other suits.

5 Diamonds, including 2 honours and some protection in other suits.

4 Diamonds, including 4 honours, with or without protection in other suits.

BLACK SUIT DECLARATIONS

The score should be the one excuse for an original black declaration, and then only when comparatively sure of winning the game. Otherwise, when the hand does not admit of a red or a no-trump declaration, the make should be passed.

CLUBS

Clubs should be made originally only when the score is eighteen or more, and the hand strong enough, with slight assistance, to win the game. Clubs may be declared when there are four honours in one hand, providing the dealer has won the first game and is eight or more on the second. The trick and honour scores combined will count more than the average make, and with great help the game may be won.

SPADES

Spades may be made originally when six points or less are needed to win the game.

DEFENSIVE SPADE MAKES

With a very weak hand some players advise a defensive spade make with the object of preventing partner's attempting a make which may prove disastrous. While much may be said in favour of an original black make under these circumstances, it is doubtful whether it pays; the adversaries are almost certain to double, and you eliminate the possibility of securing a large honour score and of winning the game on that deal. The one time that a defensive spade make might be justifiable is when you are a game to the good and do not wish to lose the advantage which this position offers.

SYNOPSIS OF THE MAKES

The dealer should declare

NO-TRUMPS,

♥ HEARTS. ♥

The dealer should NOT declare hearts

♦ DIAMONDS. ♦

The dealer should NOT declare diamonds:

When behind on the score, unless there are 4 honours, or 7 or 8 tricks, in the hand.

When 0 to 24 on the first game.

Having lost the first and 0 on the second game.

When 0 on the rubber game.

The dealer should NOT declare clubs

Unless his score is 18 or more points, and the hand strong enough to win the game.

The dealer should NOT declare spades

Unless his score is 24 or more points, and the hand strong enough to win the game.

PASSED MAKES

The dummy hand, in declaring the trump, should keep in mind the rules suggested for the dealer, and, at the same time, be governed in his choice by the state of the score, by the general strength of his hand, and by the dealer's acknowledged weakness. When the make has been passed, one must infer that the dealer has not a strong hand, neither has he much strength in the red suits. While the latter inference may be doubtful, the dealer often passing a fair diamond hand, it is dangerous to declare no-trump without protection in the red suits, and the declaration may result in a disastrous loss.

The following suggestions may prove useful:

The fact that your hand is exposed gives the adversaries an opportunity to take advantage of its weak points.

A no-trump make that is weak in the red suits, unless justified by the score, is unsound.

A no-trump make that is weak in Hearts is liable to be doubled.

When a game ahead be conservative. When a game behind be bold.

Endeavour to prevent the adversaries from winning the first game on your deal. When the adversaries have won a game and have the first deal on the second, they hold an advantage you will find most difficult to overcome.

If your hand is worth less than four tricks don't make the trump red.

If your hand is worth less than four tricks make the trump to lose as little as possible.

EXAMPLES OF ORIGINAL MAKES