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Intermediate Bridge LESSON 12 The Game-try Double The Law of Total Tricks The Opening side The Defending side Deals 101-108 Quiz - Answers Bidding Guide : 8

The Law of Total Tricks, as defined by the French Bridge theorist Jean-Rene Vernes says :

For example if your side has (5 + 3 =) 8 Spades and the Opponents possess (5 + 4 =) 9 Diamonds, the total number of tricks that can be made with contracts in these two suits is 8 + 9 = 17 tricks.

The actual tricks makable need not be divided 8-9 (they may be 7-10 or 9-8 for example), as they depend on the favourable or unfavourable location of critical key cards like an Ace or a King. For example if a King sits over the Ace it will likely make a trick, but if it sits under the Ace it will probably be captured by it.

Nevertheless, it is a good rule of thumb (when competing for a Part score) to bid up to the 2 level with 8 trumps and up to the 3 level with 9 trumps. Or, when Not Vulnerable you might bid up to the 3 level with just 8 trumps, happy to go down one trick.

The Law of Total tricks applies to either side, to the Opening side as well as to the Defending side.
Here follow some examples for the Opening side

East raised Opener's hearts, he must hold therefore at least 3 cards in the suit. West holds 6 hearts which makes a total of 6 + 3 = 9. West therefore bids 3♥.

But what if West only holds 5 hearts ?

As far as West knows the total number of hearts his side holds is 5 + 3 = 8. He should therefore pass!
His Partner (E) will have a chance to bid again, and if he holds 4 hearts (instead of the 3 he promised) East can raise to 3♥.

But what if West holds 5 (or even 6) hearts but is slightly stronger and has an interest in a Game contract ?

In such case West can make a Game-try double. This double replaces the normal Game invitation bid of 3♥. This way the raise of 3♥ can be a competitive raise which is not invitational.

After a Game-try Double Partner has two options :

a. Bid 3 in the agreed suit when minimum

b. Bid Game in the agreed suit when maximum

Exactly the same principles and approach apply to the Defending side.
The only difference is that the points holdings of the two Defending players are different.
An Overcaller shows a decent 5+card suit and 8-15 points.
His/her Partner when raising the suit by one level shows 3+card support plus 9-12 points.

Here follow a few examples :

• Deals 101-104 - Deals 105-108

• Solo bidding

• Facts sheet - Bidding Guide p.8

• Individual hands