{"id":91896,"date":"2024-06-03T07:30:00","date_gmt":"2024-06-03T06:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/?p=91896"},"modified":"2024-06-03T07:47:09","modified_gmt":"2024-06-03T06:47:09","slug":"three-no-trump-stopper-problems","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/en\/three-no-trump-stopper-problems\/","title":{"rendered":"Three No-Trump: stopper problems"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Header_Bridge-lesson_EN-1-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Bridge lesson\" class=\"wp-image-92161\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Without a fit in a major on your side it is obviously a No-Trump cvontract that you have to aim at. Do you absolutely have to stop all the suits? And how do you find out if you have those stoppers? Let&#8217;s look at the main technical principles when the opponents keep silent.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-edc5080\" data-block-id=\"edc5080\"><style>.stk-edc5080{height:20px !important}<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Summary:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><strong><strong><a href=\"#principles\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#principles\">The fundamental principles<\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"#technical\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#technical\">Technical consequences of the fundamental principles<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"#exception\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#exception\">One exception: third suit forcing<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><strong><a href=\"#practical-exercises\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#practical-exercises\">Practical exercises: <strong>three No-Trumps, stopper problems<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"#que-les-ench\u00e8res\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#que-les-ench\u00e8res\"><strong>Practical exercises: Bidding is not everything!<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-402102f\" data-block-id=\"402102f\"><style>.stk-402102f{height:30px !important}<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"principles\"><strong>The fundamental principles<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>\u203a You don&#8217;t go looking for stoppers when two balanced hands are facing each other.<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-eadf6a5\" data-block-id=\"eadf6a5\"><style>.stk-eadf6a5 .stk--block-align-eadf6a5{align-items:center !important}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk--block-align-eadf6a5 stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-eadf6a5-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-94be376\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"94be376\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-94be376-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-94be376-inner-blocks\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Diagramme-1-EN-1-1024x377.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-91978\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-c6a7aaa\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"c6a7aaa\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-c6a7aaa-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-c6a7aaa-inner-blocks\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bids-1-EN-2-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-91979\" style=\"width:300px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Nobody stops Diamonds, yet 3NT is the only possible game contract.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-079e3d7\" data-block-id=\"079e3d7\"><style>.stk-079e3d7{height:20px !important}<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>\u203a On the other hand, playing 3NT with a singleton facing three small is a bridge disaster: with a singleton, it is mandatory to explore for stoppers.<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Diagramme-2-EN-1-1024x377.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-91981\" style=\"width:500px\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Here, East must not let 3NT be the final contract &#8211; it is doomed whereas Six Clubs may be making: that&#8217;s the <em>\u201cmagic of the singleton\u201d<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-823d70f\" data-block-id=\"823d70f\"><style>.stk-823d70f{height:20px !important}<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>\u203a While the bidding unfolds it is important to focus on playing the No-Trump contract from the right side.<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Diagramme-3-EN-2-1024x377.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-91982\" style=\"width:500px\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>When it is played by East, 3NT is in danger when a Club is lead through the King. From West&#8217;s side it is unbeatable. This is one of the reasons why East should not bid 3NT after the start 1&#x2666;-1&#x2665;-1&#x2660;.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-c05b7ad\" data-block-id=\"c05b7ad\"><style>.stk-c05b7ad{height:30px !important}<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"technical\"><strong>Technical consequences of the fundamental principles<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>With the exception of the often forced 1NT bid, the other bids must take these principles into account. When it comes to opener&#8217;s rebid, this is not always possible because opener&#8217;s duty is to describe the force and distribution of his hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-8426ef5\" data-block-id=\"8426ef5\"><style>.stk-8426ef5 .stk--block-align-8426ef5{align-items:center !important}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks has-text-align-center stk--block-align-8426ef5 stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-8426ef5-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-e25adb0\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"e25adb0\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-e25adb0-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"has-text-align-center stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-e25adb0-inner-blocks\">\n<p>&#x2660; K J7 2<br>&#x2665; 10 5 3<br>&#x2666; A Q 7 4<br>&#x2663; Q J<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-c25bfe2\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"c25bfe2\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-c25bfe2-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-c25bfe2-inner-blocks\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bids-2-EN-2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-91983\" style=\"width:300px\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite the absence of a Heart stopper.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The responder on the other hand is not authorized to bid 2NT or 3NT without a stopper in all unbid suits (unless his partner has already made his rebid at No-trump).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>\u203a What should responder do if he cannot bid 3NT due to the lack of a stop in one suit?