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Use this long term partnership checklist to make sure you are ready for winning Bridge. Also, to have a solid & comprehensive technique and partnership. Not only you will become a good player, but also you will enjoy Bridge like you never before. If you are determined, try to complete this checklist within a few months. Remember Bridge is a partnership, the slowest of the partner will set the pace.

For a new partner checklist that will get you ready for Bridge within 15 minutes with a new partner: click here.

Core Bidding System

  • Opening Bidding list is covering as maximum as possible of the Bridge Spectrum
  • Your opening bid should cover all possible two suiter (both major, both minor, a major and a minor) in the 6-11 HCP range
  • You use reverse bid vs jump shift vs splinter vs cue-bidding effectively
  • Have a strong opening system (i.e:2) that solve the problem that it has no upper limit (i,e: when responder can pass? )
  • Detail up to 3-level bidding, show all the detail that needed
  • Incorporate all 2-suiter opening
  • Differentiate long suit bidding: pre-empt, solid, strong, good, average, etc
  • Bid and handle strong (4441) distribution
  • Get additional “branching” using Kokish relay
  • Use Gazilli variations to look after 1M – 1NT sequence
  • Splinter or not to splinter
  • Effective cue bidding
  • Occasional effective psyche bid
  • King-asking, Queen-asking, and-void showing in the slam bidding
  • Specific Ace Asking/Exclusion asking bid: asking key card with the exception of a certain suit

Defensive Bidding System

  • Using Responsive Double, Negative Double, Maximum Double Effectively
  • Precaution if the opponent is doing a psychics bid
  • Bid after opponent overcalled a 1NT opening, Rubensohl/Lebensohl sequence
  • Using Redouble bid effectively
  • Converting take-out double into a penalty double
  • When to do negative double, cuebid or pass after the opponent does pre-emptive bid.
  • Recover after disruption, e.g use ROPE/DOPE after 4NT got disturbed

Competitive Bidding System

  • Comprehensive takeout double sequence
  • Using Responsive Double, Negative Double, Maximum Double Effectively
  • Doubling or sacrificing?
  • Bluff bid
  • Block bid
  • All 2-suiter strong bid over Level 1, 1NT, Weak Two, Pre-emptive level-3, High-level bid
  • All weak 2-suiter bid over Level 1 or strong 2C
  • Comprehensive takeout double sequence
  • Strong pass manoeuvre
  • Reopening bid
  • Balancing Bid
  • Special bid for 2C Strong
  • Defence for Strong Club/Precision
  • Special defence for Brown sticker/ HUM
  • High-level competitive bidding, i.e: positive slam double/negative slam double

Defender Skill

  • Know the difference and the effective lead against NT vs Suit contract, part-score vs game, game vs slam, etc
  • Understand the intention behind your partner’s opening lead.
  • Know what NOT to lead.
  • Visualize what partner’s holding from bidding, lack of bidding, dummy and how declarer plays the first 2 tricks.
  • Visualize what declarer’s holding from bidding, lack of bidding, dummy and how declarer plays the first 2 tricks.
  • Using the attitude signal correctly
  • Unblocking: throwing honour or significant card for your partner’s benefit
  • Effective signalling by a discard/suit preference

Declarer Skills

  • Statistics knowledge of outstanding cards: when to drop, when to finesse
  • Safety play vs looking for a maximum trick
  • Multiple plans for a contract
  • Leverage your weak opponent: get the most
  • Know the intention behind an opening lead
  • Know how to set up and play advanced technique such as squeeze, double squeeze, Vienna coup, etc

Partnerships Aspects

  • Has the long term partnership goals aligned? e.g: casual player vs serious player will not get a maximum result.
  • Get a third person to settle differences with your partner. Someone that you both respect. A coach is ideal.
  • Know the antique and behaviour of your partner on the table, e.g: when he/she preempt with no honour, etc
  • Have a goal to achieve

X-Factors

  • Know the rule and regulation to use it for your maximum advantage: go to Director training?
  • Pacing your play to get that subtle information from your opponent
  • Maintain stamina for long-board tournament
  • Memorizing most of bidding, distribution and play (proof of focus during session)

You need to keep playing while perfecting this long term partnership checklist above.
Have a good workout with your partner!

Long Term Partnership Checklist For Winning Bridge