to open the 8, butinasmuch as he would lead the same card from Ace, Queen, 8, 7, 2, theDeclarer cannot bank upon the 8 of such a leader showing three highercards of the suit in his hand, and, therefore, no harm is done. 

If the leader have any such four-card combination as Ace, or any oneface card, accompanied by 9, 8, 2, or 8, 7, 2, showing that the lead isfrom four only is more important than opening the top of a two-cardintermediate sequence. When, however, the intermediate is headed by aKnave or 10, the opening of the top of it becomes advisable regardlessof the length of the suit. Of course, the 2, in the examples justgiven, is used to represent any small card, and the fourth best shouldbe led if it be a 3, 4, or 5. 

THE LEAD AGAINST A SUIT DECLARATION

Against a suit declaration, the original lead of the longest suit isnot in the least imperative. Strength is far more important thanlength. As the tables show, many high-card combinations are opened verydifferently, the theory being to win with honors, not to establishsmall cards. If the leader be a Whist-player, he must remember thatAuction is a very different game. The Trump has not been selected bychance, but has been named because of his adversaries' great length andstrength. The establishment of an adverse suit against a Trumpdeclaration is, therefore, an almost unknown proceeding. 

The object of the leader against a suit declaration is to get as manytricks as possible, and he should utilize the two best methods for sodoing: namely, winning with his own and his partner's high cards, andruffing with weak Trumps. 

He should avoid opening a tenace suit, regardless of its length. Asingleton, if he be short in Trumps, is probably his best lead; hissecond choice should be high cards in sequence. When his hand does notcontain either of these advantageous openings, he should try hispartner's suit. 

It goes without saying that if the leader have both the Ace and King ofa suit, it is always well to lead the King, not only for the purpose ofgiving information and taking a practically assured trick, but also inorder to obtain a look at the Dummy, which will enable him to moreadvantageously size up the entire situation. 

When his partner has not shown strength, the leader need never hesitateabout starting with a strengthening card of a short suit which has notbeen declared. He is also thoroughly justified, if weak in Trumps, inasking for a force by leading the top of a two-card suit. This, whilenot nearly so desirable an opening as a singleton, is better thanleading from a tenace. When the leader is long in Trumps, he shouldopen his own or his partner's strength. 

The leader should bear in mind as a vital principal that, against asuit declaration, a suit containing an Ace should never be openedoriginally, unless the Ace (or King, if that card be also held) be led. The leader should observe this convention, regardless of the length ofthe suit. The knowledge that a leader can be relied upon not to havethe Ace unless he lead it will be of material assistance to his partnerin the play. It is sometimes very tempting to lead low with an Ace, hoping that a King may be found in the Second Hand, and that thepartner's Queen may capture the first trick. This play willoccasionally prove successful, but in the long run, it is atrick-loser, there being so many instances of singletons, even ofsingle Kings, and also of two-card suits, where, unless the Ace be led, the Declarer will win the first trick and discard the other card. 

The leader must observe the distinction between opening a long and ashort suit which has always been in force in Whist, Bridge, andAuction--that is, when leading a suit headed by a Knave or smallercard, if long, open from the bottom; if short, from the top. Forexample, holding Knave, 9, 7, 2, the 2 should be led, but holdingKnave, 7, 2, the Knave is the card to open. 

One other conventional lead should be mentioned, which, as an originalopening, is advisable against a Trump declaration only. It is the leadof a two-card suit consisting of Ace, King. The Ace first, and thenKing, signifies no more of the suit, and a desire to ruff. Of course, by analogy, the lead of the King before the Ace shows more of the suit. 

HOW TO LEAD TO A DOUBLE

The question of what lead should be made when the partner has doubledis comparatively simple, although the answer depends materially uponwhether the double has been of a No-trump or a suit declaration. When aNo-trump has been doubled, the original lead should invariably be thesuit the doubler has declared. When the doubler has not made anydeclaration, the suit the leader has called should be opened. Whenneither the doubler nor the leader has declared, a case that rarelyoccurs, the lead should be either the best Club or the highest card ofthe leader's shortest suit, depending upon which of these twoconventions the doubler approves. 

The theory of the advocates of the Club convention is that it isimportant for the doubler of a No-trump to know exactly what suit willbe led, and that he is more apt to desire Clubs than any other, as theother suits, being of greater value, are more likely to be bid. Theargument of the advocates of the high card of the short suit conventionis that it enables a double to be made with any long suit. 

The Club convention is much safer, and is used by most conservativeplayers. 

In the event of there being any doubt what the lead should be, if theleader be fortunate enough to hold an Ace, it is good policy for him tolead it for the purpose of taking a look. The contents of the Dummywill probably furnish the desired information. 

When a suit declaration has been doubled, a singleton is always anadvantageous opening. The lead of a high card is also advisable for thepurpose of taking a look. If the leader be without either a singletonor high-card lead, his partner's suit is unquestionably his wisestopening. 

THE TABLES

The tables which appear at the end of this chapter should be carefullyexamined by all who are not absolutely letter perfect in theconventional leads. The present tendency of players taking up Auctionis to regard the leads as unimportant, and this often resultsdisastrously. The quondam Whist-player realizes the necessity of havingevery lead at his fingers' ends, but for the benefit of those who havenever participated in the older game, it may be said that theconventional leads have been determined upon only after years ofexperimentation; as a consequence of which it is known just which card, in the long run, will win the most tricks. 

A leader who, on the spur of the moment, during the play, triessomething else, is taking a course sure to deceive an intelligentpartner, and one which will probably reduce the number of his tricks. 

The one combination that seems to tempt some players to disregard theconventional, is the King, Queen, Ten, against a No-trump. With thisholding the King is manifestly most advantageous, as if the Declarerhold Ace, Knave, it will either force the Ace and hold the tenace overthe Knave or win the trick. Without the Ten, a small card should beled, but many players fail to recognize the important distinction. 

Every one attempting to play the game should learn the conventionalleads, and having once mastered this comparatively easy lesson, shouldnever allow a childish impulse, such as "having a hunch, " to induce anexperiment with a lead not recognized as sound. 

The various tables follow. 

 OPENING LEADS AGAINST A NO-TRUMP DECLARATION

 With a Without a Holding Reëntry Reëntry

 Ace, King, Queen, Knave, with or without others Ace Ace Ace, King, Queen, Ten, with one or more others Ace Ace Ace, King, Queen, Ten King King Ace, King, Queen, with three or more others Ace Ace Ace, King, Queen, with one or two others King King Ace, King, Knave, Ten, with two or more others Ace Ace Ace, King, Knave, Ten, with one other Ace Knave Ace, King, Knave, Ten King Knave Ace, King, Knave, with three or more others Ace Ace Ace, King, Knave, with two others Ace 4th best Ace, King, Knave, with one other King King Ace, King, and five others Ace Ace Ace, King, and four others King 4th best Ace, King, and two or three others 4th best 4th best Ace, Queen, Knave, Ten, with or without others Ace Queen Ace, Queen, Knave, with one or more others Ace Queen Ace, Queen, Ten, Nine, and three others Ace Ten Ace, Queen, Ten, Nine, with less than seven Ten Ten Ace, Queen, and five others Ace 4th best Ace, Queen, and two, three, or four others 4th best 4th best Ace, Knave, Ten, with one or more others Knave Knave Ace, Knave, with two or more others 4th best 4th best Ace, Ten, Nine, with one or more others Ten Ten Ace, Ten, Eight, with one or more others 4th best 4th best

 King, Queen, Knave, Ten, with or without others King King King, Queen, Knave, with one or more others King King King, Queen, Ten, with one or more others King King King, Queen, with five or more others King King King, Queen, with four or more others King 4th best King, Queen, with two or three others 4th best 4th best King, Knave, Ten, with one or more others Knave Knave King, Knave, with two or more others 4th best 4th best King, Ten, Nine, with one or more others Ten Ten King, Ten, with two or more others 4th best 4th best

 Queen, Knave, Ten, with one or more others Queen Queen Queen, Knave, Nine, with one or more others Queen Queen Queen, Knave, with two or more others 4th best 4th best Queen, Ten, Nine, with one or more others Ten Ten

 Knave, Ten, Nine, with one or more others Knave Knave Knave, Ten, Eight, with one or more others Knave Knave Knave, Ten, with two or more others 4th best 4th best

 Ten, Nine, Eight, with one or more others Ten Ten Ten, Nine, Seven, with one or more others Ten Ten

In all the above cases in which the fourth best is given as the lead, should the hand contain an intermediate sequence, headed by an 8, orhigher card, the top of such sequence should be led instead of thefourth best. For example, King, Knave, 9, 8, 2, lead the 9; King, Knave, 9, 7, 2, lead the 7. 

In any case not mentioned, in which there is not an intermediatesequence, headed by an 8 or higher card, the fourth best should beopened. 

The lead of the fourth best, when it is an 8 or higher card, should beavoided whenever possible. For example, Ace, Queen, 10, 8, 6, 2, leadthe 6; but never lead the lowest when holding more than four, so fromAce, Queen, 10, 8, 2, lead the 8. 

In all the Ace-King combinations in the above table, in which the Aceis the conventional lead, it is selected in preference to the King, because the highest card of the partner is desired; when the King isthe lead, the suit is not of sufficient strength to make that playadvisable. 

 OPENING LEADS AGAINST A TRUMP DECLARATION

 Holding Lead

 Ace, King, Queen, Knave King, then Knave Ace, King, Queen King, then Queen Ace, King, Knave King Ace, King, and one or more others King Ace, King, without any others Ace, then King Ace, Queen, Knave[22] Ace, then Queen Ace, Queen, and one or more others[22] Ace, then lowest Ace, Knave, Ten[22] Ace Ace, and one or more small Ace

 King, Queen, Knave, with or without others King King, Queen, Ten, with or without others King King, Queen, with or without others King King, Knave, Ten, with or without others[22] Knave King, Knave, and one or more others[22] Lowest or 4th best King, Ten, Nine, and one or more others[22] Ten King, and two or more others[22] Lowest or 4th best

 Queen, Knave, Ten, with or without others Queen Queen, Knave, Nine, with or without others Queen Queen, Knave, and two or more others 4th best[23] Queen, Knave, and one or no others Queen Queen, Ten, Nine, with or without others Ten

 Knave, Ten, with or without others Knave

 Ten, Nine, with or without others Ten

 [22] These suits unless declared by partner should not be opened, as they are disadvantageous leads against a Trump declaration. 

 [23] This is the conventional lead from this combination, but many good players prefer the Queen, especially when the indications are that the hand is not evenly divided. When long suits have been announced, the chances are that the suit led will be ruffed on the third round, if not earlier. If the King be in the Second Hand and the Ace in the Third, a trick can be gained by leading the Queen whenever the suit does not last for three rounds. Therefore, unless the hand indicate that the suits are evenly divided, the Queen seems to be the better lead. 

IX

THE PLAY

It has been stated elsewhere that it is easier to advise an Auctionplayer how to declare than how to play. This is unquestionably true, and as a rule instruction in print relating to intricate situations inthe play is of little benefit to the reader. 

End situations, and even those which arise earlier in the hand, seldom exactly repeat themselves. Pages may be filled with thedescription of brilliant plays by the Declarer and his opponents. The reader may study such examples until he becomes thoroughlyfamiliar with every detail, and yet, so great and infinite is thevariety of Auction hands, may play for years without ever having oneof them arise. Mathematicians state that the 52 cards may bedistributed in 53, 644, 737, 765, 839, 237, 440, 000 different ways, andthat a player may receive 635, 013, 559, 600 different hands. There isno reason to question the accuracy of these figures, but even ifthey be grossly excessive, it is still self-evident that each dealis apt to produce some totally new situation. 

All that will be attempted, therefore, in considering the play, is tooffer a few general suggestions that it is believed will be foundapplicable to a considerable percentage of hands, and that it is hopedwill prove useful. 

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PLAY IN AUCTION AND BRIDGE

There is little difference between the play in Auction and Bridge, although in Auction, due to the bidding, all the players have muchgreater information regarding the strength and weakness of the varioushands. 