<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>He must bid a new suit in order to show his problems. But there are important differences depending on whether three suits have already been bid or if only one or two suits have been shown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8211; If three suits have been bid: The fourth suit asks for a stopper in that suit<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-80d06f9\" data-block-id=\"80d06f9\"><style>.stk-80d06f9 .stk--block-align-80d06f9{align-items:center !important}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks has-text-align-center stk--block-align-80d06f9 stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-80d06f9-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-6043bfc\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"6043bfc\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-6043bfc-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"has-text-align-center stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-6043bfc-inner-blocks\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">&#x2660; K 5 2<br>&#x2665; A Q 7 3<br>&#x2666; K J 6<br>&#x2663; 9 7 2<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-748f632\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"748f632\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-748f632-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"has-text-align-center stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-748f632-inner-blocks\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bids-3-EN-2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-91984\" style=\"width:300px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-b6c440e\" data-block-id=\"b6c440e\"><style>.stk-b6c440e{height:20px !important}<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-stackable-blockquote stk-block-blockquote stk-block stk-f792b03 is-style-highlighted\" data-v=\"2\" data-block-id=\"f792b03\"><div class=\"has-text-align-left stk-block-blockquote__content stk-container stk-f792b03-container stk-hover-parent\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-icon stk-block-icon stk-block stk-a541d32\" data-block-id=\"a541d32\"><span class=\"stk--svg-wrapper\"><div class=\"stk--inner-svg\"><svg style=\"height:0;width:0\"><defs><linearGradient id=\"linear-gradient-a541d32\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"100%\" y1=\"0\" y2=\"0\"><stop offset=\"0%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-a-541-d-32-color-1)\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"100%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-a-541-d-32-color-2)\"><\/stop><\/linearGradient><\/defs><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 50 50\" aria-hidden=\"true\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\"><path d=\"M19.8 9.3C10.5 11.8 4.6 17 2.1 24.8c2.3-3.6 5.6-5.4 9.9-5.4 3.3 0 6 1.1 8.3 3.3 2.2 2.2 3.4 5 3.4 8.3 0 3.2-1.1 5.8-3.3 8-2.2 2.2-5.1 3.2-8.7 3.2-3.7 0-6.5-1.2-8.6-3.5C1 36.3 0 33.1 0 29 0 18.3 6.5 11.2 19.6 7.9l.2 1.4zm26.4 0C36.9 11.9 31 17 28.5 24.8c2.2-3.6 5.5-5.4 9.8-5.4 3.2 0 6 1.1 8.3 3.2 2.3 2.2 3.4 4.9 3.4 8.3 0 3.1-1.1 5.8-3.3 7.9-2.2 2.2-5.1 3.3-8.6 3.3-3.7 0-6.6-1.1-8.6-3.4-2.1-2.3-3.1-5.5-3.1-9.7 0-10.7 6.6-17.8 19.7-21.1l.1 1.4z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-9e15bbe\" data-block-id=\"9e15bbe\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">Note: You already know it; this is not it&#8217;s only role &#8211; the fourth suit also asks for a three-card fit in responder&#8217;s major. If opener answers 2&#x2665; in the above exa\u0002mple, you need to repeat the fourth suit in order to show that you were looking for the stopper.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-152de99\" data-block-id=\"152de99\"><style>.stk-152de99{height:20px !important}<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bids-4-EN-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-91985\" style=\"width:300px\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>Remember: the fourth suit is an asking bid. Its repetition is again a question.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8211; If one or two suits have been bid: This time, bidding a new suit promises something in that suit and shows concerns in the other missing one (the others).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-befb532\" data-block-id=\"befb532\"><style>.stk-befb532{height:30px !important}<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-a801182\" data-block-id=\"a801182\"><style>.stk-a801182 .stk--block-align-a801182{align-items:center !important}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk--block-align-a801182 stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-a801182-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-d4f01ed\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"d4f01ed\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-d4f01ed-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-d4f01ed-inner-blocks\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">&#x2660; Q J 6<br>&#x2665; K 5<br>&#x2666; 8 5 4<br>&#x2663; A K 9 7 3<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-a523c8f\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"a523c8f\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-a523c8f-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-a523c8f-inner-blocks\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bids-5-EN-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-91986\" style=\"width:300px\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Careful, 3&#x2660; is a stopper, not a control!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-c9759c5\" data-block-id=\"c9759c5\"><style>.stk-c9759c5 .stk--block-align-c9759c5{align-items:center !important}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk--block-align-c9759c5 stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-c9759c5-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-fb4258a\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"fb4258a\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-fb4258a-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-fb4258a-inner-blocks\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">&#x2660; Q J 6<br>&#x2665; 8 7 2<br>&#x2666; A J 9 6<br>&#x2663; J 8 4<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-28277b3\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"28277b3\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-28277b3-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-28277b3-inner-blocks\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bids-6-EN-2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-91987\" style=\"width:300px\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A stopper in Diamonds, but a lack thereof in Hearts or in Spades.