Conventions to Learn

A convention is a ‘cypher’ bid which allows you to ask your partner a specific question about their hand, or to tell them something specific about your own hand. There are many conventions used in bridge (too many) but all you need are half a dozen to be a really good bridge player. Having some conventions under your belt can be the difference between playing in black and white or colour!

Below are all the conventions Kitchenbridge offers.

STAYMAN

A must have convention for any player. It gives you the opportunity to explore a fit in the majors when your partner opens the bidding 1NT.

BLACKWOOD

Another must have convention. Do you and your partner have the key cards necessary to bid a slam? This convention allows you to find out.

ROMAN KEYCARD BLACKWOOD

A more advanced version of Blackwood, it allows you to look at further key cards.

STRONG TWOS

A popular convention, it is all about opening the bidding with a strong hand and receiving certain responses from your partner allowing you to find a possible slam contract.

WEAK TWOS

The opposite of Strong Twos, this is a popular convention as more often you will be dealt a weak hand but would like to open the bidding so preventing the opposition from bidding.

TRANSFERS

One of the most popular conventions in bridge, it allows you to describe your hand in more detail when your partner opens the bidding 1NT. It also keeps the stronger hand with declarer when your own hand is weak.

UNUSUAL NOTRUMPS

A wonderful overcalling bid telling your partner about a 5-5 or better distribution in your own hand.

MICHAELS

The partner of Unusual Notrumps, it does the same but in different suits.

SPLINTERS

A personal favourite, this convention allows the partnership to investigate a slam contract with only game values in the hands.

LOSING TRICK COUNT

Although this is not a convention, it is a must have means of evaluating the strength of both your own hand and partners hand allowing you to find a game or slam contract, which on point count does not seem possible!

LANDY

This is like Stayman, but is used by the overcallers to find a fit in the majors.

UNASSUMING CUE BID

An excellent shortcut used by the overcallers to show support for partner as well as point count. You should know The Losing Trick Count to use this convention.