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Detail specifications 67D3 - Level 1

The 'rule of 9'

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The 'rule of 9'
  • Zia does not recommend the use af 'automatic rules' : A little thinking most of the time enables you to reach the appropriate solution.
  • When does the rule of 9 apply ? When you hesitate about responding a suit at level 1 because you find your hand particularly weak....
  • The rule says : Add your HCP count and the number of cards in the suit you are thinking of bidding :
    • If the total reaches 9, bid the suit
    • If the total is less than 9: pass !

Example :
You are in South ; North, your partner, opens 1 . Will you bid 1 ?
Exercice 4961
You have 4HCP, the suit you are considering bidding has 4 cards - 4+4=8
8 is smaller than 9, you must pass....