All right — I admit it. When LHO opens 1C and RHO announces that it “could be short,” deep down I shudder a teeny-tiny bit because it’s been programmed into me that the Short Club is a feeble treatment that only die-hard losers cling to.
The same thing goes for Strong Two Bids, a 16-18 NT range, and players who insist on using the Foster Echo.
Then, when I get a bad score, I explain to partner how we got fixed.
The reverse situation is when I agree to play a convention that I don’t really understand and/or have a hard time remembering because all the “good” players play it.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve agreed to lead 3rd and 5th and a few hands later find myself staring at the 4th best card I’ve just laid on the table…
The number one rule about bridge conventions is: Play what you know, and know what you play. Winning or losing doesn’t depend on *what* you play as much as *how well* you play it.
The next time you find yourself looking down at an opponent’s convention card, take a moment. Chuckle, if you must, deep down inside. Then let it go and play your very best.
And the next time you find yourself filling out a convention card with a new partner, resist the urge to impress them with how many bridge books you’ve read. Trust me.
Tags: Conventions