On Nervous Nelly’s hand I’d probably bash 3N especially against a player who will blindly lead partner’s suit. On such auctions, how inclined should the opening leader be to try something different in the same way that leading an Ace against a gambling 3N is often recommended?
Regards,
Iain
Bobby WolffAugust 22nd, 2021 at 8:37 pm
Hi Iain,
At least to me, while basically agreeing with your strategy, is that your opponents should not be judged by their bridge ability, but rather their poker acumen.
And always consider that if the solid club hand chanced 3NT, before seeing the opening lead together with the dummy, even
psychology goes out the window and lady luck makes a grand entry.
To be frank, I have no idea what to do, except when faced with that type of conundrum, I tend to be aggressive and let it fly.
Do not ever forget that when one does risk 3NT, the auction is not over, although almost all experienced players would expect the bidder to have that type of hand, but as to who has what stopper, GO FISH!.
A similar gambit practiced by worthy opponents (often while trying to steal a slam) is showing a singleton (by whatever bid in their quiver, if any, which shows shortness), but having two or three little, with the intention of then being given time to discard that loser or losers.
Yes, it is a tangled web to weave, with the victor to receive the spoils, but an extra advantage when so gambling, is once in a not so great while, you do go set, but find the good news that your opponents could have made their high contract, but, of course not bid,
allowing your partnership the last and only, hearty laugh.
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Hi Bobby,
On Nervous Nelly’s hand I’d probably bash 3N especially against a player who will blindly lead partner’s suit. On such auctions, how inclined should the opening leader be to try something different in the same way that leading an Ace against a gambling 3N is often recommended?
Regards,
Iain
Hi Iain,
At least to me, while basically agreeing with your strategy, is that your opponents should not be judged by their bridge ability, but rather their poker acumen.
And always consider that if the solid club hand chanced 3NT, before seeing the opening lead together with the dummy, even
psychology goes out the window and lady luck makes a grand entry.
To be frank, I have no idea what to do, except when faced with that type of conundrum, I tend to be aggressive and let it fly.
Do not ever forget that when one does risk 3NT, the auction is not over, although almost all experienced players would expect the bidder to have that type of hand, but as to who has what stopper, GO FISH!.
A similar gambit practiced by worthy opponents (often while trying to steal a slam) is showing a singleton (by whatever bid in their quiver, if any, which shows shortness), but having two or three little, with the intention of then being given time to discard that loser or losers.
Yes, it is a tangled web to weave, with the victor to receive the spoils, but an extra advantage when so gambling, is once in a not so great while, you do go set, but find the good news that your opponents could have made their high contract, but, of course not bid,
allowing your partnership the last and only, hearty laugh.