There is one point of variance, however, worthy of consideration:--

In Bridge, the player of the open hand is generally striving for thegame as his only object. In Auction, the Declarer has two purposes inview; first, to fulfil his declaration; and second, when the making ofthe declaration does not in itself secure game, to obtain that also. 

Naturally, the opponents of the Declarer play with exactly the oppositeidea, their first object being to prevent him from going game, andtheir second, to keep him from fulfilling his contract. 

PLAYING FOR GAME

The Declarer should never take a finesse or make any other play which, if it succeed, gains one or more tricks, but which, if it fail, risksthe fulfilment of an otherwise assured contract. Having once made sureof his bid, he should apply a similar rule to the winning of the game. An extra trick counts comparatively little, but the failure to carryout a contract or to capture a game may alter the result of the rubber. 

The game is, of course, far more important than the contract, and theDeclarer, when he has a reasonable chance of obtaining it, should, ifnecessary, risk his declaration. On the other hand, his opponentsshould save the game beyond peradventure, even if by so doing they losean opportunity to defeat the Declarer. 

A couple of examples will show this more clearly than pages ofexplanation. 

Suppose, the score being love, the Declarer, who has bid three Royals, has about exhausted the possibilities of his cards. He has won eighttricks and has the lead in his own hand, with an Ace and Queen of thesame suit in the Dummy. One more trick will fulfil his contract, twowill give him game. The development of the play has shown that theadversaries will make the rest of the tricks whenever they obtain thelead, and consequently, if he finesse and lose, the eight tricksalready taken will be all he will secure, his Ace will "die, " and hewill be "one down. "

He is without information as to the location of the King; neitheradversary has declared, and neither has by discard or otherwise in theplay given a reliable hint as to the absence or presence of theall-important card. 

His duty is plain. By finessing he may lose 27 points and a penalty of50, 77 in all, but the finesse gives him an even chance to win thegame; and whether it be the rubber, with its premium of 250, or merelythe first game, but still a most important advance toward the goal, heshould take his chance, realizing that the value of the object forwhich he is striving is far greater than the 77 he may lose. 

Under similar conditions, however, if the Trump be Diamonds, thefinesse should be refused. It would then take three more tricks to makegame, and but two are possible. One completes the contract, and winningthe finesse adds only 7 points, less than one-tenth of the 71 placed injeopardy. 

The 21 points in the trick column assured by refusing the finesse are, viewed from a practical standpoint, just as near a game as 28 would be, but 21 makes the bidding for game on the next deal much easier than ifthe effort to win the extra 7 had resulted in the score remaining atlove. In this case, therefore, not only when the chances are equal, buteven when unmistakable inferences of declaration and play indicate thatthe success of the finesse is almost assured, the opportunity should berefused. 

"Penny-wise and pound-foolish" aptly characterizes a player who wouldrisk advantage of position and 71 points for the chance of gaining apaltry 7. 

PLAY FOR AN EVEN BREAK

The Declarer, in the absence of any positive indication to thecontrary, should base his play upon the probability of an even divisionof the cards. That is, with seven of a suit in his own hand and Dummy, he should play for each of the adversaries to have three; with nine, heshould play on the basis that the four missing cards are equallydivided. In the long run, playing for the even break will net manytricks, but in a small percentage of instances it will resultunfortunately. The case in which the question most frequently arises iswhen either in Trumps or in the Declarer's strong suit in a No-trump, the two hands hold nine cards headed by Ace, King, Knave. The divisionbetween the two hands may be

 Ace, King, Knave, X, X and X, X, X, X

 Ace, King, X, X, X and Knave, Ten, X, X

 Ace, Knave, X, X, X and King, X, X, X

 King, Knave, X, X, X and Ace, X, X, X

or any other. 

In all these cases the Knave finesse is tempting, but it should berefused, and the Ace and King played with the expectation of an evenbreak which will drop the Queen on the second round. The exceptions tothis general rule occur when

 (_a_) The presence of the Queen in either adverse hand has been indicated by some declaration or double. 

 (_b_) When one adversary has shown unusual length in some other suit. 

In the latter case, it is sometimes wise to play on the assumption thatthe adversary, very long in another suit, has but one of the suit inquestion, and consequently to finesse the _second round_ on thatbasis. 

GENERAL PLAY OF THE DECLARER

The Declarer, as soon as the Dummy's cards are spread, should size upthe situation, see how many tricks are in sight, what suit or suits itis necessary for him to establish, and what, if any, finesse orfinesses he will have to make in order to secure his declaration andhis game. 

In determining which way to finesse, he should be materially assistedby the bids of his adversaries, and during the play, as situationsdevelop either in his favor or against him, he should be continuallyfiguring on the best method to make his declaration. He should rememberthat failure to fulfil his contract will not only result in a materialloss on the score, but, in the end, may cost the rubber. When thescheme of play he has planned at the start shows signs of becomingunsuccessful, he should, if possible, change it for one more promising. 

The Declarer, especially if brought up in the Whist school, should bearin mind that he now has no partner anxiously seeking informationregarding the contents of his hand, but that he has two adversariesfrom whom he should withhold, as long as possible, knowledge of hisstrength, weakness, aims, and schemes. When any method of play suggestsitself which seems more deceptive than another, and yet produces thesame result, it should be adopted. False cards should be used wheneverpossible, as they are less informatory than the conventional lowest ofa sequence. The Declarer should worry his opponents in this waywhenever the opportunity offers. In playing small cards, the highershould frequently precede the lower, and every means should be used tomake it as difficult as possible for the adversaries to place thecards. 

DECLARER'S PLAY OF NO-TRUMP

The Declarer will find that he is obliged to use different tactics whenplaying a No-trump from those he employs when a Trump has been named. In the former case, his main object should be to establish his longsuit or suits, and to shut out those of the adversary. When he has theAce (without any other stopper) of an adverse suit, unless there besome other he fears more, he should refrain from playing the Ace untilthe third round, or until sure that the partner of the long hand hasexhausted his holding of that suit. The reason for this is obvious. Ifthe holder of the long suit can be kept from the lead, the suit willnot be made. He may be without a reëntry, so it is important that hispartner be unable to put him in by leading that suit. In this case, theDeclarer should take any doubtful finesse, which he has the opportunityof taking either way, so that, if it lose, the holder of the long suitwill not be in the lead. 

The Declarer should postpone as long as possible leading a suit of fourcards in one hand and three in the other, headed by Ace, King, andQueen, but not the Knave, unless he be afraid of a long, adverse runwhich will force him to awkward discards. The reason is that, shouldeither of the adversaries be long in that suit, three rounds willestablish for him one or more cards which otherwise would not be madegood. Leading even two rounds will be a warning not to discard fromthat suit. It should, therefore, be avoided, except for the purpose ofplacing a lead, until the other strength of the Declarer is exhausted, or until it becomes evident that, when next he loses the lead, theadversaries will control the situation. Then, and not until then, should he lead such a suit with the realization that, having postponedits establishment as long as possible, he has adopted the most probablemethod not only of shutting out adverse long cards, but also of makingan extra trick for himself. 

While the probability of establishing an adverse trick is not nearly sogreat when the Declarer has four cards of such a suit in each hand, itis still possible, and the method of handling it above advised, whenthe total holding is seven, should be followed even with eight. Athoughtless Declarer who has nothing to fear from an adverse run willoften as soon as he gets in (and before he establishes some suit thatdemands attention) start with a suit of this character. Such tacticssometimes cost a declaration--sometimes a game; yet the thoughtless onerarely appreciates his folly. 

An example may make this more evident:--

 DUMMY DECLARER

 Spades X, X Ace, Queen, X

 Hearts Ace, X, X, X King, Queen, X

 Diamonds X, X Ace, Queen, X

 Clubs Knave, 9, X, X, X Queen, 10, X, X

The 2 of Spades is opened, and the Declarer wins the first trick withthe Queen. He now has assured two Spade, three Heart, and one Diamondtricks, with a chance of one more in both Hearts and Diamonds; six sureand eight possible, without the Clubs. If he establish his Clubs, hecan make 3 tricks in that suit, which will insure game. 

If he open his Hearts, he may establish one or more for the adversariesand thus give up all chance of the game, as he is at best practicallysure to lose two Spades and two Clubs. 

It is impossible to gain any advantage by running the four Heartsbefore the Clubs, even if they all be good; in other words, it is aplay which may cost the game and cannot by any possibility gainanything whatever. 

When the Declarer holds a suit long in both hands, headed by the threetop honors, two in one hand and one in the other, it is wise to win thefirst trick with one of the honors of the hand which holds two; this isapt to be beneficial in the event of an adversary refusing or having asingleton. 

The Declarer, even when he has bid a light No-trump and received littleassistance, should play with confidence. His adversaries do not knowthe flimsy character of his declaration, and will credit him with morepowerful cards than he really holds. Even experienced players seem tofeel that a No-trump declaration is entitled to greater respect than itdeserves when made with the minimum strength which conventionallyauthorizes it. A clever player will frequently capture the odd withsuch a declaration, merely because the adversaries do not realize hisweakness. 

DECLARER'S PLAY OF A SUIT DECLARATION

The Declarer generally has a greater opportunity to display skill inthe play of a suit declaration than of a No-trumper. With a suitdeclared, as soon as the Dummy is placed before him, he must determinewhich of two plans of campaign it is advisable for him to adopt: thatis, he must either lead Trumps until the adversaries have no more, orhe must play the ruffing game and make his Trumps separately. Thelatter is especially advantageous if, with his weaker Trump hand, hecan take a trick or tricks that would, of necessity, be lost if heimmediately exhausted all the Trumps. 

The Declarer, therefore, should first look for a chance to ruff losingcards with his weak hand; when he does not find that opportunity, heshould realize that the adversaries will attempt to do some ruffingthemselves, and in nine cases out of ten, should exhaust the Trumps. 

When the Declarer has a holding which makes him anxious that the Trumplead should come from the other side, and the Dummy contains shortTrumps and a short suit (which short suit the Declarer cannot arrangefor the Dummy to ruff, either because he has the same number as theDummy, or because he has winning cards), he can sometimes induce anadverse Trump lead by opening the short suit, thus conveying to hisadversaries the impression that he desires to ruff with the shortTrumps. 

If the Declarer have sufficient Trump length in his weak Trump hand toexhaust the adverse Trump holding, and still remain with sufficientTrumps for all possible ruffs, he should lead Trumps before taking theruff, so as to avoid any chance of an over-ruff. An obvious case willexemplify this principle:--

The Declarer holds Ace, King, Queen, and one small Trump; the Dummy, four small; the Declarer, King, Queen, and two small Clubs, in whichsuit the Dummy has Ace and one small. Part of the Declarer's originalscheme of play is to have the Dummy ruff his losing Club, yet to leadthat suit before three rounds of Trumps would be the height of folly, as a winning card might be ruffed by an adversary or the Dummyover-ruffed. 

Managing the Dummy so as to utilize all his small Trumps to thegreatest advantage is one of the tests of the skill of the player ofthe combined hands. A simple example follows: With Hearts Trump, theDummy puts down one small Club, and three worthless Trumps. TheDeclarer wins the first trick, has Ace at the head of his long Trumps;also, Ace, King, and two losing Clubs. His play is plain. He shouldlead his Ace and then a small Club; ruff the latter, lead a Trump fromDummy, and then the remaining losing Club, for Dummy to ruff with hislast Trump. 

PLAY BY DECLARER'S ADVERSARIES

The adversaries of the Declarer must realize that they are at somedisadvantage in the play. The Declarer knows every card in the Dummy, but each of his opponents can at best only guess the holding of hispartner. They should, therefore, strive by every means in their powerto give each other all possible information. 

They should always play the lowest, and (except with Ace, King, and oneor more others) lead the highest of a sequence. The only case in whichthey should withhold information or play a false card is when suchaction may upset the calculations of the Declarer, and either cannotmislead the partner, or, if it do, will not affect his play. Forexample, with King, Queen, over an adverse Ace, Knave, 10, a false cardis more than justified, as it tempts the Declarer to mould his play foranother finesse; so also, in other cases in which the partner iswithout strength in the suit and his play is, therefore, unimportant, he may be treated as if he were a Dummy. 

