The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-04-16

, strong combination two or more suit bids. The player, in considering this, however, should also weigh the ad vantage that a suit declaration in point of information gives his partner over no trump declaration, and the risk which always accompanies a no trump. We are of the opinion that under usual conditions a sound major suit declaration is better than a no trump declaration.
 Minor Suit Free Bids Informative only
 No good player should want to try for game with minor suit trump, If there is any chance for major suit or no trump. Tom ake Il tricks IS a large contract. and the penal ties are the same for all sets. When you pick up your hand and it ipdl- eates one or two with a minor suit play, it is best to watt till the forced bids begin and then base your call on strategy or as conditions warrant.
 The conventions in minor suit dec larations differ from those of no trump and major suits because the important thing in bridge is to win game, and the percentage of games won with minor suits is relatively small. Don't forget that if you win the rubber game there is large re- ward. The first, or second game when three are played, is worth 125 points, and the deciding game worth 250 points. The average value of an undoubled game, aside from any rub tber bonus, is about 50 points. This makes the stake for each undeciding rubber game 1855 points and for each deciding game, BIO points. Initial minor suit bids, therefore, should not be made with the idea of the suit be- .l of value in informing the partner he can depend on two sure tricks. and that the suit called is fully protected should be want to go to no trump. IL also indicates lead should the ad- versaries win the declaration.
 Free Diamond or Stub Initial Bids
 A free bid of one diamond or club should indicate a suit of three or four headed by ace. king (side suit strength not essential) or ace, queen, or king. queen, jack with one addi- ton quick trick.
 If the suit is longer than four say five or six, the winning value of the top cards, from an assistance stand point. is not so good, because the chances are about one in three that the adversaries may have a singleton, which makes the two trick support uncertain.
 There should be no such thing as an initial two or three minor suit dec laration, as these are firm bids for the minor suit as trump.
 If you pick up a freak hand in dia- monds or clubs with great length and strength and feel sure of going game, pre- empt it by bidding four or five on the jump.
 With six points or over to the good in a game a player may make an initial bid in a minor suit just as if it were major suit at love. because the points necessary for game are capitalized.
 When the bidding becomes forced. and the fight is on, the minor suits come to the front Anything may be better than letting your opponents get the declaration. Minor suits are great also in other strategy. You can bluff with them more safely than with major suits or no trump. because your adversaries are always thought ful about doubling a minor suit bid.
 You should only take your part ner out of a no trump declaration with a minor suit as rescue if your hand is practically a bust and you have not less than five diamonds or clubs. Or, when you feel sure that by changing to the minor suit the combined hands can take Il tricks; that is make game