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"exception\"><strong>One exception: third suit forcing<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In the following sequences:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-0a5a64a\" data-block-id=\"0a5a64a\"><style>.stk-0a5a64a .stk--block-align-0a5a64a{align-items:center !important}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks has-text-align-center stk--block-align-0a5a64a stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-0a5a64a-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-78646bc\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"78646bc\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-78646bc-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-78646bc-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-95c7d87\" data-block-id=\"95c7d87\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-95c7d87-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-b9e7e52\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"b9e7e52\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-b9e7e52-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-b9e7e52-inner-blocks\">\n<p>West<br>1&#x2663; <br>2&#x2663; <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-0905a82\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"0905a82\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-0905a82-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-0905a82-inner-blocks\">\n<p>East<br>1&#x2665; (&#x2660;)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">This or&#8230;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-a23da3d\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"a23da3d\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-a23da3d-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-a23da3d-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-45b3b1d\" data-block-id=\"45b3b1d\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-45b3b1d-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-5af0687\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"5af0687\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-5af0687-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-5af0687-inner-blocks\">\n<p>West<br>1&#x2666; <br>2&#x2666; <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-b8d86ef\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"b8d86ef\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-b8d86ef-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-b8d86ef-inner-blocks\">\n<p>East<br>1&#x2660;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8230;This<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>bidding the suit that comes immediately next, is not only forcing and a third suit, it is &#8220;third suit forcing&#8221; and completely artificial. As such, it does not in any way promise values or a stopper in the named suit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-6075198\" data-block-id=\"6075198\"><style>.stk-6075198 .stk--block-align-6075198{align-items:center !important}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks has-text-align-center stk--block-align-6075198 stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-6075198-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-483d94a\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"483d94a\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-483d94a-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"has-text-align-center stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-483d94a-inner-blocks\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">&#x2660; K Q 9 7 6<br>&#x2665; A J 4<br>&#x2666; 8 5 2<br>&#x2663; Q 3<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-a85d9d8\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"a85d9d8\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-a85d9d8-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-a85d9d8-inner-blocks\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bids-7-EN-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-91988\" style=\"width:300px\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>To make partner talk.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Remember:<\/strong> with the exception of the use of third suit forcing, announcing a second or third suit is afirmative (of a force).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-1be2ab3\" data-block-id=\"1be2ab3\"><style>.stk-1be2ab3{height:30px !important}<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"practical-exercises\"><strong>Practical exercises: three No-Trumps, stopper problems<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1\/<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-ba5f3d1\" data-block-id=\"ba5f3d1\"><style>.stk-ba5f3d1 .stk--block-align-ba5f3d1{align-items:center !important}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks has-text-align-center stk--block-align-ba5f3d1 stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-ba5f3d1-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-ff64074\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"ff64074\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-ff64074-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"has-text-align-center stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-ff64074-inner-blocks\">\n<p>&#x2660; 7 4<br>&#x2665; Q 10 6 3 2<br>&#x2666; A J<br>&#x2663; K J 9 7<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-d5c6e5e\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"d5c6e5e\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-d5c6e5e-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"has-text-align-center stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-d5c6e5e-inner-blocks\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Encheres-Bids-1-EN.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-92000\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-42f9058\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"42f9058\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-42f9058-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-42f9058-inner-blocks\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">A) 4&#x2665;<br>B) 3NT<br>C) 3&#x2663;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-expand stk-block-expand stk-block stk-399979a\" data-block-id=\"399979a\"><div class=\"stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-c2a690f stk-block-expand__short-text\" aria-hidden=\"false\" data-block-id=\"c2a690f\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\"><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button stk-block-button is-style-link stk-block-expand__show-button stk-block stk-6c3a17b\" data-block-id=\"6c3a17b\"><a aria-hidden=\"false\" role=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"stk-link stk-button stk--hover-effect-darken\" href=\"#\"><span class=\"stk-button__inner-text\">See the solution<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-d2d122f stk-block-expand__more-text\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-block-id=\"d2d122f\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">3NT= 5<br>3&#x2663;= 3<br>4&#x2665;  = 2<br><br>No singleton, no desire to play another contract than 3NT or Four Hearts. Offer this choice by bidding 3NT.