The advantage of forcing the strong hand is just as great in Auction asin Whist or Bridge, and as a rule it is the best play possible for theadversaries of the Declarer. The only exception is when the Dummy hasan established suit and a reëntry. 

Suppose, for example, with four tricks to play, the Declarer has thelast Trump (Hearts), one Club, and two Diamonds. The Dummy has threewinning Clubs, and the leader a Diamond and winning Spades. He knows hecan force the Declarer's last Trump with a Spade, and generally thiswould be his wisest play; but the long Clubs in the Dummy show that theusual tactics cannot now be employed, and his only chance is to lead aDiamond hoping that his partner has one or two winners. 

It goes without saying that leading a suit the weak adverse hand cantrump, and upon which the strong hand can discard, is carrying out acustom most commendable at Christmas, but which at the card-table doesnot arouse the enthusiasm of the partner. 

A player should be most careful not to indicate by some mannerism thathis hand is trickless. By pulling a card before it is his turn to play, by apparent lack of interest, or by allowing himself to be wrapped ingloom, he may give the Declarer as much information as if he spread hishand on the table. 

THE SIGNAL

One of the best and most serviceable methods of giving information isby using "the signal, " which is made by the play of an unnecessarilyhigh card. For example, the Ace and King of a suit are led. The play ofthe 6 before the 5 constitutes a signal, as the 6 is an unnecessarilyhigh card. 

The meaning of this signal is that the maker desires the suit, in whichit is made, continued. Playing in ordinary order, lower before higher, shows that the continuation of that suit is not requested. It is theold Trump signal of the game of Whist, which, inasmuch as a demand fora Trump lead is not needed in Auction, has been borrowed andtransformed into a request to continue the suit. This signal was firstused to mean, "I can ruff the third round, " but the absurdity oflimiting it to any such meaning soon became apparent, and, as it is nowplayed, it means, "Partner, continue this suit. I have some reason forasking you so to do. " The failure to give this signal may mean, "Shiftthe suit, " but does not of necessity do so. It merely says, "Partner, Ihave no reason for asking you to lead this suit a third time. "

This signal is a most important part of Auction tactics. It can begiven on either the partner's or the Declarer's lead, should always beused when a continuation of the suit is desired, and should be watchedfor by the partner with the most painstaking care. The first tricksometimes furnishes this information. For example, the play of thedeuce, or of any card which the partner can read as being of necessitythe lowest, tells him that either the card is a singleton or that theplayer is not beginning a signal. 

When a player is anxious to place his partner in the lead, the signalmay be of the greatest possible value. Suppose, for example, he has twosuits from which to choose. In one of these suits he is withoutstrength, but his partner may have the Ace. In the other, he has theAce himself, and his partner may have the King. If he guess the wrongsuit, the Declarer will get in and take the rest of the tricks. Byleading his Ace and watching the size of the card his partner plays, hecan generally tell what to do. If the lowest card be played, he shouldshift the suit. In such a situation, if the partner wish the suitcontinued, and has more than two small cards, he should play thehighest so as to emphasize the signal. 

THE DISCARD

The discard which in Whist has been the subject of so manycontroversies, and which, even in Bridge, has created some discussion, does not assume nearly so great importance in Auction. The strength ofthe various suits having been clearly indicated by the bid, there isnot as great opportunity to furnish new information by the discard. 

It must not, however, be assumed, merely because the Auction discard iscomparatively unimportant, that it is not worthy of consideration. Trueit is that there is no need to worry over any such complicated systemsas strength or rotary discards. They are apt to confuse and producemisunderstandings far more damaging than any possible benefit whichresults when they work perfectly. The strength discard may compel theplaying of a card which, if its suit be established, will win a trick, and the rotary is not always reliable, as the discarder may be void ofthe "next suit, " or unable to discard from it because it is composed ofhigh cards only or of necessary guards for single honors. The"odd-and-even" discard, that is, 3, 5, 7, 9, showing strength, 2, 4, 6, 8, weakness, is very satisfactory when the hands are made to order, buta certain proportion of hands fail to contain an odd card when thediscarder desires to announce strength, or an even one when he hasextreme weakness. The awkwardness, when using this system, of such aholding as 3, 5, 7, is self-apparent. 

All these plans or fads had their innings in Whist, where importantinformation had to be conveyed by the discard, but in Auction, they areabout as necessary as pitching a curve to a blind batsman. 

The plain, simple, old-fashioned discard from weakness is all that isused or required, provided it be understood that a signal in thediscard means a reversal of its ordinary inference. A signal by discard(that is, for example, discarding first a 5, followed by a 2) isgenerally a showing of strength in that suit, and a most pronouncedsuggestion, if not an imperative command, that it be led at the firstopportunity. The only case in which it is not an evidence of strengthis when it shows a desire to ruff. The signal in the discard is mostserviceable when the Declarer is playing a long suit, and the partneris in doubt which of the two remaining suits to keep guarded. In thiscase it may not be a command to lead, but merely a wireless messagesaying, "I have this suit stopped; you take care of the other. "

A signal in a discard to show strength is only necessary when it is notadvisable to discard once from each of the other suits, which byinference gives the same information, yet does not shorten the strongsuit. 

Strength information can often be transmitted by the weakness discard, just as quickly and more simply than by the now generally abandonedstrength discard. For example, the discard of the lowest card showsweakness and negatives all possibility of a strength signal, but if thefirst discard be as high as a 7 or 8, and the partner can read, fromthe general composition of his hand and the Dummy, that the discardermust hold a lower card in that suit, he gets the information at once. 

Regardless of showing his partner strength or weakness, the player hasample opportunity to give evidence of skill in discarding. Too muchinformation should never be given to the Declarer when he is in thelead and controls the situation. There are many hands in which itbecomes obvious that all the adversaries of the Declarer can hope toaccomplish is the saving of a slam, or the taking of one more trick. The question is not what to tell the partner to lead when he gets in, but how to win a single trick. In such a case, a bluff discard, _i. E. _, showing strength where it does not exist, is sometimes effective, although a keen Declarer is not apt to be easily deceived by any ruseso transparent. One thing to remember under such circumstances, however, is not to help the Declarer by showing weakness, so that hewill know which way to finesse. In No-trumps or with the Trumpsexhausted, never discard a singleton, or too many cards of a weak suit. 

When a suit has been declared, it is unnecessary, by informatorydiscarding, to repeat the announcement of strength. This principle, just as is the case with other systems of play, is predicated upon theability of the partner to remember the bids. If, however, he be unableto do so, information by discard will obviously be sowing seed onbarren ground, and should be withheld, as the Declarer is the only onewho will reap any benefit. 

BLOCKING THE DUMMY

When the Declarer is playing a No-trump and the Dummy holds a long suitwithout reëntry, an adversary of the Declarer may have the opportunity, when he has a card stopping that suit, of blocking it and preventingthe long cards from making, by holding the winning card until theDeclarer has played what is necessarily his last card of the suit. 

AVOID OPENING NEW SUITS

The adversaries of the Declarer should avoid opening new suits unlessthe situation shows it to be necessary. They should remember that whenthe honors of a suit are evenly divided, opening it is practically sureto cost a trick, and that the starting of any suit, which is not headedby Ace and King, or a three-card sequence, is almost invariablydisadvantageous. The lead by the partner has been made with someobject, and should, therefore, be returned, except when the holding ofthe Dummy or some other development renders such action plainlyinadvisable. 

Shifting suits is about as advantageous as swapping horses whilecrossing a stream, and the advice to return the partner's suit ratherthan risk a new one applies with equal force whether a No-trump or suitdeclaration is being played, but does not refer to the situation inwhich the partner evidently desires that the suit he has declared beled through strength up to him. 

HOW TO RETURN PARTNER'S LEAD

When the original Third Hand returns a suit opened by his partner, heshould lead the winning card, if he hold it. If without the best card, when the lead is against a No-trump declaration, it is far moreimportant that a high card should be led through strength, and alsothat the holder of the length should be accurately advised as to hispartner's high cards, than that he should be told the exact number ofsmall ones. Therefore, when playing a No-trumper, the highest cardshould be returned from either three or two remaining. With fourremaining (five originally), the holding may be longer than that of theoriginal leader, and, therefore, the lowest should be led. If thepartner be a keen counter of small cards, the next to the lowest isdoubtless more informatory and just as advantageous as the lowest. Whenthe original Third Hand returns a suit opened by his partner against asuit declaration, there is some difference of opinion among goodplayers as to whether he should follow the Whist rule, which is themost informatory as to number, and lead the lowest of three remaining, the higher of two; or whether it is unwise to complicate matters bydistinguishing between this case and the return when a No-trump isbeing played. The question is not very important as long as partnersunderstand which convention is being used. 

None of these rules applies in the case, readily distinguishable, inwhich the adverse strength in the suit is in the Dummy, and it isnecessary to hold a high card over that hand; the play must then bemade to fit the situation, and not according to any hard-and-fastprinciple. 

THE FINESSE

The cards of the Dummy being exposed make it easy for the playersitting back of him to determine when to finesse. As the object of afinesse is to catch a high card on the right, it is folly to finesseagainst nothing--for example, the leader opens with Knave against aNo-trump; the Third Hand has King and others; when the Dummy has theQueen, it is obvious the King should not be played unless the Queencover the Knave, but when the Dummy holds only worthless cards, theThird Hand should play the King, as, should he finesse against nothing, he would allow the Queen to win. The leader has opened either from Ace, Knave, Ten, or a suit headed by a Knave-Ten combination. In the formercase the play of the King insures every trick; in the latter, it helpsclear the suit. It, therefore, is an example of the rule not to finessewhen the Dummy has nothing. 

An apparent exception to this rule occurs when the lead is made inanswer to a declaration, or as an evident effort to find the partner'sstrength. For example, the original Third Hand, with six Hearts headedby King, Ten, and two reëntries, has called Hearts. The Declarer isplaying a No-trumper, and the opening is the Knave of Hearts. The Dummyis without strength. In that case, the Declarer is marked with both theAce and Queen of Hearts. The Third Hand should, therefore, play small. The play of the King cannot be of any benefit, and should the Declarerhave the Nine, will be most expensive. This really is not a finesseagainst nothing, but, the position of the winning cards being marked, is merely a conservation of strength. 

The same general principle applies in many similar cases; when, however, a small card is led, the Third Hand should not finesse, unlessthe Dummy contain some high card. 

Playing No-trump, the following finesses are advisable over the Dummy:--

 WHEN DUMMY HAS FINESSE King Ace, Queen Ace, Knave Ace, Ten

 King, Knave Ace, Ten Ace, Nine

 King, Ten Ace, Nine

 Queen Ace, Knave Ace, Ten King, Knave King, Ten

 Knave Ace, Ten King, Ten Queen, Ten

Do not, however, except with a fourchette, finesse against Queen orKnave singly guarded, when it is evident that the Declarer and Dummyhold only four cards of the suit, and the Ace or King is marked withthe leader. 

When playing No-trump, as a rule do not finesse if so doing will blockthe partner's suit. 

X

SCORING AND SCORE-SHEETS

The score is a very important incident of the game of Auction, and tokeep it properly requires considerable care and skill. 

The figures frequently run into high numbers on both sides, and whenthe rubber continues during three hotly contested games, they becomequite voluminous. 

The score-sheet should be left on the table, and the writing on itshould be of such size that it can be seen at a glance. This saves timeand trouble, as it relieves the players from the necessity of askingthe state of the score. 

In some clubs two scores are kept, so that, in the only too probablecontingency of a mistake being made, it may invariably be detected. This, however, is unnecessary, and at times confusing. The extra sheetis also apt to prove annoying, because of the space it occupies uponthe table. One score is quite sufficient, if it be competently kept, and each entry, as well as the additions, verified. 

There are two totally different types of Auction score-sheets. The onewhich is used in perhaps ninety per cent. Of the private games, and, strange as it may seem, in many clubs, has absolutely no excuse for itsexistence, except that it was the first to be introduced and has thereputation of being universally used in foreign countries. It requiresscoring above and below the line, which is a most cumbersome anddilatory proposition. Keeping tally by this method involves, at the endof a rubber, long mathematical problems, which, as the scorer is thenin a hurry, frequently result in serious, and at times undiscovered, mistakes. 

