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

DIAMONDS

As there are two declarations of greater value than diamonds, there is often a question as to the advisability of pa.s.sing the make with a fair diamond hand and of giving partner an opportunity to declare no-trump or hearts. The dealer should always make the trump diamonds holding four or five honours in his hand, irrespective of the state of the score; holding less than four honours the dealer must be influenced by the number of points that are necessary to win the game, and by the strength of his hand. Many players are prejudiced against an original diamond declaration when the score is love all; and, while the writer believes it safer at this score to declare diamonds with a fair hand than to chance the uncertainty of a pa.s.sed make, yet the make SHOULD be pa.s.sed:--

When behind on the first game--as 0-24.

Having lost the first and with nothing scored on the second game.

When nothing on the rubber game.

In each of these positions, as the adversaries have the next deal and may win the game, it is imperative that you score thirty points. To accomplish this with a diamond trump it is necessary to win eleven of the thirteen tricks; therefore, unless you hold a hand of more than the average strength, it is advisable to pa.s.s the make in hopes that partner can declare hearts or no-trump.

If there is a question between a diamond and no-trump declaration, the latter is usually preferable; for while the risk is greater the reward is double.

A diamond make is advisable whenever there is a fair chance to win the game, as when but two or three odd tricks are needed.

RULES FOR THE DIAMOND MAKE

The dealer should declare diamonds:

{6 Diamonds, including 1 honour and some protection in other suits.

Holding {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 pa.s.sed.

CLUBS

Clubs should be made originally only when the score is eighteen or more, and the hand strong enough, with slight a.s.sistance, 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 circ.u.mstances, 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,

{4 Aces.

{3 Aces.

{2 Aces and a guarded K or Q.

Holding {1 Ace and a guarded K or Q in three other suits.

{1 long established black suit (A K Q x x x) and one other Ace.

The dealer should NOT declare no-trumps

With a strong heart and a doubtful no-trump hand,

Or

When the game can be won with a trump suit.

[H] HEARTS. [H]

Holding

6 Hearts, including 1 honour, and some protection in other suits.

5 Hearts, including 1 honour, with a good five-card plain suit or with strong protection in other suits.

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

4 Hearts, including 3 honours, and some protection in other suits.

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

The dealer should NOT declare hearts

Holding

5 Hearts, including 1 or 2 honours } without protection 4 Hearts, including 3 honours } in other suits.

[D] DIAMONDS. [D]

Holding

6 Diamonds, including 1 honour, and some protection in 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.

The dealer should NOT declare diamonds:

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