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button stk-block-button is-style-link stk-block-expand__hide-button stk-block stk-9c4f55c\" data-block-id=\"9c4f55c\"><a aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"true\" class=\"stk-link stk-button stk--hover-effect-darken\" href=\"#\"><span class=\"stk-button__inner-text\">Close the solution<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-5594bc2\" data-block-id=\"5594bc2\"><style>.stk-5594bc2{height:30px !important}<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2\/<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-ecd16f0\" data-block-id=\"ecd16f0\"><style>.stk-ecd16f0 .stk--block-align-ecd16f0{align-items:center !important}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks has-text-align-center stk--block-align-ecd16f0 stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-ecd16f0-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-538fb33\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"538fb33\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-538fb33-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-538fb33-inner-blocks\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">&#x2660; 9 5 3<br>&#x2665; K Q 6<br>&#x2666; A J 10 7 4<br>&#x2663; K 6<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-8e9818e\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"8e9818e\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-8e9818e-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"has-text-align-center stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-8e9818e-inner-blocks\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bids-9-EN-2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-91989\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-100678e\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"100678e\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-100678e-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-100678e-inner-blocks\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">A) 3NT<br>B) 2&#x2660;<br>C) 1&#x2660;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-expand stk-block-expand stk-block stk-d5f9e0f\" data-block-id=\"d5f9e0f\"><div class=\"stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-3bf8dec stk-block-expand__short-text\" aria-hidden=\"false\" data-block-id=\"3bf8dec\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\"><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button stk-block-button is-style-link stk-block-expand__show-button stk-block stk-7ed5d94\" data-block-id=\"7ed5d94\"><a aria-hidden=\"false\" role=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"stk-link stk-button stk--hover-effect-darken\" href=\"#\"><span class=\"stk-button__inner-text\">See the solution<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-cc9a749 stk-block-expand__more-text\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-block-id=\"cc9a749\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">1&#x2660; = 5<br>2&#x2660;  = 3<br>3NT = 1<br><br>You have enough to play game, but opener&#8217;s hand is not known precisely, and you don&#8217;t stop the last suit, Spades. It&#8217;s time for fourth suit forcing (1&#x2660;, not 2&#x2660; in standard methods).<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button stk-block-button is-style-link stk-block-expand__hide-button stk-block stk-1753bed\" data-block-id=\"1753bed\"><a aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"true\" class=\"stk-link stk-button stk--hover-effect-darken\" href=\"#\"><span class=\"stk-button__inner-text\">Close the solution<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-8a7627f\" data-block-id=\"8a7627f\"><style>.stk-8a7627f{height:30px !important}<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3\/<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-6547080\" data-block-id=\"6547080\"><style>.stk-6547080 .stk--block-align-6547080{align-items:center !important}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks has-text-align-center stk--block-align-6547080 stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-6547080-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-3ce6282\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"3ce6282\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-3ce6282-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-3ce6282-inner-blocks\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">&#x2660; K J 4<br>&#x2665; 9 7 4<br>&#x2666; Q 5<br>&#x2663; A K 10 6 2<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-c952e5b\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"c952e5b\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-c952e5b-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"has-text-align-center stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-c952e5b-inner-blocks\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bids-11-EN.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-91990\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-f321295\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"f321295\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-f321295-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-f321295-inner-blocks\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">A) 2&#x2660;<br>B) 2&#x2665;<br>C) 3NT<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-expand stk-block-expand stk-block stk-b85afd9\" data-block-id=\"b85afd9\"><div class=\"stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-f5114c7 stk-block-expand__short-text\" aria-hidden=\"false\" data-block-id=\"f5114c7\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\"><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button stk-block-button is-style-link stk-block-expand__show-button stk-block stk-e9416a6\" data-block-id=\"e9416a6\"><a aria-hidden=\"false\" role=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"stk-link stk-button stk--hover-effect-darken\" href=\"#\"><span class=\"stk-button__inner-text\">See the solution<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-2cffd86 stk-block-expand__more-text\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-block-id=\"2cffd86\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">2&#x2660; = 5<br>3NT = 2<br>2&#x2665; = 1<br><br>It is out of the question to jump to 3NT without a Heart stop opposite a pos\u0002sible singleton in opener&#8217;s hand. Bid 2&#x2660;, the suit you have a stopper in: afirmative third suit.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button stk-block-button is-style-link stk-block-expand__hide-button stk-block stk-b84d2d2\" data-block-id=\"b84d2d2\"><a aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"true\" class=\"stk-link stk-button stk--hover-effect-darken\" href=\"#\"><span class=\"stk-button__inner-text\">Close the solution<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-947f954\" data-block-id=\"947f954\"><style>.stk-947f954{height:30px !important}<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4\/<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-0ae8fb9\" data-block-id=\"0ae8fb9\"><style>.stk-0ae8fb9 .stk--block-align-0ae8fb9{align-items:center !important}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks has-text-align-center stk--block-align-0ae8fb9 stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-0ae8fb9-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-d704c46\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"d704c46\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-d704c46-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-d704c46-inner-blocks\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">&#x2660; J 7 4<br>&#x2665; A Q 5<br>&#x2666; J 5 2<br>&#x2663; K 10 7 