The modern system adopted in the up-to-date clubs, in which the gamehas received its most scientific development, and in the highest classof social games, does away with the antiquated methods and exactingmathematical problems of the above- and below-the-line system, by usinga form of score-sheet which allows and encourages the scorer tomentally compute simple sums during the progress of the rubber. By theelimination of complicated figuring, it minimizes the opportunity formistake, and delay at the end of the rubber. 

All players are doubtless familiar with the old system of above-andbelow-the-line scoring, but only three classes now use it:

 A. Those who have never had the modern system and its advantages called to their attention. 

 B. Those who believe that, having once become accustomed to any method, it should never be changed for a better. 

 C. Those who believe that, because foreign clubs adopt a certain method, we should do the same. 

It is probably wasting time to attempt to convert any representative ofeither B or C, and fortunately for the intelligence of American cardplayers there are comparatively few who deserve to be included ineither of these classifications. 

Class A, however, comprises the vast majority of Auction players, whohave either never had the modern system of scoring called to theirattention, or, if they have seen it, have not thoroughly grasped itsnumerous advantages, and have continued the old method merely becausethey were more familiar with it and did not perfectly understand thenew. It is not putting the matter too strongly to assert that everyintelligent scorer, who gives the new plan a thorough test, neverreturns to the trials and vexations incident to keeping the tally aboveand below the line. 

Sample sheets are appended, showing the up-to-date scoring-blank as itappears at the beginning of the rubber; the same sheet with a rubberscored, the net totals being computed at the end of each game; and alsowith the same rubber scored, the net totals being computed at the endof each deal. One scorer will prefer to make up his totals at the endof a game, another will elect to compute them at the termination ofeach deal; but either way the advantages of the score-sheet areapparent. 

It goes without saying that any system which allows a player to see ata glance, not only the score of the game, but also the exact status ofthe rubber, is more advantageous than one which, until some time afterthe rubber is completed, may leave him in the dark as to whether he isahead or behind. Some players allow, whether they or their opponentsare in the lead upon the total score of the rubber, to affect theirdeclarations and doubles. This practice cannot be enthusiasticallycommended, but all must admit that for such players the new scoringsystem is most essential. 

It is, however, mainly as a labor- and time-saving device that the newplan is advocated. If any one doubt, let him keep the score of anyrubber under the old method while the same rubber is being scored bysome one familiar with the advantages of the new. The result is sure tobe most convincing. Under the new method, the short sums in addition orsubtraction are mentally computed, during the deal of the cards, etc. This occupies waste time only, and at the end of the rubber, leaves avery simple, frequently nothing more than a mental, problem. 

It has been estimated that during an evening's play, at least one morerubber can be completed when the scoring is conducted under the newmethod. 

The various score-sheets, all showing the same rubber, follow. 

 SAMPLE OF THE NEW SCORE-SHEET WITHOUT ANY ENTRY

 ----------------------------------------------------- OUR SCORE || OPPONENTS' SCORE ----------------------------------------------------- TRICKS | HONORS | TOTALS || TOTALS | TRICKS | HONORS =======+========+========++========+========+======== | | || | | -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- | | || | | -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- | | || | | -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- | | || | | -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- | | || | | -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- | | || | | -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- | | || | | -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- | | || | | -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- | | || | | -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- | | || | | -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- | | || | | -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- | | || | | -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- | | || | | -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- | | || | | -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- | | || | | -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- | | || | | -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- | | || | | -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- | | || | | -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- | | || | | -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- | | || | | -----------------------------------------------------

 SAMPLE OF NEW FORM OF SCORE-SHEET SHOWING A RUBBER SCORED WITH NET TOTALS COMPUTED AT END OF EACH GAME

 ----------------------------------------------------- OUR SCORE || OPPONENTS' SCORE ----------------------------------------------------- TRICKS | HONORS | TOTALS || TOTALS | TRICKS | HONORS =======+========+========++========+========+======== 16 | 32 | || | 18 | 72 -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- | 100 | || | | 30 -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- 60 | 60 | 268 || 120 | | =======+========+========++========+========+======== | | (148) || | | -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- | 216 | 266 || | 27 | 18 -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- 20 | 30 | 414 || 145 | 48 | 52 =======+========+========++========+========+======== | | (269) || | | 200 -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- | 64 | 249 || | | 100 -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- | 36 | 518 || 356 | 24 | 32 -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- 21 | 56 | || | | -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- 36 | 36 | || | | =======+========+========++========+========+======== | | (162) || | | -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- | | 250 || | | -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- | | 412 || | | -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- | | || | | -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- | | || | | -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- | | || | | -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- | | || | | -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- | | || | | -----------------------------------------------------

The score included in the circle is the _net_ total at the end ofeach game. It is obtained by subtracting the smaller score from thelarger; as, for example, in the first game above, 120 from 268, whichleaves a net of 148. If a scorer find it more satisfactory to subtractwhen the figures are in line, he can always write the smaller amountunder the larger; as, for example, the 120 under the 268. 

 SAMPLE OF NEW FORM OF SCORE-SHEET SHOWING SAME RUBBER SCORED WITH NET TOTALS COMPUTED AT END OF EACH DEAL

 ----------------------------------------------------- OUR SCORE || OPPONENTS' SCORE ----------------------------------------------------- TRICKS | HONORS | TOTALS || TOTALS | TRICKS | HONORS =======+========+========++========+========+======== 16 | 32 | 48 || | | -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- | | || 42 | 18 | 72 -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- | 100 | 28 || | | 30 -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- 60 | 60 | 148 || | | =======+========+========++========+========+======== -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- =======+========+========++========+========+======== | | 103 || | 27 | 18 -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- | 216 | 319 || | | -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- 20 | 30 | 369 || | | -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- | | 269 || | 48 | 52 =======+========+========++========+========+======== -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- =======+========+========++========+========+======== | 64 | 133 || | | 200 -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- | 36 | 69 || | | 100 -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- | | 13 || | 24 | 32 -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- 21 | 56 | 90 || | | -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- 36 | 36 | 162 || | | =======+========+========++========+========+======== | | 250 || | | -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- | | 412 || | | -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- | | || | | -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- | | || | | -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- | | || | | -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- | | || | | -------+--------+--------++--------+--------+-------- | | || | | -----------------------------------------------------

All figures under the head of totals are net, and show at the end ofeach deal the exact status of the rubber. It is also possible, when theabove method is employed, to further reduce the amount of bookkeepingby making only one entry whenever one pair scores honors and the othera penalty. This method could have been employed above, deal 3 of game1, by merely entering 70 under "Our Score" Honors, and also in deal 2of game 3, by entering 64 under "Opponents' Score" Honors. 

 SAMPLE SHOWING SAME RUBBER SCORED UNDER OLD SYSTEM WITH LONG ADDITIONS AND SUBTRACTION AT END OF RUBBER

 ----------------------- WE | THEY -----------+----------- 36 | 56 | 36 | 32 64 | 100 30 | 200 216 | 52 60 | 18 100 | 30 32 | 72 ===========+============ 16 | 18 60 | -----------+------------ 20 | 27 | 48 -----------+------------ 21 | 24 36 | ___ 250 | 621 ____ | 1033 | 621 | ____ | 412 | ===========+============

 THE SCORE OF THE RUBBERS IS BEST KEPT ON A SHEET OF THE FOLLOWING CHARACTER

 SCORE BY RUBBERS ------------------------------------------------------- | NAMES |+|-|||+|-|||+|-|||+|-|||+|-|||+|-| | ------------------+-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-| | | | ||| | ||| | ||| | ||| | ||| | | | ------------------+-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-| | | | ||| | ||| | ||| | ||| | ||| | | | ------------------+-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-| | | | ||| | ||| | ||| | ||| | ||| | | | ------------------+-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-| | | | ||| | ||| | ||| | ||| | ||| | | | ------------------+-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-| | | | ||| | ||| | ||| | ||| | ||| | | | ------------------+-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-| | | | ||| | ||| | ||| | ||| | ||| | | | ------------------+-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-| | | | ||| | ||| | ||| | ||| | ||| | | | ------------------+-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-| | | | ||| | ||| | ||| | ||| | ||| | | | ------------------+-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-| | | | ||| | ||| | ||| | ||| | ||| | | | ------------------+-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-| | | | ||| | ||| | ||| | ||| | ||| | | | ------------------+-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-| | | | ||| | ||| | ||| | ||| | ||| | | | ------------------+-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-| | | | ||| | ||| | ||| | ||| | ||| | | | ------------------+-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-| | TOTAL | | ||| | ||| | ||| | ||| | ||| | | -------------------------------------------------------

 THE FOLLOWING SHOWS HOW THIS SCORE SHOULD BE KEPT

 SCORE BY RUBBERS

 --------------------------------------------------------- | NAMES |+|-|||+|-|||+|-|||+|-|||+|-|||+ |- | | ------------------+-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++--+--| | Smith |2| |||2| ||| |2||| |3||| |3||| |2 | | ------------------+-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++--+--| | Jones | |2||| |2||| |6||| |5||| |5||| |6 | | ------------------+-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++--+--| | Brown |2| |||5| |||5| |||4| |||6| |||6 | | | ------------------+-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++--+--| | White | |2|||1| |||1| |||2| |||X|X|||X |X | | ------------------+-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++--+--| | Green | | ||| |3|||1| |||1| ||| |1||| |2 | | ------------------+-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++--+--| | King | | ||| |3|||1| |||1| |||3| |||4 | | | ------------------+-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++--+--| | | | ||| | ||| | ||| | ||| | ||| | | | ------------------+-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++--+--| | | | ||| | ||| | ||| | ||| | ||| | | | ------------------+-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++--+--| | | | ||| | ||| | ||| | ||| | ||| | | | ------------------+-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++--+--| | | | ||| | ||| | ||| | ||| | ||| | | | ------------------+-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++--+--| | | | ||| | ||| | ||| | ||| | ||| | | | ------------------+-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++--+--| | | | ||| | ||| | ||| | ||| | ||| | | | ------------------+-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++-+-+++--+--| | TOTAL |4|4|||8|8|||8|8|||8|8|||9|9|||10|10| ---------------------------------------------------------

It is always well to total at the end of each rubber and to note thesize of the rubber. These precautions make it easy to correct mistakes, should any occur. 

XI

THE LAWS

In 1902, some years before Auction had been heard of in the UnitedStates, a number of the best-known clubs of New York, Philadelphia, Boston, and other cities were represented at a meeting held in New Yorkfor the purpose of drafting a code of Bridge Laws to be used by theclubs of this country. The so-called "American Laws of Bridge" wereadopted, and duly published. It was then expected that they would beuniversally accepted. 

In a few months, however, some clubs, including several that had beenrepresented at the meeting, found that certain penalties of the"American Laws" were not popular with their members. One club afteranother made alterations or adopted its own code, so that the object incalling the meeting, namely, club uniformity, was soon as far as everfrom being attained. Gradually, however, the various clubs began torecognize that the Whist Club of New York deserved to be ranked as themost conservative and representative card-playing organization in theUnited States. They realized that it devoted its attention entirely tocard games, and included in its membership not only the most expertplayers of the metropolis, but also of many other cities. It was butnatural, therefore, that the admirable Bridge Code of the Whist Clubshould be accepted by one club after another, until in the end thedesideratum of the drafters of the American Laws was virtuallyobtained. 

When, in 1909-10, Auction, with its irresistible attractions, in anincredibly brief space of time made Bridge in this country a game ofthe past, the only Auction laws available had been drafted in London bya joint committee of the Portland and Bath Clubs. They were taken fromthe rules of Bridge, which were altered only when necessary to complywith the requirements of the new game. It is probable that the intentof the members of the Bath-Portland Committee was merely to meet animmediate demand, and that they expected to revise their own code assoon as wider experience with the game demonstrated just what wasneeded. 

Under these circumstances, it was to be expected that the Whist Club ofNew York would promulgate a code of Auction laws which would beaccepted from the Atlantic to the Pacific. The club, however, did notact hastily, and it was not until May, 1910, that it issued its firstedition of "The Laws of Auction Bridge. " This was amended in 1911, andin 1912 subjected to a most thorough and comprehensive revision. 

