by: HeyMrTamMan

2/10/00

Match point tactics differ from Total Points and IMPs because of the scoring. I'll summarize the scoring and how that affects the play and the bidding.

On each hand, you get one match point for each pair you beat, one half for each pair you tie. That means a small Total Points difference usually translates into several match points.

Overtricks are important. So is bidding a game or part score which scores higher than an alternate contract. Sacrifice bidding is also critical. It's important to correctly analyze the hand in detail. It's also necessary to have a general understanding of what's happening at the other tables!

A good rule at match points is, do what you think is probably correct, without regard for how much it may cost in total points if you are wrong! For example, if you think you can sacrifice for -500 against the opponents' +620, do it! If you're right two-thirds of the time, you'll get most of the match points twice, and less the third time. A 66% game will win most match point events. If you are right most of the time, you'll win most of the match points, even if you go for 800 now and then!

Defense is generally more cautious. The goal is often to stop declarer from making overtricks, rather than play for the set. If you think a particular play will probably cost a trick, don't do it, even if it might set the opponents.

It's easier to hold in the overtricks before trick one by making more aggressive overcalls. You probably won't get doubled, so let partner know which suit to lead!

Declarer often risks the contract to outscore the field. Let's say you find yourself playing a 4-3 heart fit at the two-level. You believe most of the "field" is playing 1NT, making an overtrick, for +120. Making two hearts for +110 is probably zero match points. You look for a way to make three hearts, even if it means risking the contract.

There's another case when declarer risks his contract. If the opponents have found an unusual lead at No Trump which pays off, you're already behind the field. Playing for extra tricks, even if the contract is placed in jeopardy, is the only way to recoup.

Minor Suit contracts are unusual at match points, because No Trump scores better. Holding xx-Kxx-xx-Axxxx, if partner opens One Club, bid One No Trump. Two Clubs scores higher then One No Trump only if One No Trump goes set, which probably won't happen. Likewise, bidding game in a minor is right only when Three No Trump doesn't make and slam doesn't make either. Kit Woolsey has an interesting idea for match points. If you find yourself at Five Clubs when you can see Three No Trump makes, you're headed for zero matchpoints. Bid Six!!! Occasionally you'll turn that zero into a top.

Another example of No Trump outscoring suit contracts is in slam. If you think Six Hearts is a sure thing, while Six No Trump is merely probable -- bid Six No Trump. If it's probably the highest score for that hand, you should be there at match points.

Sacrifices, same thing. If you think that probably opponents make +620 and you go for -500, do it!

Penalty doubles are frequent at match points. If you have no game, and you believe you can probably set the opponents one trick vulnerable, double! +200 is almost always top board for a part score hand.

Finally, I think it's important to play a system which allows you to describe more hands. Success depends first on bidding to the best contract, second on making the most tricks there. Transfers, Negative Doubles, Support Doubles, Responsive Doubles, Roman Key Card Blackwood, Jacoby Two No Trump and Bergen Raises all offer better hand description.

Enough theory! Back to the tables!

:-)