3<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-7e31676\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"7e31676\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-7e31676-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"has-text-align-center stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-7e31676-inner-blocks\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bids-12-EN-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-91991\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-47f5595\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"47f5595\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-47f5595-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-47f5595-inner-blocks\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">A) 3&#x2665;<br>B) 3&#x2666;<br>C) 4&#x2663;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-expand stk-block-expand stk-block stk-1e0a8c0\" data-block-id=\"1e0a8c0\"><div class=\"stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-705a4f0 stk-block-expand__short-text\" aria-hidden=\"false\" data-block-id=\"705a4f0\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\"><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button stk-block-button is-style-link stk-block-expand__show-button stk-block stk-8d223b9\" data-block-id=\"8d223b9\"><a aria-hidden=\"false\" role=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"stk-link stk-button stk--hover-effect-darken\" href=\"#\"><span class=\"stk-button__inner-text\">See the solution<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-4993b90 stk-block-expand__more-text\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-block-id=\"4993b90\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">3&#x2665; = 5<br>3&#x2666; = 3 <br>4&#x2663;= 1<br><br>Your partner probably has shortness in one of the majors. Show him your Heart strength by bidding 3&#x2665;. He won&#8217;t try 3NT if he is short in Spades.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button stk-block-button is-style-link stk-block-expand__hide-button stk-block stk-849458f\" data-block-id=\"849458f\"><a aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"true\" class=\"stk-link stk-button stk--hover-effect-darken\" href=\"#\"><span class=\"stk-button__inner-text\">Close the solution<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-7c3de16\" data-block-id=\"7c3de16\"><style>.stk-7c3de16{height:30px !important}<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5\/<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-3f0ca8d\" data-block-id=\"3f0ca8d\"><style>.stk-3f0ca8d .stk--block-align-3f0ca8d{align-items:center !important}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks has-text-align-center stk--block-align-3f0ca8d stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-3f0ca8d-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-14fd497\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"14fd497\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-14fd497-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-14fd497-inner-blocks\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">&#x2660; K Q 10 4<br>&#x2665; 9<br>&#x2666; A 7 2<br>&#x2663; A K 7 5 2<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-eb0cc12\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"eb0cc12\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-eb0cc12-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"has-text-align-center stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-eb0cc12-inner-blocks\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bids-13-EN-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-91993\" style=\"width:283px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-2a79b5e\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"2a79b5e\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-2a79b5e-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-2a79b5e-inner-blocks\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">A) 2NT<br>B) 3NT<br>C) 3&#x2666;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-expand stk-block-expand stk-block stk-581f668\" data-block-id=\"581f668\"><div class=\"stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-8c5b4d5 stk-block-expand__short-text\" aria-hidden=\"false\" data-block-id=\"8c5b4d5\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\"><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button stk-block-button is-style-link stk-block-expand__show-button stk-block stk-8de8ba1\" data-block-id=\"8de8ba1\"><a aria-hidden=\"false\" role=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"stk-link stk-button stk--hover-effect-darken\" href=\"#\"><span class=\"stk-button__inner-text\">See the solution<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-c46fbdc stk-block-expand__more-text\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-block-id=\"c46fbdc\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">3&#x2666;= 5<br>3NT  = 3<br>2NT = 1<br><br>This is useful to know: by raising the fourth suit you show a good three-sui\u0002ter and, in principle, the Ace in the fourth suit. This may allow you to play 3NT from the right side (partner&#8217;s), if he has the doubleton Queen in Diamonds.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button stk-block-button is-style-link stk-block-expand__hide-button stk-block stk-945b393\" data-block-id=\"945b393\"><a aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"true\" class=\"stk-link stk-button stk--hover-effect-darken\" href=\"#\"><span class=\"stk-button__inner-text\">Close the solution<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-53b40aa\" data-block-id=\"53b40aa\"><style>.stk-53b40aa{height:30px !important}<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6\/<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-871ca0e\" data-block-id=\"871ca0e\"><style>.stk-871ca0e .stk--block-align-871ca0e{align-items:center !important}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks has-text-align-center stk--block-align-871ca0e stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-871ca0e-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-32b962e\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"32b962e\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-32b962e-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-32b962e-inner-blocks\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">&#x2660; 8 4<br>&#x2665; J 5 2<br>&#x2666; K 5 4<br>&#x2663; A K Q 10 4<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-1a90785\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"1a90785\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-1a90785-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"has-text-align-center stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-1a90785-inner-blocks\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bids-14-EN-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-91994\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-d9a7315\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"d9a7315\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-d9a7315-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-d9a7315-inner-blocks\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">A) 4&#x2660;<br>B) 3&#x2663;<br>C) 3&#x2665;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-expand stk-block-expand stk-block stk-adb93b6\" data-block-id=\"adb93b6\"><div class=\"stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-8ecf50f stk-block-expand__short-text\" aria-hidden=\"false\" data-block-id=\"8ecf50f\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\"><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button stk-block-button is-style-link stk-block-expand__show-button stk-block stk-22ca3bb\" data-block-id=\"22ca3bb\"><a aria-hidden=\"false\" role=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"stk-link stk-button stk--hover-effect-darken\" href=\"#\"><span class=\"stk-button__inner-text\">See the solution<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-4665d15 stk-block-expand__more-text\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-block-id=\"4665d15\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">3&#x2665; = 5<br>3&#x2663; = 3<br>4&#x2660; = 1<br><br>2&#x2660; does not promise six cards in Spades. 