Until the adoption of a national code by an American congress ofAuction players, an event not likely to occur, it is doubtless for thebest interest of Auction in this country that the laws of the WhistClub of New York be generally followed. Uniformity is most important;otherwise, players from one city, visiting another, are sure to findlocal conditions which will, temporarily at least, prove something of ahandicap. 

When any improvement is suggested, which, after due trial, meets withlocal favor, it would seem wise that such suggestion, whether itemanate from a club committee or an individual, be forwarded to theCard Committee of the Whist Club of New York. It may be authoritativelystated that all such ideas will be cordially received, thoroughlyconsidered, and, if approved, incorporated in the club code at its nextrevision. 

Appended hereto will be found "The Laws of Auction Bridge" as publishedby the Whist Club of New York, November, 1912. These laws should becarefully read, if not studied, by every devotee of the game. No matterhow familiar a player may have been with the old laws, he will find anexamination of the new to be advisable, as the changes are bothnumerous and important. If it has not been his practice to keep intouch with Auction legislation, he should realize that a closeacquaintance with the code which governs the game he is playing willprove most beneficial. 

As the laws speak for themselves, it is not necessary to explain them, or even to point out the various alterations. The wording in many caseshas been materially changed, in order to clarify and simplify. Somepenalties that seemed too severe have been reduced, and certainmodifications have been made which appear to be in the line of modernthought. Special attention is called to the elimination of the lawwhich prevented consultation as to the enforcement of a penalty, andalso of the law which provided that when a wrong penalty was claimed, none could be enforced. The laws referring to cards exposed after thecompletion of the deal, and before the beginning of the play, have beenmaterially changed, and the law covering insufficient and impossibledeclarations has been altered and redrafted. A point worthy of specialattention is Law 52 of the Revised Code. It covers the case, whichoccurs with some frequency, of a player making an insufficient bid andcorrecting it before action is taken by any other player. Under the oldrule, a declaration once made could not be altered, but now when theplayer corrects himself, as, for example, "Two Hearts--I mean threeHearts"; or "Two Spades--I should say, two Royals, " the properdeclaration is allowed without penalty. 

The laws follow. 

THE LAWS OF AUCTION BRIDGE

THE RUBBER

1. The partners first winning two games win the rubber. If the firsttwo games decide the rubber, a third is not played. 

SCORING

2. A game consists of thirty points obtained by tricks alone, exclusiveof any points counted for honors, chicane, slam, little slam, bonus orundertricks. 

3. Every deal is played out, and any points in excess of the thirtynecessary for the game are counted. 

4. When the declarer wins the number of tricks bid, each one above sixcounts towards the game: two points when spades are trumps, six whenclubs are trumps, seven when diamonds are trumps, eight when hearts aretrumps, nine when royal spades are trumps and ten when there are notrumps. 

5. Honors are ace, king, queen, knave and ten of the trump suit; or theaces when no trump is declared. 

6. Honors are credited in the honor column to the original holders, being valued as follows:--

 _When a Trump is Declared. _

 3 honors held between partners equal value of 2 tricks. 4 " " " " " " " 4 " 5 " " " " " " " 5 " 4 " " in 1 hand " " " 8 " 4 " " " 1 " {5th in " " " 9 " 5 " " " 1 " {partner's hand " " 10 "

 _When no Trump is Declared. _

 3 aces held between partners count 30 4 " " " " " 40 4 " " in one hand " 100

7. Slam is made when seven by cards is scored by either side, independently of tricks taken as penalty for the revoke; it adds fortypoints to the honor count. [24]

 [24] Law 84 prohibits the revoking side from scoring slam or little slam. 

8. Little slam is made when six by cards is similarly scored; it addstwenty points to the honor count. [25]

 [25] Law 84 prohibits the revoking side from scoring slam or little slam. 

9. Chicane (one hand void of trumps) is equal in value to simplehonors, _i. E. _, if the partners, one of whom has chicane, score honors, it adds the value of three honors to their honor score; if theadversaries score honors it deducts that value from theirs. Doublechicane (both hands void of trumps) is equal in value to four honors, and that value must be deducted from the honor score of theadversaries. 

10. The value of honors, slam, little slam or chicane, is not affectedby doubling or redoubling. 

11. At the conclusion of a rubber the trick and honor scores of eachside are added, and two hundred and fifty points added to the score ofthe winners. The difference between the completed scores is the numberof points of the rubber. 

12. A proven error in the honor score may be corrected at any timebefore the score of the rubber has been made up and agreed upon. 

13. A proven error in the trick score may be corrected prior to theconclusion of the game in which it occurred. Such game shall not beconsidered concluded until a declaration has been made in the followinggame, or if it be the final game of the rubber, until the score hasbeen made up and agreed upon. 

CUTTING

14. In cutting, the ace is the lowest card; as between cards ofotherwise equal value, the lowest is the heart, next the diamond, nextthe club, and highest the spade. 

15. Every player must cut from the same pack. 

16. Should a player expose more than one card, the highest is his cut. 

FORMING TABLES

17. The prior right of playing is with those first in the room. Ifthere are more than four candidates of equal standing, the privilege ofplaying is decided by cutting. The four who cut the lowest cards playfirst. 

18. After the table is formed the players cut to decide upon partners, the two lower playing against the two higher. The lowest is the dealerwho has choice of cards and seats, and who, having made his selection, must abide by it. 

19. Six players constitute a complete table. 

20. The right to succeed any player who may retire is acquired byannouncing the desire to do so, and such announcement shall constitutea prior right to the first vacancy. 

CUTTING OUT

21. If, at the end of a rubber, admission is claimed by one or twocandidates, the player or players having played the greatest number ofconsecutive rubbers shall withdraw; but when all have played the samenumber, they must cut to decide upon the outgoers; the highest areout. [26]

 [26] See Law 14 as to value of cards in cutting. 

RIGHT OF ENTRY

22. A candidate desiring to enter a table must declare his intentionbefore any player at the table cuts a card, whether for the purpose ofbeginning a new rubber or of cutting out. 

23. In the formation of new tables candidates who have not played atany existing table have the prior right of entry. Others decide theirright to admission by cutting. 

24. When one or more players belonging to an existing table aid inmaking up a new one he or they shall be the last to cut out. 

25. A player who cuts into one table, while belonging to another, forfeits his prior right of reëntry into the latter, unless he hashelped to form a new table. In this event he may signify his intentionof returning to his original table when his place at the new one can befilled. 

26. Should any player leave a table during the progress of a rubber, hemay, with the consent of the three others, appoint a substitute to playduring his absence; but such appointment shall become void upon theconclusion of the rubber, and shall not in any way affect thesubstitute's rights. 

27. If any player break up a table the others have a prior rightelsewhere. 

SHUFFLING

28. The pack must not be shuffled below the table nor so that the faceof any card may be seen. 

29. The dealer's partner must collect the cards from the preceding dealand has the right to shuffle first. Each player has the right toshuffle subsequently. The dealer has the right to shuffle last; but, should a card or cards be seen during his shuffling, or while givingthe pack to be cut, he must re-shuffle. 

30. After shuffling, the cards properly collected must be placed facedownward to the left of the next dealer, where they must remainuntouched until the play with the other pack is finished. 

THE DEAL

31. Each player deals in his turn; the order of dealing is to the left. 

32. The player on the dealer's right cuts the pack, and in dividing ithe must leave not fewer than four cards in each packet; if in cuttingor in replacing one of the two packets a card is exposed, or if thereis any confusion or doubt as to the exact place in which the pack wasdivided, there must be a fresh cut. 

33. When the player whose duty it is to cut has once separated thepack, he can neither re-shuffle nor re-cut, except as provided in Law32. 

34. Should the dealer shuffle the cards after the cut, the pack must becut again. 

35. The fifty-two cards shall be dealt face downward. The deal is notcompleted until the last card has been dealt. 

36. In the event of a misdeal the cards must be dealt again by the sameplayer. 

A NEW DEAL

37. There _must_ be a new deal--

 _a_ If the cards are not dealt into four packets, one at a time and in regular rotation, beginning at the dealer's left. 

 _b_ If, during a deal, or during the play, the pack is proven incorrect or imperfect. 

 _c_ If any card is faced in the pack or is exposed during the deal on, above or below the table. 

 _d_ If any player has dealt to him a greater number of cards than thirteen, whether discovered before or during the play. 

 _e_ If the dealer deal two cards at once and then deal a third before correcting the error. 

 _f_ If the dealer omit to have the pack cut and either adversary calls attention to the fact prior to the completion of the deal and before either adversary has looked at any of his cards. 

 _g_ If the last card does not come in its regular order to the dealer. 

38. Should three players have their right number of cards, the fourth, less, and not discover such deficiency until he has played, the dealstands; he, not being dummy, is answerable for any established revokehe may have made as if the missing card or cards had been in his hand. Any player may search the other pack for it or them. 

39. If, during the play, a pack be proven incorrect, such proof rendersthe current deal void but does not affect any prior score. (See Law 37b. ) If during or at the conclusion of the play one player be found tohold more than the proper number of cards and another have an equalnumber less, the deal is void. 

40. A player dealing out of turn or with the adversaries' cards may becorrected before the last card is dealt, otherwise the deal must stand, and the game proceed as if the deal had been correct, the player to hisleft dealing the next hand. A player who has looked at any of his cardsmay not correct such deal, nor may his partner. 

41. A player can neither cut, shuffle nor deal for his partner withoutthe permission of his adversaries. 

DECLARING TRUMPS

42. The dealer, having examined his hand, must declare to win at leastone odd trick, either with a declared suit, or at "no trumps. "

43. After the dealer has made his declaration, each player in turn, commencing with the player on the dealer's left, has the right to pass, to make a higher declaration, to double the last declaration made, orto redouble a declaration which has been doubled, subject to theprovisions of Law 54. 

44. A declaration of a greater number of tricks in a suit of lowervalue, which equals the last declaration in value of points, shall beconsidered a higher declaration--_e. G. _, a declaration of "ThreeSpades" is a higher declaration than "One Club. "

45. A player in his turn may overbid the previous adverse declarationany number of times, and may also overbid his partner, but he cannotoverbid his own declaration which has been passed by the three others. 

46. The player who makes the final declaration shall play the combinedhands of himself and his partner (the latter becoming dummy), unlessthe winning suit was first bid by the partner, in which case he, nomatter what bids have intervened shall play the hand. 

47. When the player of the two hands (hereinafter termed "thedeclarer") wins at least as many tricks as he declared, he scores thefull value of the tricks won (see Laws 4 and 6). When he fails, neitherthe declarer nor his adversaries score anything towards the game, buthis adversaries score in the honor column fifty points for eachunder-trick--_i. E. _, each trick short of the number declared; or, if the declaration has been doubled, or redoubled, one hundred or twohundred respectively for each such trick. 

48. The loss on the original declaration by the dealer of "One Spade"is limited to one hundred points whether doubled or not, unlessredoubled. Honors are scored as held. 

49. If a player make a declaration (other than passing) out of turn, either adversary may demand a new deal, or may allow the declaration somade to stand, in which case the bidding shall continue as if thedeclaration had been in order. 

50. If a player make an insufficient or impossible declaration eitheradversary may demand that it be penalized, provided such demand be madebefore an adversary has passed, doubled or declared. In case of aninsufficient declaration the penalty is that the declarer must make hisbid sufficient and his partner is debarred from making any furtherdeclaration unless an adversary subsequently bids or doubles. In caseof an impossible declaration the penalty is that the declarer isconsidered to have bid to take all the tricks and his partner cannotfurther declare unless an adversary subsequently bids or doubles. Either adversary, instead of accepting the impossible declaration, maydemand a new deal or may treat his own or his partner's last previousdeclaration as final. 

51. If, after the final declaration has been made, an adversary of thedeclarer give his partner any information as to any previousdeclaration, whether made by himself or an adversary, the declarer maycall a lead from the adversary whose next turn it is to lead; but aplayer is entitled to inquire, at any time during the play of the hand, what was the final declaration. 

