Bridge Term Breakdown
Tempo
The ACBL defines tempo as the speed with which a bid or play is made. The best advice is: Always try to bid and play in an even tempo.
The ACBL uses the term “break in tempo” (BIT) as a longer-than-usual pause proceeding an action in the bidding (usually) or the play of a deal.
Occasions will undoubtedly occur when a player hesitates before bidding; this may give unauthorized information to his partner and opponents.
Difficult bidding decisions take time, and it is certainly within your rights to break tempo if required. A hesitation to bid is not illegal; what is illegal is to take advantage of the hesitation. A hesitation then a pass puts your partner between a proverbial rock and a hard place. The partner of the hesitator must be careful not to be influenced in any way by the break in tempo and bid his hand accordingly as if the hesitation had not occurred.
Simply, do not play too fast or too slow, but always try to play in a consistent, even tempo. Don’t pass too slowly or double too quickly. And of course, body language is not permitted!
Excerpted from “A Newcomer’s Guide: Stress-Free Introduction to Duplicate Bridge” by Brian R. Gray. Available from friesenpress.com and amazon.com.
Best Bidding
Major-suit raises
What are your partnership agreements regarding raising a major-suit opening bid?
1. This is called a single raise. It is not forcing. Responder has at least three-card trump support and a hand that is not strong enough to invite game, usually about 6–9 HCP. Here’s a good single raise:
♠Q 10 7 ♥K 10 8 ♦3 2 ♣A 9 7 4 2.
2. This double raise is commonly called a “limit raise.” It’s invitational to game, but not forcing. Responder should have four-card trump support and somewhere between a good 10 and a bad 12 HCP. Here’s an example of a limit raise:
♠Q J 7 2 ♥A 10 ♦K J 7 ♣9 6 5 3.
3. A jump to game is typically made with a big trump fit and no slam interest. It is not always bid expecting to make, especially at favorable vulnerability (non-vulnerable vs. vulnerable) and suggests little to no defensive values. Here is a hand that might jump to game:
♠K 10 7 4 2 ♥9 ♦8 6 4 2 ♣Q 8 2.
4. This is a conventional, game-forcing raise called Jacoby 2NT. It promises four or more trump and enough values for game opposite a minimum opener. Something like:
♠A 10 7 2 ♥K Q J 2 ♦K J 3 ♣6 2.
Next month, more on Jacoby 2NT: Opener’s rebids.
Tournament Terminology
Have you ever thought about attending a bridge tournament? It can be a great way to connect with people outside of your club.
The ACBL is geographically made up of 25 districts and over 300 units that host the different types of tournaments:
Sectional tournaments are local tournaments organized by units, usually held over one weekend. They offer silver points.
STaC stands for Sectional Tournament at Club. These sectional-rated events offer silver points at your club and often include multiple units. The results are scored across all participating units with overall awards.
Regional tournaments are organized by districts. They typically run longer than a sectional and include more events. They offer gold and red points.
I/N Regional tournaments. I/N stands for Intermediate/Newcomer. These tournaments are limited to non-Life Masters, typically with fewer than 750 masterpoints, and offer gold and red points.
National tournaments – North American Bridge Championships – are run by the ACBL with lots of help from the local district. You can win platinum, gold and red points at an NABC.
Once you’ve found a tournament, you need to decide which events you want to play in. The schedule is almost always available online; often there are paper flyers advertising upcoming tournaments.
Games with an upper masterpoint restriction, such as 199er or 499er games, Gold Rush Pairs or bracketed teams can be restricted by either the average masterpoint holding of the pair or team OR no one player can have more than the upper limit. Check with the director to be sure you qualify for an entry.
More on Tournament Terminology can be found in the May 2023 issue of the Bridge Bulletin on pages 28–29.
