Expert Bridge Tip

Like all of you, I can’t wait to get back to cruising again. I especially miss our hosted bridge tournaments and classes on board during bridge cruises. In the meantime, there are some great organizations that host free online bridge so you can stay sharp and on top of your game. Below is one of my top bridge tips that I like to share when I teach the game on our bridge cruises.

Let the bidding guide you to the best opening lead.

No one makes the most effective choice of leads every single time, but the opponents are unwittingly providing clues that can be helpful. Their bidding lays out a blueprint of their hands, revealing their long and short suits as well as their high-card strength. Use that information to choose the lead that you think – hope – will do them the most damage.

Try this example. If you hold ♠Q8642 ♥K109 ♦Q84 ♣72 and the bidding goes INT-3NT by the opponents, you should make your normal lead of the fourth-best spade. Presumably, the opponents hold about 26 high-card points, leaving roughly seven for your partner. If some of those are in spades, you have a good chance to establish long winners in that suit. If, however, the bidding has gone 2NT-6NT, now your partner probably has a bust hand. Make a passive lead in clubs as anything else is likely to give declarer a cheap trick.

Be sure to stay tuned for more bridge tips from me and I hope to see you aboard Oceania Cruises soon.

About Gerry Fox
Gerry Fox, a coordinator of bridge activities for Oceania Cruises, is a bridge expert and has taught the game full time for more than 40 years. He is an ACBL Diamond Life Master and the author of several books on the subject.