52. A declaration legitimately made cannot be altered after the nextplayer has passed, declared or doubled. Prior to such action by thenext player, a declaration inadvertently made may be corrected. 

DOUBLING AND REDOUBLING

53. The effect of doubling and redoubling is that the value of eachtrick over six is doubled or quadrupled, as provided in Law 4; but itdoes not alter the value of a declaration--_e. G. _, a declaration of"Three Clubs" is higher than "Two Royal Spades" even if the "RoyalSpade" declaration has been doubled. 

54. Any declaration can be doubled and redoubled once, but not more; aplayer cannot double his partner's declaration, nor redouble hispartner's double, but he may redouble a declaration of his partnerwhich has been doubled by an adversary. 

55. The act of doubling, or redoubling, reopens the bidding. When adeclaration has been doubled or redoubled, any player, including thedeclarer or his partner, can in his proper turn make a furtherdeclaration of higher value. 

56. When a player whose declaration has been doubled wins the declarednumber of tricks, he scores a bonus of fifty points in the honorcolumn, and a further fifty points for each additional trick. If he orhis partner has redoubled, the bonus is doubled. 

57. If a player double out of turn, either adversary may demand a newdeal. 

58. When the final declaration has been made the play shall begin, andthe player on the left of the declarer shall lead. 

DUMMY

59. As soon as the player to the left of the declarer has led, thedeclarer's partner shall place his cards face upward on the table, andthe duty of playing the cards from that hand shall devolve upon thedeclarer. 

60. Before placing his cards upon the table the declarer's partner hasall the rights of a player, but after so doing takes no part whateverin the play, except that he has the right:--

 _a_ To ask the declarer whether he has any of a suit in which he has renounced;

 _b_ To call the declarer's attention to the fact that too many or too few cards have been played to a trick;

 _c_ To correct the claim of either adversary to a penalty to which the latter is not entitled;

 _d_ To call attention to the fact that a trick has been erroneously taken by either side;

 _e_ To participate in the discussion of any disputed question of fact after it has arisen between the declarer and either adversary;

 _f_ To correct an erroneous score. 

61. Should the declarer's partner call attention to any other incidentof the play in consequence of which any penalty might have beenexacted, the declarer is precluded from exacting such penalty. 

62. If the declarer's partner, by touching a card or otherwise, suggestthe play of a card from dummy, either adversary may call upon thedeclarer to play or not play the card suggested. 

63. Dummy is not liable to the penalty for a revoke; if he revoke andthe error be not discovered until the trick is turned and quitted, whether by the rightful winners or not, the trick must stand. 

64. A card from the declarer's own hand is not played until actuallyquitted; but should he name or touch a card in the dummy, such card isconsidered as played unless he, in touching the card, say, "I arrange, "or words to that effect. If he simultaneously touch two or more suchcards, he may elect which one to play. 

CARDS EXPOSED BEFORE PLAY

65. If, after the cards have been dealt, and before the trumpdeclaration has been finally determined, any player lead or expose acard, the partner of the offending player may not make any further bidor double during that hand, and the card is subject to call. When thepartner of the offending player is the original leader, the declarermay prohibit the suit of the exposed card being the initial lead. 

66. If, after the final declaration has been made and before a card isled, the partner of the leader to the first trick expose a card, thedeclarer may, in addition to calling the card, prohibit the lead of thesuit of the exposed card; should the rightful leader expose a card itis subject to call. 

CARDS EXPOSED DURING PLAY

67. All cards exposed after the original lead by the declarer'sadversaries are liable to be called, and such cards must be left faceupward on the table. 

68. The following are exposed cards:--

 1st. Two or more cards played at once. 

 2d. Any card dropped with its face upward on the table, even though snatched up so quickly that it cannot be named. 

 3d. Any card so held by a player that his partner sees any portion of its face. 

 4th. Any card mentioned by either adversary as being held by him or his partner. 

69. A card dropped on the floor or elsewhere below the table or so heldthat an adversary but not the partner sees it, is not an exposed card. 

70. If two or more cards are played at once by either of the declarer'sadversaries, the declarer shall have the right to call any one of suchcards to the current trick, and the other card or cards are exposed. 

71. If, without waiting for his partner to play, either of thedeclarer's adversaries play or lead a winning card, as against thedeclarer and dummy, and continue (without waiting for his partner toplay) to lead several such cards, the declarer may demand that thepartner of the player in fault win, if he can, the first or any otherof these tricks, and the other cards thus improperly played are exposedcards. 

72. If either or both of the declarer's adversaries throw his or theircards on the table face upward, such cards are exposed and are liableto be called; but if either adversary retain his hand he cannot beforced to abandon it. Cards exposed by the declarer are not liable tobe called. If the declarer say, "I have the rest, " or any other wordsindicating that the remaining tricks or any number thereof are his, hemay be required to place his cards face upward on the table. Hisadversaries are not liable to have any of their cards called shouldthey thereupon expose them. 

73. If a player who has rendered himself liable to have the highest orlowest of a suit called (Laws 80, 86 and 92) fail to play as directed, or if, when called on to lead one suit he lead another, having in hishand one or more cards of the suit demanded (Laws 76 and 93), or if, called upon to win or lose a trick, fail to do so when he can (Laws 71, 80 and 92), or if, when called upon not to play a suit, fail to play asdirected (Laws 65 and 66), he is liable to the penalty for revoke, unless such play be corrected before the trick is turned and quitted. 

74. A player cannot be compelled to play a card which would oblige himto revoke. 

75. The call of an exposed card may be repeated until such card hasbeen played. 

LEADS OUT OF TURN

76. If either of the declarer's adversaries lead out of turn thedeclarer may either treat the card so led as an exposed card or maycall a suit as soon as it is the turn of either adversary to lead. 

77. If the declarer lead out of turn, either from his own hand or fromdummy, he incurs no penalty; but he may not rectify the error after thesecond hand has played. 

78. If any player lead out of turn and the three others follow, thetrick is complete and the error cannot be rectified; but if only thesecond, or second and third play to the false lead, their cards may betaken back; there is no penalty against any except the originaloffender, who, if he be one of the declarer's adversaries, may bepenalized as provided in Law 76. 

79. If a player called on to lead a suit has none of it, the penalty ispaid. 

CARDS PLAYED IN ERROR

80. Should the fourth hand, not being dummy or declarer, play beforethe second, the latter may be called upon to play his highest or lowestcard of the suit played, or to win or lose the trick. 

81. If any one, not being dummy, omit playing to a trick and such erroris not corrected until he has played to the next, the adversaries oreither of them may claim a new deal; should either decide that the dealis to stand, the surplus card at the end of the hand is considered tohave been played to the imperfect trick, but does not constitute arevoke therein. 

82. When any one, except dummy, plays two or more cards to the sametrick and the mistake is not corrected, he is answerable for anyconsequent revokes he may have made. When during the play the error isdetected, the tricks may be counted face downward, to see if anycontain more than four cards; should this be the case, the trick whichcontains a surplus card or cards may be examined and the card or cardsrestored to the original holder, who (not being dummy) shall be liablefor any revoke he may meanwhile have made. 

THE REVOKE[27]

83. A revoke occurs when a player, other than dummy, holding one ormore cards of the suit led, plays a card of a different suit. Itbecomes an established revoke if the trick in which it occurs is turnedand quitted by the rightful winners (_i. E. _, the hand removed fromthe trick after it has been turned face downward on the table); or ifeither the revoking player or his partner, whether in turn orotherwise, lead or play to the following trick. 

 [27] See Law 73. 

84. The penalty for each established revoke is:--

 (_a_) When the declarer revokes, his adversaries add 150 points to their score in the honor column, in addition to any penalty which he may have incurred for not making good his declaration. 

 (_b_) If either of the adversaries revoke, the declarer may either add 150 points to his score in the honor column, or may take three tricks from his opponents and add them to his own. Such tricks may assist the declarer to make good his declaration, but shall not entitle him to score any bonus in the honor column, in the case of the declaration having been doubled or re-doubled. 

 (_c_) When more than one revoke is made by the same side during the play of the hand the penalty for each revoke after the first, shall be 100 points in the honor column. 

A revoking side cannot score, except for honors or chicane. 

85. A player may ask his partner if he has a card of the suit which hehas renounced; should the question be asked before the trick is turnedand quitted, subsequent turning and quitting does not establish arevoke, and the error may be corrected unless the question is answeredin the negative, or unless the revoking player or his partner has ledor played to the following trick. 

86. If a player correct his mistake in time to save a revoke, anyplayer or players who have followed him may withdraw their cards andsubstitute others, and the cards so withdrawn are not exposed. If theplayer in fault is one of the declarer's adversaries, the card playedin error is exposed and the declarer may call it whenever he pleases;or he may require the offender to play his highest or lowest card ofthe suit to the trick, but this penalty cannot be exacted from thedeclarer. 

87. At the end of a hand the claimants of a revoke may search all thetricks. If the cards have been mixed the claim may be urged and provedif possible; but no proof is necessary and the claim is established if, after it has been made, the accused player or his partner mix the cardsbefore they have been sufficiently examined by the adversaries. 

88. A revoke must be claimed before the cards have been cut for thefollowing deal. 

89. Should both sides revoke, the only score permitted shall be forhonors in trumps or chicane. If one side revoke more than once, thepenalty of 100 points for each extra revoke shall then be scored by theother side. 

GENERAL RULES

90. Once a trick is complete, turned and quitted, it must not be lookedat (except under Law 82) until the end of the hand. 

91. Any player during the play of a trick or after the four cards areplayed, and before they are touched for the purpose of gathering themtogether, may demand that the cards be placed before their respectiveplayers. 

92. If either of the declarer's adversaries, prior to his partnerplaying, call attention to the trick, either by saying it is his, orwithout being requested so to do, by naming his card or drawing ittowards him, the declarer may require such partner to play his highestor lowest card of the suit led, or to win or lose the trick. 

93. Either of the declarer's adversaries may call his partner'sattention to the fact that he is about to play or lead out of turn; butif, during the play of a hand, he make any unauthorized reference toany incident of the play, or of any bid previously made, the declarermay call a suit from the adversary whose turn it is next to lead. 

94. In all cases where a penalty has been incurred the offender isbound to give reasonable time for the decision of his adversaries. 

NEW CARDS

95. Unless a pack is imperfect, no player shall have the right to callfor one new pack. If fresh cards are demanded, two packs must befurnished. If they are produced during a rubber, the adversaries shallhave the choice of the new cards. If it is the beginning of a newrubber, the dealer, whether he or one of his adversaries is the partycalling for the new cards, shall have the choice. New cards must becalled for before the pack is cut for a new deal. 

96. A card or cards torn or marked must be replaced by agreement or newcards furnished. 

BYSTANDERS

97. While a bystander, by agreement among the players, may decide anyquestion, he should not say anything unless appealed to; and if he makeany remark which calls attention to an oversight affecting the score, or to the exaction of a penalty, he is liable to be called upon by theplayers to pay the stakes (not extras) lost. 

ETIQUETTE OF AUCTION BRIDGE

In Auction Bridge slight intimations convey much information. A code iscompiled for the purpose of succinctly stating laws and for fixingpenalties for an offense. To offend against etiquette is far moreserious than to offend against a law; for, while in the latter case theoffender is subject to the prescribed penalties, in the former hisadversaries have no redress. 

1. Declarations should be made in a simple manner, thus: "One Heart, ""one No-trump, " or "I pass, " or "I double"; they should be made orallyand not by gesture. 

2. Aside from his legitimate declaration, a player should not give anyindication by word or gesture as to the nature of his hand, or as tohis pleasure or displeasure at a play, a bid or a double. 

3. If a player demand that the cards be placed, he should do so for hisown information and not to call his partner's attention to any card orplay. 

4. No player, other than the declarer, should lead until the precedingtrick is turned and quitted; nor, after having led a winning card, should he draw another from his hand before his partner has played tothe current trick. 

5. A player should not play a card with such emphasis as to drawattention to it. Nor should he detach one card from his hand andsubsequently play another. 

6. A player should not purposely incur a penalty because he is willingto pay it, nor should he make a second revoke to conceal a first. 