3NT is perhaps still the best contract if North has a half stopper in Hearts, the doubleton Queen for example. Repeat the fourth suit to try to find out.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button stk-block-button is-style-link stk-block-expand__hide-button stk-block stk-3ff9462\" data-block-id=\"3ff9462\"><a aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"true\" class=\"stk-link stk-button stk--hover-effect-darken\" href=\"#\"><span class=\"stk-button__inner-text\">Close the solution<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-d5b862f\" data-block-id=\"d5b862f\"><style>.stk-d5b862f{height:30px !important}<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>7\/<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-1522561\" data-block-id=\"1522561\"><style>.stk-1522561 .stk--block-align-1522561{align-items:center !important}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks has-text-align-center stk--block-align-1522561 stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-1522561-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-35c2369\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"35c2369\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-35c2369-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-35c2369-inner-blocks\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">&#x2660; A K 7 3<br>&#x2665; 9 3<br>&#x2666; 8 5 2<br>&#x2663; A Q 9 6<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-c5fb68e\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"c5fb68e\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-c5fb68e-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"has-text-align-center stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-c5fb68e-inner-blocks\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bids-15-EN.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-91995\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-4ebc8c5\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"4ebc8c5\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-4ebc8c5-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-4ebc8c5-inner-blocks\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">A) 2NT<br>B) 3&#x2663;<br>C) 2&#x2660;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-expand stk-block-expand stk-block stk-45c23c0\" data-block-id=\"45c23c0\"><div class=\"stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-ac6ac12 stk-block-expand__short-text\" aria-hidden=\"false\" data-block-id=\"ac6ac12\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\"><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button stk-block-button is-style-link stk-block-expand__show-button stk-block stk-045dbe8\" data-block-id=\"045dbe8\"><a aria-hidden=\"false\" role=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"stk-link stk-button stk--hover-effect-darken\" href=\"#\"><span class=\"stk-button__inner-text\">See ther solution<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-fcb9ee4 stk-block-expand__more-text\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-block-id=\"fcb9ee4\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">2&#x2660;  = 5<br>2NT = 3<br>3&#x2663; = 1<br><br>This is not a standard convention: the \u201cneither nor\u201d. After 1&#x2663;(&#x2666;)-1&#x2665;-1&#x2660;- 2&#x2666;(&#x2663;), the 2&#x2660; bid describes a balanced hand with neither three Hearts nor a stopper in the last suit. With a 6-5 or a 5-5, we jump to 3&#x2660;.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button stk-block-button is-style-link stk-block-expand__hide-button stk-block stk-94a045b\" data-block-id=\"94a045b\"><a aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"true\" class=\"stk-link stk-button stk--hover-effect-darken\" href=\"#\"><span class=\"stk-button__inner-text\">Close the solution<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-2765356\" data-block-id=\"2765356\"><style>.stk-2765356{height:30px !important}<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>8\/<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-b4b1d01\" data-block-id=\"b4b1d01\"><style>.stk-b4b1d01 .stk--block-align-b4b1d01{align-items:center !important}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks has-text-align-center stk--block-align-b4b1d01 stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-b4b1d01-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-a480ff7\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"a480ff7\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-a480ff7-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-a480ff7-inner-blocks\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">&#x2660; J 6<br>&#x2665; K 5<br>&#x2666; 8 4 3<br>&#x2663; A K J 9 6 5<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-64d16ed\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"64d16ed\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-64d16ed-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-64d16ed-inner-blocks\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bids-16-EN.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-91996\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-ba0a117\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"ba0a117\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-ba0a117-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-ba0a117-inner-blocks\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">A) 3NT<br>B) 3&#x2660;<br>C) 4&#x2663;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-expand stk-block-expand stk-block stk-26636b6\" data-block-id=\"26636b6\"><div class=\"stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-f378900 stk-block-expand__short-text\" aria-hidden=\"false\" data-block-id=\"f378900\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\"><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button stk-block-button is-style-link stk-block-expand__show-button stk-block stk-27c9862\" data-block-id=\"27c9862\"><a aria-hidden=\"false\" role=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"stk-link stk-button stk--hover-effect-darken\" href=\"#\"><span class=\"stk-button__inner-text\">See the solution<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-190ef93 stk-block-expand__more-text\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-block-id=\"190ef93\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">3&#x2660; = 5<br>4&#x2663; = 3<br>3NT = 2<br><br>Watch out for the trap! 2&#x2666;, third suit forcing, is not natural. 