Redoubles?

What does a redouble mean in modern bidding and how can it be used?

Here was a hand at a past Trumps congress that caused some discussion:

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Grand day for slams

Many pairs play that, in reply to a 1H or 1S opening, a game-forcing raise is shown by a response of 2NT “Jacoby”.

If playing Jacoby, the immediate response of 2NT to a major opening shows 13+ points and, ideally, at least 4-card support. Opener may then show a shortage (singleton or void) if the hand has one by bidding the short suit at the 3-level. Here is a good example of Jacoby in action

Read more: Grand day for slams

The Jacoby two-step

Many pairs play that, in reply to a 1H or 1S opening, a game-forcing raise is shown by a response of 2NT “Jacoby”.

If playing Jacoby, the immediate response of 2NT to a major opening shows 13+ points and, ideally, at least 4-card support. Opener may then show a shortage (singleton or void) if the hand has one by bidding the short suit at the 3-level. Here is a good example of Jacoby in action:

WEST            EAST
♠ 6             ♠ A542
♥ A9872         ♥ K6543
♦ A65           ♦ K2
♣ A765          ♣ K3   

WEST     EAST
1H       2NT   (Jacoby)
3S ?

Read more: The Jacoby two-step

Display finesse – by avoiding one

Finessing is one of most important plays in bridge. But what do you do when the cards are likely offside and your finesses are therefore slated to lose?

          NORTH
          ♠ Q86
          ♥ J63
          ♦ 762
          ♣ AQ54
WEST                EAST
♠ 42                ♠ 97
♥ AQ82              ♥ T975
♦ KJ4               ♦ T985
♣ KT92              ♣ J76
          SOUTH
          ♠ AKJT53
          ♥ K4
          ♦ AQ3
          ♣ 83

WEST  NORTH  EAST  SOUTH
1C    Pass   Pass  Dble
Pass  1NT    Pass  4S
All pass

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Smart competition

Every year since 2004, the Prince of Wales Medical Research Institute has organised a Bridge for Brain Research Challenge. Held in the first week of May, the challenge has the twofold purpose of raising funds for Alzheimer’s and dementia research, and highlighting the benefits of bridge and other mental activities in maintaining a healthy brain. Today’s deals are both taken from one of these Challenges, and illustrate an important modern principle of competition.

After your side finds a fit (say 1H : 2H), but an opponent then calls over you (say 2S), what would a bid of 3H mean?

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Re-assessing losers

How good is this North hand below? Some would describe it as a “four loser” hand (it has two diamond losers and is missing one of the top three honours in each major).

♠ AKJT85
♥ AKJ82
♦ 65
♣ —

What if South opens 1H?

Read more: Re-assessing losers