7. Players should avoid discussion and refrain from talking during theplay, as it may be annoying to players at the table or to those atother tables in the room. 

8. The dummy should not leave his seat for the purpose of watching hispartner's play, neither should he call attention to the score nor toany card or cards that he or the other players hold, nor to any bidpreviously made. 

9. If a player say "I have the rest, " or any words indicating theremaining tricks are his, and one or both of the other players shouldexpose his or their cards, or request him to play out the hand, heshould not allow any information so obtained to influence his play nortake any finesse not announced by him at the time of making such claim, unless it had been previously proven to be a winner. 

10. If a player concede in error one or more tricks, the concessionshould stand. 

11. A player having been cut out of one table should not seek admissioninto another unless willing to cut for the privilege of entry. 

12. No player should look at any of his cards until the deal iscompleted. 

DECISIONS BY THE CARD COMMITTEE OF THE WHIST CLUB OF NEW YORK

Since the adoption of the foregoing code, the Card Committee of theWhist Club of New York has rendered the following decisions, interpreting certain laws that have caused discussion. The cases inquestion have arisen in various localities, --Number 6, for example, coming from St. Louis, Number 7 from Northern New York, and Number 8from Mexico. 

CASE 1

A bids out of turn. Y and Z consult as to whether they shall allow thedeclaration to stand or demand a new deal. B claims that, by reason ofthe consultation, the right to enforce a penalty is lost. 

DECISION

Rule 49 does not prohibit consultation. It provides that "eitheradversary may demand a new deal or allow the declaration to stand. "This obviously only means that the decision first made by either shallbe final. The old law prohibiting consultation has been stricken fromthe code, and the action seems wise, as such a question as, "Will youenforce the penalty, or shall I?" is really a consultation, andconsequently an evasion of the law. 

There does not seem to be any sound reason for preventing partnersentitled to a penalty or choice of penalties from consulting, and asthe laws at present stand, there is unquestionably nothing prohibitingit. 

B's claim, therefore, is not allowed. 

CASE 2

A bids two Hearts, Y bids two Diamonds, --B demands that the Ydeclaration be made sufficient. Y says, "I correct my declaration tothree Diamonds. " B passes, Z bids three No-trumps. A claims that Z hasno right to bid. 

DECISION

Law 50 provides that "in case of an insufficient declaration ... Thepartner is debarred from making any further declaration. " This exactlycovers the case in question. True it is that Law 52 provides that, prior to the next player passing, declaring, or doubling, a declarationinadvertently made may be corrected. The obvious intent of this law isthat it shall apply when a player says, "Two Diamonds--I mean, threeDiamonds"; or, "Two Spades--I mean two Royals"; and that suchcorrection shall be allowed without penalty if the declaration hasreally been inadvertently made and neither adversary has taken anyaction whatever. We interpret 52 by reading into it the additionalwords, "or either adversary calls attention to the insufficientdeclaration. " The construction put upon 52 by Y would result innullifying a most important part of 50. 

The claim of A is sustained. 

CASE 3

At the conclusion of the play the cards are turned face downwardpreparatory to the next deal. It is then discovered that the packcontains two Queens of Clubs and no Knave of Clubs. The score has beenclaimed and admitted, but not recorded. 

Is the deal which has just been completed, void?

DECISION

Rule 39 provides that "If, _during the play_, a pack be provenincorrect, such proof renders the _current_ deal void, but does notaffect any prior score. "

"Current" may be defined as "in actual progress, " "belonging to thetime immediately passing. "

It seems clear, therefore, that as the discovery of the imperfectiondid not occur during "the current deal, " the result of it becomes "aprior score, " which under the terms of the rule is not affected. 

CASE 4

A player belonging to one table expresses his desire to enter another, and cuts in. At the end of the rubber he claims that he is not obligedto cut with the others. 

DECISION

Rule 24 provides that "When one or more players belonging to anexisting table aid in making up a new one, he or they shall be the lastto cut out. " This rule applies only when a player leaves an existingtable to help make up another, when, without him, there would not befour players for the new table. 

When a player leaves a table and cuts into another, his presence notbeing required to complete the table he enters, he has the samestanding as the others at that table. 

CASE 5

A player belonging to one table expresses his desire to join another, cuts for the privilege of entering in accordance with Rule 23, andfails to cut in. At the end of the rubber, must he cut again?

DECISION

By his first cut he lost his rights at his former table and became amember of the new table; at the end of the rubber he has the right toenter without cutting. 

CASE 6

The bidding in an Auction deal was as follows:--

 _1st 2d 3d Round Round Round_

 North 3 Royals Redouble Double East No No No South 4 Hearts No Double West Double 6 Clubs Claims new deal

The deal was played and resulted in the Declarer taking six tricks, aloss of 600. The question is whether West's claim should be sustainedor this score counted, it being a part of the case stated that thedeclaration which was the subject of complaint was made inadvertently. 

DECISION

Law 54 provides that "A player cannot redouble his partner's double, "but does not penalize such action. The prohibition is intended toprevent an increase in the value of the tricks and a penalty is notattached, as the additional double is generally a careless act, notlikely to materially benefit the offending player. 

It goes without saying that any such double is most irregular, and anysuggestion of strength thereby conveyed will not be used by anhonorable partner. The same comment applies to the remark, sometimesmade, "Partner, I would have doubled if you had not. "

A player repeatedly guilty of such conduct, or of intentionallyviolating any other law, should be reprimanded, and, if the offense becontinued, ostracized. 

In the case under consideration, this question does not arise, as it isconceded that the act was simply an inadvertence. Even, however, hadits _bona fides_ been questioned, the decision would of necessity bethat the score be counted, as the laws do not provide a penalty for theoffense. 

CASE 7

The bidding in an Auction deal was as follows:--

 _1st 2d 3d 4th Round Round Round Round_

 North 1 Club 1 Heart 2 Hearts No East 1 Diamond No Double No South No No 3 Clubs West No 2 Diamonds No

South claimed that his partner, having abandoned the Club declaration, he (South) became the real Club bidder, and, having made the finaldeclaration, was entitled to play the combined hands. 

DECISION

Rule 46 provides that when the winning suit was first bid by thepartner, _no matter what bids have intervened_, he shall play thehand. 

This rule decides the case. 

CASE 8

At about the seventh or eighth trick, the left-hand adversary of theDeclarer remarks, "If you have all of the tricks, lay down your hand. "The Declarer does not answer, but continues the play in the usualmanner. 

One trick later the same adversary says, "Lay down your hand, "whereupon almost simultaneously the Declarer and the adversary who hasdone the talking place their hands face upward on the table. 

The Declarer then states that he can take all the tricks. The play isnot completed, but examination shows one trick may be taken by theadversaries of the Declarer if he do not finesse in a certain way. 

Under these irregular circumstances, should the Declarer lose thetrick?

DECISION

Law 72 provides, "If either or both of the declarer's adversaries throwhis or their cards on the table face upward, such cards are exposed andliable to be called; but if either adversary retain his hand, he cannotbe forced to abandon it. Cards exposed by the declarer are not liableto be called. If the declarer say, 'I have the rest, ' or any otherwords indicating that the remaining tricks or any number thereof arehis, he may be required to place his cards face upward on the table. His adversaries are not liable to have any of their cards called shouldthey thereupon expose them. "

Section 9 of Etiquette provides: "If a player say, 'I have the rest, 'or any words indicating the remaining tricks are his and one or both ofthe other players expose his or their cards or request him to play outthe hand, he should not allow any information, so obtained, toinfluence his play, nor take any finesse not announced by him at thetime of making such claim, unless it had been previously proven to be awinner. "

The case under consideration is covered by the first portion of Law 72. The latter portion of that law does not apply, as the opponent did notplace his cards on the table after a claim by the Declarer. 

The law seems clear, the cards of the adversary are exposed and subjectto call--the cards of the Declarer cannot be called. 

The etiquette of the game, however, must not be disregarded. 

The plain intent of Section 9 and the justice of the case is that, ifthe Declarer place his hand on the table claiming the remaining tricks, he should not receive a doubtful trick unless, when he made his claim, he contemplated any finesse necessary to obtain it. 

If he did not intend to finesse that way, or did not then realize thata finesse would be necessary, he should, under these circumstances, voluntarily surrender the trick. 

The reason for this is that, should a Declarer claim all the tricks, the opponent who requires the hand to be played out would naturallyhold the strength; the locus of the request, therefore, suggests theway to win the finesse. 

It is most advantageous for the interest of Auction that, when no realplay remains, time should not be wasted, but neither side should in anyway benefit by an effort to avoid useless delay. 

In the case under consideration, however, the adversary suggests thatthe hands be placed on the table, and the Declarer may naturally expectthat the only card which might take a trick will drop. 

There is no reason to assume that the Declarer will not finessecorrectly, and it is not just that the act of his opponent shoulddeprive him of the opportunity of so doing. 

The decision, therefore, is that the Declarer is entitled to thedisputed trick. 

CASE 9

Dummy leaves the table to get a glass of water. As he returns to hisseat, he sees his partner's hand and notices that he is revoking. 

Has he, under these circumstances, the right to ask him whether he hasany more of the suit?

DECISION

Law 60 gives the Dummy the right to ask this question, and does notspecify that he must be in his seat to avail himself of the privilege. 

Section 9 of Etiquette provides that Dummy shall not leave his seat forthe purpose of watching his partner's play; but even should he do so, his breach of etiquette would not deprive him of the rights given himby law. 

An adversary may unquestionably object to the Dummy watching the playof the Declarer. 

That, however, is not the case under consideration. The penalty for therevoke is the most severe in Auction, many think it unreasonably so, and a player is unquestionably entitled to every protection the lawaffords him. 

The decision, therefore, is that, under the conditions named, thequestion may be asked. 

CASE 10

With three tricks to play, the Declarer throws his cards face upward onthe table, claiming the remaining tricks. His opponents admit hisclaim, and the score is entered. The Dummy then calls the attention ofthe table to the fact that, had a certain lead been made, the Declarercould not have taken all the tricks. 

Query: Under the circumstances, is the Declarer entitled to all thetricks; first, viewing the question solely from a strict interpretationof the laws; and second, from the standpoint of good sportsmanship?

DECISION

Section 10 of Etiquette provides, "If a player concede in error one ormore tricks, the concession should stand. " There is no law affectingthis situation, and, therefore, the section of Etiquette above quotedclearly covers the first portion of the query. 

As to whether good sportsmanship would require the Declarer, under suchcircumstances, to voluntarily surrender any of the tricks to which heis entitled by law, does not seem to produce a more serious question. 

It is true that the adversaries, by overlooking a possible play, made aconcession that was not required, and that the Dummy noticed the errorof the adversaries. Why, however, should the Dummy be obliged tocorrect this error any more than any other mistake of his opponents?

It is perfectly clear that, had a similar error been made by theDeclarer, the Dummy could not have saved himself from suffering byreason of it, and, whether the question be either a strictinterpretation of law or of sportsmanship, it is a poor rule that doesnot work both ways. 

Both parts of the query are, therefore, answered in the affirmative. 

CASE 11

The Declarer leads three rounds of Trumps, on the third an adversaryrefuses. 

Later in the play the Declarer leads a winning card which is trumped bythe adversary who has refused Trumps. 

The player who trumped the trick gathered it. 

The Declarer said, "How did you win it?"

The player answered, "I trumped it. "

The Dummy then said, "Who trumped it?"

After this remark by the Dummy, the Declarer claims a revoke, the claimis disputed upon the ground that the Dummy called the revoke to theattention of the Declarer. The Declarer states that he would have madethe claim, regardless of Dummy's remark. 

Query: Should the revoke be allowed?

DECISION

Law 60 prescribes explicitly the privileges of the Dummy after he hasplaced his hand on the table. 

There are exactly six things which he may do and no more. 

Law 61 provides, "Should the declarer's partner call attention to anyother incident of the play in consequence of which any penalty mighthave been exacted, the declarer is precluded from exacting suchpenalty. "

Inasmuch as asking "Who won the trick?" is not one of the sixprivileges allowed the Dummy, such action is irregular, and must, ofnecessity, call attention to the revoke. Had the Dummy actually claimedthe revoke, it would preclude the exaction of a penalty, even had theDeclarer been about to claim it. It is, therefore, immaterial whetherthe Declarer would have noticed the revoke had the Dummy not made theirregular remark. 

