Oct 11 2009
10 Partnership Questions
Once decided on a basic system, say 2/1, generally new partnerships will focus on conventions. This is necessary, of course, but there is some more basic information you need to know about each others’ bidding style. Here are the questions i like to ask new or infrequent partners.
- How sound is your bidding? Does partner consider herself aggressive?
- Preemptive style – Aggressive? Sound? Variable based on vulnerability? How frequently do you preempt on a 5 card suit? You need to know how to gauge what to expect when partner preempts.
- Are non-reverse new suits by responder forcing or not? Auctions like 1D-1S-2D-2H.
- Does opener bypass four-card majors on the way to 1NT? 1C-1D-? or 1C-1H-?
- Do you bypass a long diamond suit to show a 4 card major? In what situations?
- How do we super-accept transfers?
- Blackwood – do we play 1430? Confirm the queen ask. Is the King Ask for specific kings or number of kings?
- Lebensohl – yes or no
- Do we play garbage Stayman? What is 1N-2C-2D-2M?
- Carding – count or attitude at trick one? Is partner religious about giving count signals?