The opponents have stopped bidding at a low level. It  is Pass, Pass to you. If you pass, the bidding will end and they will play the hand. The action that you take in this position is called balancing. What are the choices? Bid a suit, bid no trump, or pass. Almost the same choices we have in life: do something, do nothing, or eat. (Maybe go to the movies.)

Balancing?

w   Almost never let the opponents play at one of a suit. w   When the opponents stop bidding at the two level after finding a fit, consider entering the bidding. w   If the opponents stop bidding at the two level without finding a fit, then in most cases let them play there. w  A balancing bid can be made with 3 or 4 points less than an opening bid. For example: bid No Trump with 13 - 16 points; double or bid a suit with 9+ points.  w   Rarely balance when you have to enter the three level. w  Be aware of the tyranny of Spades. All things being equal the pair that has the Spades owns the hand. w   Remember when your partner balances he knows you have cards and he is bidding some of them. So do not over bid.

 

QUIZ 22

BALANCING

 

YOUR LHO OPENS THE BIDDING 1 . YOUR PARTNER PASSES. YOUR RHO PASSES. WHAT DO YOU BID WITH THE FOLLOWING HANDS?

xxYOUR LHO OPENS THE BIDDING xx1 . YOUR PARTNER PASSES. YOUR  xxRHO BIDS 2  ALL PASS TO YOU. xx(YOUR PARTNER AND RHO BOTH  xxPASS.) WHAT DO YOU BID?

	1.	A 8 3 2   J 9 8 4    9 8    A J 8	5.	A 10 8 7    4 2    K J 3 2    Q 7 3
	2.	A 2    Q J 9 8 4    8 2    A J 8 4	6.	K Q 10 7 6    7 6 3    K J 2    9 2
	3.	A 5 4    J 7 6    K J 10 4    A J 3	7.	A 5 4    7 6 3    Q 5 4    10 9 8 7
	4.	8 3    J 8 4    K Q 10 8 2    Q 8 3	8.	A    7 6 4    J 10 8 3    Q 10 9 7 2