Page 10
From the Author
Welcome to my second (but not last) book on declarer play. I’ve
tried to make this book as helpful and instructive as possible,
so every chapter is based on a practical topic. Of course, as in
all my books, I hope that
More Declarer Play the Bergen
Way also proves to be
entertaining.
Before
reading the deals and tips that follow, consider the following.
Even if you usually play matchpoint duplicate,
in this book you should
concentrate on making your contract.
Until the contract is assured,
don’t worry about overtricks. By the way, even if you are
playing matchpoints, on most deals, this is the recommended
approach. However, because of popular request, when appropriate,
I do discuss matchpoints vs. imps.
I was
also influenced by popular request with a new special Bergen
feature, which is reflected in chapter 2. Each of these three
deals is presented twice. Why? On the second go-round, the only
change is a spot card (or two) or a different lead. Yet, because
of the “minor change,” declarer must approach the deal totally
differently!
Because all readers have their own preferences, I varied the
format a little from deal to deal. Some are presented in
“test your play” form, so you have an opportunity to find the
solution on your own. I included questions on these to help you
focus on the most relevant issues. Other deals are presented as
they were actually played.
© 2006 - Marty Bergen
Page 11
From the Author
Of
course, you’re always welcome to test yourself by covering up
the E-W hands, or to avoid all tests by reading on without
answering the questions.
I
recommend that you also check out the back of the book. There
you will find:
I.
Bergenisms: Pages 171-196
This
comprehensive list of tip highlights includes many
carefully-worded statements that will prove invaluable to the
reader in countless situations.
A.
Declarer Play
B. Bidding
C. Defense and Opening Leads
While
this book focuses on declarer play, on some deals, the analysis
of the bidding and/or defense provides helpful hints that are
worth emphasizing.
II.
Reader-Friendly Glossary Plus: Pages
197-209
Practical declarer-related terms
and advice
will do a lot more than simply
allow you to “talk the talk.” This section will definitely
improve your knowledge and understanding, as well as clarify
uncertainties and popular misconceptions. Most terms
are
relevant to this book, but I also
included others that are important, or in a few cases, amusing.
Best
wishes,
Marty Bergen
August 2006
© 2006 - Marty Bergen
Page 12
Bidding and Defense in this Book
Opening bids based on the Rule of 20.
Five-card majors.
1NT
opening bid = 15-17 HCP.
2NT
opening bid = 20-21 HCP.
Jacoby
Transfers.
2
opening bid is strong, artificial, and forcing.
Weak
two-bids in diamonds, hearts, and spades.
Standard Blackwood (not RKC, but I do refer to it).
Responding to Partner’s Opening Bid:
Natural raises of minors (no Inverted Minors).
1NT
response to a major:
Whether you are playing 1NT Forcing or not
is not
relevant in this book.
A
response in a new suit at the two level:
Whether you are playing 2/1 Game-Forcing or not
is not
relevant in this book.
Strong
jump-shifts,
but
weak jump-shifts (WJS) in competition.
Defense:
Opening Leads: A from AK, and 4th best.
Signals: Standard
© 2006 - Marty Bergen
Chapter 1: Drawing Trumps:
All, Some, or None ............... 13
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