3&#x2665; is therefore a true third suit that confirms the stopper in Hearts. Without a Diamond stopper, you can&#8217;t bid 3NT. Show your doubleton honor in Spades.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button stk-block-button is-style-link stk-block-expand__hide-button stk-block stk-6edb946\" data-block-id=\"6edb946\"><a aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"true\" class=\"stk-link stk-button stk--hover-effect-darken\" href=\"#\"><span class=\"stk-button__inner-text\">Close the solution<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-60a52cb\" data-block-id=\"60a52cb\"><style>.stk-60a52cb{height:30px !important}<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"que-les-ench\u00e8res\"><strong>Bidding is not everything<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-d4e72a0\" data-block-id=\"d4e72a0\"><style>.stk-d4e72a0 .stk--block-align-d4e72a0{align-items:center !important}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks has-text-align-center stk--block-align-d4e72a0 stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-d4e72a0-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-d43d145\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"d43d145\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-d43d145{flex:var(--stk-flex-grow,1) 1 33.3% !important}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-d43d145-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"has-text-align-center stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-d43d145-inner-blocks\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Problem 1:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Encheres-1-EN.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-91997\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:200px;height:500px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-26a5977\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"26a5977\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-26a5977{flex:var(--stk-flex-grow,1) 1 66.7% !important}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-26a5977-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-26a5977-inner-blocks\">\n<p><strong>Contract: 4&#x2665;.<br>Lead: &#x2663;5.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>East wins the trick with the King and plays back a trump. You take the Ace and\u2026<br>a) You play the King of Spades.<br>b) You ruff a Club.<br>c) You play the Queen of Diamonds.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-expand stk-block-expand stk-block stk-68fab8d\" data-block-id=\"68fab8d\"><div class=\"stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-e80c8c0 stk-block-expand__short-text\" aria-hidden=\"false\" data-block-id=\"e80c8c0\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\"><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button stk-block-button is-style-link stk-block-expand__show-button stk-block stk-06be115\" data-block-id=\"06be115\"><a aria-hidden=\"false\" role=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"stk-link stk-button stk--hover-effect-darken\" href=\"#\"><span class=\"stk-button__inner-text\">See the solution<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-6796033 stk-block-expand__more-text\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-block-id=\"6796033\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\"><strong>Start by playing Diamonds (line of play c)<\/strong><br><br>Given the trump return and the lack of an immediate entry to your hand, you won&#8217;t be able to ruff two Clubs in dummy. There\u0002fore, your tenth trick must be the Diamond King. Start by playing Diamonds. Later, when your Diamonds are unblocked, you ruff a Club to get back to dummy so that you can cash the Dia\u0002mond King (a Spade + six Hearts + two Diamonds + a Club ruff = ten tricks).<strong><br><\/strong><br>North: &#x2660; Q 6 4 3 2   &#x2665; 8 5 2   &#x2666; K 9 7 4  &#x2663; 2<br>South: &#x2660; K 8   &#x2665; A K Q 10 9 7   &#x2666;  Q J   &#x2663; J 10 6<br>West : &#x2660; J 9    &#x2665; 6 3   &#x2666;  A 10 6 5 3  &#x2663; Q 8 5 3<br>East: &#x2660; K 8   &#x2665; A K Q 10 9 7   &#x2666; Q J   &#x2663; J 10 6<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button stk-block-button is-style-link stk-block-expand__hide-button stk-block stk-18e61c1\" data-block-id=\"18e61c1\"><a aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"true\" class=\"stk-link stk-button stk--hover-effect-darken\" href=\"#\"><span class=\"stk-button__inner-text\">Close the solution<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-1540f19\" data-block-id=\"1540f19\"><style>.stk-1540f19{height:30px !important}<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-8459444\" data-block-id=\"8459444\"><style>.stk-8459444 .stk--block-align-8459444{align-items:center !important}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks has-text-align-center stk--block-align-8459444 stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-8459444-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-8daf239\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"8daf239\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-8daf239{flex:var(--stk-flex-grow,1) 1 33.3% !important}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-8daf239-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"has-text-align-center stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-8daf239-inner-blocks\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Problem 2:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Encheres-2-EN-1-397x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-91998\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:200px;height:500px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-dae8d52\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"dae8d52\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-dae8d52{flex:var(--stk-flex-grow,1) 1 66.7% !important}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-dae8d52-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-dae8d52-inner-blocks\">\n<p><strong>Contract: 6&#x2660;.<br>Lead: &#x2660;4.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You draw all outstanding trumps and\u2026<br>a) Try the Heart finesse.<br>b) Try the Diamond finesse.<br>c) Duck a Club.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-expand stk-block-expand stk-block stk-4888919\" data-block-id=\"4888919\"><div class=\"stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-adcfdd5 stk-block-expand__short-text\" aria-hidden=\"false\" data-block-id=\"adcfdd5\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\"><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button stk-block-button is-style-link stk-block-expand__show-button stk-block stk-614e9bb\" data-block-id=\"614e9bb\"><a aria-hidden=\"false\" role=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"stk-link stk-button stk--hover-effect-darken\" href=\"#\"><span class=\"stk-button__inner-text\">See the solution<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-19ce53e stk-block-expand__more-text\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-block-id=\"19ce53e\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\"><strong>Try the Heart finesse (line of play a)<\/strong><br><br>In order to make good use of all your chances, you need to play a Heart towards the Jack (free finesse). If the finesse fails, you&#8217;ll discard a Club on the Heart King and then ruff a Club in your hand. If they are not 3-3, you still have the Diamond finesse. That&#8217;s a nice addition!