The question is decided in the negative. 

CASE 12

The adversaries of the Declarer take ten tricks, but revoke. Underthese conditions, can either side score "except for honors or chicane?"

DECISION

Law 84 provides that "a revoking side cannot score, except for honorsor chicane. "

It also provides: "If either of the adversaries revoke, the declarermay either add 150 points to his score in the honor column or may takethree tricks from his opponents and add them to his own. Such tricksmay assist the declarer to make good his declaration. "

It is evident that the Declarer is given the option of either scoring150 points or taking three tricks, should he prefer to make good hisdeclaration rather than receive the bonus. 

In the case cited, three tricks could not fulfill the contract, butshould a thoughtless or generous Declarer elect to take a penalty whichwould not benefit him, in preference to 150, he would be acting withinhis rights. 

The rule clearly decides this case. The adversaries "cannot scoreexcept for honors or chicane, " and the Declarer can "add 150 to hisscore in the honor column" if he elect so to do. 

Acknowledgment is made of the courtesy of The Whist Club of New York inpermitting the publication of its code of laws and of the decisions ofits Card Committee. 

SUMMARIZED PENALTIES

For the benefit of those who wish to hastily ascertain the penalty foran offense or to refer to the law upon the subject, the following tableof summarized penalties has been prepared. It does not include everypossible penalty, but merely those of most frequent occurrence. 

OFFENSE PENALTY LAW

Revoke by Declarer 150 points 84 _a_Revoke by Adversary 150 points or 3 tricks 84 _b_Revoke by Dummy None 63Second revoke in same hand 100 points 84 _c_

Lead out of turn by Declarer None 77

 { Exposed cardLead out of turn by Adversary { or 76 { Called lead

Card exposed during deal New deal 37 _c_

 { Partner cannot bid norCard exposed after deal and { lead suit of card and card 65 before end of bidding { may be called

 { May be called and if exposedCard exposed after end of { by Third Hand that suit 66 bidding and before lead { not be led

Card exposed { Declarer None 72 during { play by { Adversary May be called { 67 { 72

Two or more cards played at All may be called 70 once by adversary

Not playing to trick New deal 81Playing 2 cards to trick Liable for revoke 82Playing with less than 13 cards Liable for revoke 38Holding 14 cards New deal 37 _d_

Misdeal New deal { 36 { 37

Dealing out of turn or with May be corrected before 40 wrong cards last card is dealt

Declaration out of turn New deal 49Double out of turn New deal 57Pass out of turn None 49

Insufficient declaration Made sufficient and partner 50 debarred from bidding

Impossible declaration Made 7 tricks and partner 50 debarred from bidding; or new deal; or previous declaration may be made final

Dummy's calling attention to Penalty for offense 61 eliminated any offense

Dummy's suggesting a play It may be required or 62 prohibited

Declarer's naming or touching May have to play it 64 card in Dummy

Adversary's calling attention Partner may be required to 92 to trick play highest or lowest card or win or lose trick

Giving information about Called lead 51 bidding after final bid

Fourth Hand playing before Second Hand may be required 80 Second to play highest or lowest card or win or lose trick

Cutting more than one card Must take highest 16

APPENDIX

QUERIES AND ANSWERS

The introduction of the count now in use has produced so radical achange in the game of Auction that of necessity innumerable differencesof opinion have arisen among individual players. 

Many questions have been submitted to arbitrators for decision. In somecases the author of AUCTION OF TO-DAY has been complimented by beingcalled upon for his opinion, and a few queries that seem to be uponpoints of general interest, with the answers given, follow. 

QUERY

What is the correct original bid of the Dealer in the following cases?

 1. Seven Diamonds, headed by Knave, Ten; Ace of Spades; Ace of Hearts; Ace and three small Clubs. 

 2. The same hand, except that the Clubs are Ace, King, and two small. 

 3. The same two hands, with the Diamonds headed by Queen, Knave, Ten. 

ANSWER

These hands are evidently conceived for the purpose of provingvulnerable the rule that a suit should not be called without the Ace orKing. They doubtless never did and probably never will occur in actualplay, but most aptly illustrate a point of declaration, and are, therefore, worthy of consideration. 

It must be remembered that in the extraordinary case any convention ofdeclaration may be varied to suit the hand. Undoubtedly, the last ruleto permit exception is that above mentioned. For the purpose ofemphasis it may properly be said to be without exception, and yet, ifany such holding actually happen, it may become necessary for theDeclarer to take a little leeway. It cannot affect the confidence ofthe partner if a player, only under such extraordinary circumstances, departs from the conventional, and the remarkable character of the handguarantees that harm will not result in the particular instance. 

All of the above hands contain three Aces, yet a No-trump should not bebid, as it would probably be left in, and with two singleton Aces theyare dangerous No-trumpers, but strong Diamonds. 

The hands are much too strong to call one Spade, as that also might notbe overbid. Two Spades followed by Diamonds would be quitesatisfactory, would avoid breaking the rule, but would not include theeffort to eliminate adverse bidding which, with a hand of thischaracter, might be desirable. 

Two Diamonds is not permissible, as that is the conventional call for asolid Diamond suit. 

There is no reason, however, that three or more Diamonds or Clubsshould not indicate a long weak Trump suit with such additionalstrength that one Spade is an unsafe call. Such a bid would suggestthat a game is probable in the suit named. It is not a recognized bidand would rarely be used, but an intelligent partner would at oncegrasp its meaning. 

The answer to the above, therefore, is

 1. Three Diamonds. 

 2. Three, or even Four, Diamonds. (The bid of one Club might be left in. )

 3. Three or 4 Diamonds in first; 4 in second. 

QUERY

Would it not improve the game of Auction and increase the amount ofskill required in the declaration if the value of Royal Spades bealtered from 9 to 5?

ANSWER

The basic theory of the present count is to equalize, as nearly aspossible, the value of the five declarations, in order to produce themaximum amount of competition in bidding. This has proved most popularwith the mass of players, and has been universally adopted not only inthis country, but also in England, France, and Russia. To decrease thevalue of the Royal Spade from 9 to 5, would be a distinct stepbackward. In that case it would take 4, instead of 3, Royal Spades tooverbid two No-trumps; and 6, instead of 4, to overbid three No-trumps. It is not likely that any change, which diminishes the ability of theholder of Spades (or of any suit) to compete with a No-trump, will everappeal to Auction devotees. The greater the possibility for competitivebidding, the greater the opportunity for displaying skill in thatbranch of the game. 

QUERY

Should the Dealer bid one Club, holding Ace and King of Clubs, foursmall Spades, four small Hearts, Ace, Queen, and one small Diamond?

ANSWER

No. One Club deceives the partner. It indicates length in Clubs, andmay induce him to advance that suit too far. In the event of an adverseNo-trump, it will probably result in the lead of the partner's highestClub, which is apt to prove extremely disastrous. One No-trump is farsafer than one Club, and might be defended on the ground that with fourcards in each of the two weak suits the danger of a long adverse run isreduced. 

One Spade, however, places the Dealer in a splendid position to advanceany call his partner may make, and is doubtless the sound bid. 

QUERY

Is it not an objection to the count now in use that the Spade suit isgiven two values, and would it not be wise to make Spades 9, and allowthe Dealer to pass the original declaration?

ANSWER

The advisability of this plan was thoroughly considered before thepresent count was suggested. It would make a pass by the Dealer equalto the present declaration of one Spade, and in the event of the fourplayers all passing, presumably would necessitate a new deal. It wouldeliminate two, three, and four Spade bids by the Dealer and SecondHand, and the double of one Spade by the latter. 

It would relieve the Third Hand from determining whether to take hispartner out of one Spade, and take from the Fourth Hand the decision ofwhether to play for a penalty of 100 or try for game. It is evident, therefore, that it would take a great deal out of the bidding of everyone of the four players, and it is hard to believe that any schemetending to decrease the variety of, and amount of skill required for, the declaration, is to the advantage of the game. 

The objection to having two Spade values is purely theoretical, asplayers are not in the least embarrassed thereby, nor is the number ofdeclarations at present a part of the game cumbersome or confusing. Theargument, that if there be two Spade values there might equally well betwo values for each of the other suits, almost answers itself. Havingmore than one Royal declaration would of necessity result incomplications, and, of course, only one defensive call is needed. Withthe advantages of the Spade bid so numerous and evident, and with noreal disadvantage apparent, there does not seem to be any sound reasonfor abandoning it. 

QUERY

Dealer bids one Royal. Second Hand holds Ace, King, Queen, Knave, andTen of Clubs; Ace, King, and two small Diamonds; Ace and two smallHearts; one small Spade. What should he bid?

ANSWER

Three Clubs. The holding thoroughly justifies a No-trump, as the handcontains eight sure tricks. If, however, the partner cannot stop theSpades, the adversaries will save the game at once, while eleven Clubtricks is not an impossibility. Furthermore, the partner may have theSpades stopped if _led up to_ him, but not if led _through_him. 

The Declaration of _three_ Clubs (one more than necessary) tells thepartner the situation, and accomplishes two purposes:--if the partnerhave not the Spades stopped, the game is still possible; if the partnerhave the Spades stopped, if led up to him, it instructs him to call twoNo-trumps, whereas a No-trump bid by the Second Hand, with the samecards, might fail to produce game, because the position of the openinglead would then be reversed. 

QUERY

Dealer bids one No-trump; Second Hand, two Hearts. Third Hand holds

 Spades Knave, Ten, and three small Hearts One small Diamonds Two small Clubs Ace, Queen, Knave, and two small

What should be bid?

ANSWER

Two Royals. This hand, especially with an adverse Heart call, is muchmore apt to go game at Royals than at No-trump. Two Royals asks to belet alone; three Clubs practically commands the partner to bid twoNo-trumps if he have the Hearts stopped. 

This is but an expansion of the principle that the original call of oneClub or one Diamond suggests a No-trump, while one Heart or one Royalindicates a desire to try for game in the suit named. 

QUERY

Is it fair for partners to agree that the bid of one Spade shall meanweakness; one Club, general strength; and two Clubs, strength in Clubs?

ANSWER

It is perfectly fair for players to use the above-described, or anyother convention, provided their adversaries understand its meaning. Conventions are an essential part of Auction. The lead of a King toshow the Ace is a convention--so is every informatory play ordeclaration. When plays or bids are generally understood, it isunnecessary for players to explain their significance, but theadversaries should have all the information upon the subject possessedby the partner, and nothing approaching a private understanding shouldexist. 

QUERY

The Dealer bids one No-trump, holding

 Spades Ace, Queen, Ten, and three small Hearts Ace, Queen Diamonds Ace, and one small Clubs Ace, and two small

Second and Third Hands pass; Fourth Hand, two Diamonds. 

What should the Dealer declare on the second round?

ANSWER

Two Royals. The hand is far too strong to pass, while to bid twoNo-trumps is foolish, as, unless the partner hold the King of Spades, it is almost certain that the contract cannot be fulfilled. 

Two Royals is safe and presents a good chance of game. A game in Royalsis far more valuable than 100 for Aces, which may be reduced, if notwiped out, by penalties for under-tricks. 

QUERY

Score, Love. Dealer bids one Spade; Second Hand, one Diamond; ThirdHand, one Royal; Fourth Hand, two Clubs. 

Second round, Dealer bids two Royals; Second Hand, three Clubs; ThirdHand, three Royals; Fourth Hand, four Diamonds. 

Dealer holds

 Spades Knave, 10, 7 Hearts King, Knave, 8 Diamonds 7, 4, 3 Clubs King, 7, 6, 3

Should he double the four Diamond declaration?

ANSWER

A bid of four Diamonds should never be doubled at a love score unlessthe Doubler be reasonably sure of defeating the declaration. In thiscase he may expect to win one Club, and possibly one Heart, althoughthat is not sure. Either the Declarer or the Dummy may be withoutSpades. The double does not seem reasonably safe and may keep thepartner from a successful bid of four Royals. The Dealer, therefore, should pass.