Bidding and making a slam are one of bridge’s pure joys.

Bridge players need to stay on the same page as their partners. A 5 3 ♠

2

♥ Q J 9 8 6 ♥

10 7 5 4 3 2

♦ Q 10 6 ♦

K 9 3

♣ 5 3 ♣

10 8 4

Last week I offered some ground rules for takeout doubles in the direct seat. They can be described as SOS.

I was honored to give a talk during the Bridge Club of Martha’s Vineyard tournament that concluded Sunday at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School.

Standards for game bids have loosened. Back in the day, players thought they needed 26 high-card points in a partnership.

Admit it: you love playing 3NT contracts. You only need to make nine tricks, and your opponents can’t ruff any of them.