<strong><br><\/strong><br>North: &#x2660;  Q 10 8 5   &#x2665; A K J  &#x2666; A Q   &#x2663; A 7 5 3<br>South: &#x2660; A KJ 9 6 2   &#x2665; 5 3   &#x2666; 6 4  &#x2663; K 6 2<br>West: &#x2660; 7 4    &#x2665; 9 7 6   &#x2666;  J 9 8 7 3   &#x2663; Q 10 9<br>East: &#x2660; 3   &#x2665;  Q 10 8 4 2   &#x2666;  K 10 5 2   &#x2663; J 8 4<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button stk-block-button is-style-link stk-block-expand__hide-button stk-block stk-14c956d\" data-block-id=\"14c956d\"><a aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"true\" class=\"stk-link stk-button stk--hover-effect-darken\" href=\"#\"><span class=\"stk-button__inner-text\">Close the solution<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-ae2d854\" data-block-id=\"ae2d854\"><style>.stk-ae2d854{height:30px !important}<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-8801ba6\" data-block-id=\"8801ba6\"><style>.stk-8801ba6 .stk--block-align-8801ba6{align-items:center !important}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks has-text-align-center stk--block-align-8801ba6 stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-8801ba6-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-ecf5991\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"ecf5991\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-ecf5991{flex:var(--stk-flex-grow,1) 1 33.3% !important}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-ecf5991-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"has-text-align-center stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-ecf5991-inner-blocks\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Problem 3:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Encheres-3-EN-2-397x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-91999\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:200px;height:500px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-870198b\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"870198b\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-870198b{flex:var(--stk-flex-grow,1) 1 66.7% !important}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-870198b-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-870198b-inner-blocks\">\n<p><strong>Contract: 6&#x2666;.<br>Lead: &#x2665;Q.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br>You play the Diamond Ace, everybody follows. Which finesse(s) do you count on trying now or later?<br>a) The Club finesse?<br>b) The Diamond finesse?<br>c) None of them?<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-expand stk-block-expand stk-block stk-e2b6cfe\" data-block-id=\"e2b6cfe\"><div class=\"stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-390ac8e stk-block-expand__short-text\" aria-hidden=\"false\" data-block-id=\"390ac8e\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\"><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button stk-block-button is-style-link stk-block-expand__show-button stk-block stk-1ad8d2b\" data-block-id=\"1ad8d2b\"><a aria-hidden=\"false\" role=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"stk-link stk-button stk--hover-effect-darken\" href=\"#\"><span class=\"stk-button__inner-text\">See the solution<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-04f18f2 stk-block-expand__more-text\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-block-id=\"04f18f2\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\"><strong>Try the Diamond finesse (line of play b)<\/strong><br><br>Win &#8211; Win. After the Ace of Diamonds, you eliminate Hearts and Spades and then present the Jack of Dia\u0002monds. If East follows, you let it run. Even if West can win with the Queen (dou\u0002bleton), he can only exit with a Club or give you a ruff and discard. If East discards, you can still fall back on the Club finesse<strong><br><\/strong><br>North: &#x2660;  A K Q  &#x2665; K 3   &#x2666; J 10 4   &#x2663; Q J 10 6 2<br>South: &#x2660; 9 6   &#x2665; A 4    &#x2666;  A K 9 6 5 2    &#x2663; A 9 5<br>West: &#x2660; 10 8 5 2    &#x2665; Q J 10 6 2   &#x2666;  3   &#x2663; K 4 3<br>East: &#x2660;  J 7 4 3   &#x2665;  9 8 7 5   &#x2666; Q 8 7  &#x2663; 8 7<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button stk-block-button is-style-link stk-block-expand__hide-button stk-block stk-e67e7fa\" data-block-id=\"e67e7fa\"><a aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"true\" class=\"stk-link stk-button stk--hover-effect-darken\" href=\"#\"><span class=\"stk-button__inner-text\">Close the solution<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-7e3a990\" data-block-id=\"7e3a990\"><style>.stk-7e3a990{height:50px !important}<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What did you think about this article?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Share your opinion in <em>the Commentary Section!<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Without a fit in a major on your side it is obviously a No-Trump cvontract that you have to aim at. Do you absolutely have to stop all the suits? And how do you find out if you have those stoppers? Let&#8217;s look at the main technical principles when the opponents keep silent. Summary: The fundamental principles \u203a You don&#8217;t go looking for stoppers when two balanced hands are facing each other. Nobody stops Diamonds, yet 3NT is the only possible game contract. \u203a On the other hand, playing 3NT with a singleton facing three small is a bridge disaster:\u2026<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":82855,"featured_media":103572,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[14923,10635],"tags":[14308,12238],"access":[13334],"class_list":["post-91896","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bridge-lessons","category-let-s-talk-about-bridge","tag-cours-et-exercices","tag-lessons-en","access-premium-plus-en"],"blocksy_meta":{"styles_descriptor":{"styles":{"desktop":"","tablet":"","mobile":""},"google_fonts":[],"version":5}},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Three No-Trump: stopper problems - Blog Funbridge<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/en\/three-no-trump-stopper-problems\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"fr_FR\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Three No-Trump: stopper problems - Blog Funbridge\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Without a fit in a major on your side it is obviously a No-Trump cvontract that you have to aim at. Do you absolutely have to stop all the suits? And how do you find out if you have those stoppers? Let&#8217;s look at the main technical principles when the opponents keep silent. Summary: The fundamental principles \u203a You don&#8217;t go looking for stoppers when two balanced hands are facing each other. 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