Preemptive bids, also known as preemptive openings, are a powerful tactic in bridge. They involve opening the bidding at a high level with a long but weak hand, with the aim of disrupting opponents and preventing them from effectively communicating. However, this strategy comes with risks.
1. What is a preemptive bid?
A preemptive bid is an opening at a high level that aims to disrupt the opponents. By bidding directly at the 3-level or higher, you restrict the opponents’ bidding space, making it difficult for them to communicate about their respective hands.
Goals of preemptive bidding:
- Disrupt opponent communication: By cutting short the normal bidding process, you force your opponents to make decisions more quickly.
- Quickly describe your hand: Your partner immediately knows that you have a long suit but few high-card points.
2. Characteristics of a preemptive hand
To use preemptive bids effectively, it’s essential to know the characteristics of the hand you should hold:
- Suit length: A preemptive hand should have 6 to 8 cards in one suit, depending on the level of the bid.
- Weakness in high-card points: You have few high-card points (generally between 6 and 10), but the length of your suit compensates for the lack of strength.
- Vulnerability and position: You should always consider your vulnerability. Preempting while vulnerable can be risky because penalties for failing to make your contract are higher. Similarly, your position at the table (first or third to speak) influences the appropriateness of a preemptive bid.
3. Different levels of preemptive bids
Preemptive bids can be made at various levels, depending on the length of the suit and the type of hand you hold:
- 2-level preempts: Reserved for majors (2♥ or 2♠), with a 6-card suit.
- 3-level preempts: These bids can be made in any suit (♣, ♦, ♥, ♠) with a 7-card suit.
- 4-level preempts: Often used for minors (4♣ or 4♦), with an 8-card or longer suit.
4. Advantages of preemptive bids
Using preemptive bids provides several strategic advantages:
- Pressure on opponents: You force them to make decisions under pressure with less information.
- Quick hand description: Your partner immediately knows you have a long suit and can adjust their strategy accordingly.
- Potential gain: If opponents misjudge their bids, you can score valuable points.
5. Risks and downsides
Despite its advantages, preemptive bidding also carries risks:
- Severe penalties: If you fail to fulfill your contract and the opponents double, penalties can be significant, especially when vulnerable.
- Difficulty for partner: Your partner may find it challenging to assess their hand strength based on your preemptive bid, as it’s often lacking in precision.
- Loss of bidding space: You also reduce your own team’s bidding space, which can make communication difficult.
6. How to respond to a partner’s preemptive bid
Responding to a preemptive bid requires considering your own hand and the information provided by your partner:
- Evaluate the fit: If you have a good fit with the preempt suit, consider raising or supporting the bid.
- Controls and decision: If you hold controls (Aces, Kings) and sufficient points, you may consider raising or correcting the bid based on the situation.
7. Defending against opponents’ preempts
When opponents make a preemptive bid, several defensive strategies can be used to counter their tactic:
- Takeout double: Use the double to indicate to your partner that you have a strong hand and expect them to respond accordingly.
- Balancing bids: If the opponents seem to be preempting, make balancing bids to signal that you’re still in the game.
- Cue-bid: A cue-bid in the opponent’s suit shows strength and may ask your partner to make a decision.
8. Variations and associated conventions
There are several variations of preemptive bids, with associated conventions that may slightly alter how they are played:
- Weak preempts vs constructive preempts: Weak preempts are more aggressive, while constructive preempts aim to establish a solid contract.
- Multi 2♦: This convention allows for opening at 2♦, showing several possible hand types, including preemptive hands, making the bid even more disruptive to opponents.
Preemptive bids are a powerful tactical tool in bridge. They can confuse your opponents, but they require a good understanding of risks and opportunities. Use them wisely to leverage their potential, and make sure to master them to avoid costly penalties.
Practice regularly and learn to read situations well so that your preemptive bids become a major asset in your bridge-playing arsenal.
