A Switch in Time

78

5. When the Obvious Shift

Isn't So Obvious
Until now, we have discussed the Obvious Shift as if it were

reasonably obvious to both partners. We presented a few

guidelines for identifying the Obvious Shift in the short quiz at the
end of Chapter II. Most important of these was that against a suit
contract dummy’s weak three-card suit is the top candidate;
otherwise we look for dummy’s shorter side suit, and if there is
doubt, we go with the lower.

On the one hand, these rules are easy, and most of the time you
will be on the same wavelength with partner. On the other hand, they
do not take into account bidding, which could easily change your
thinking. At the table, confusing situations arise. As we saw on the
last deal, the Obvious Shift is not always so obvious. And no
partnerships enjoy mix-ups.

It is a good idea, therefore, to have a set of firm rules to follow.

These rules are valuable, however, only in a partnership and should
be treated in the same way you treat bidding systems: You've got to
agree on them with partner beforehand.

In our study of defense, both in reading and actual play, we have

come upon enough blunders to help us formulate the follow- ing set
of rules. We have no doubt, however — this being the first attempt at
such guidelines — that theorists will come up with even better ideas
after these methods become popular. For now, here are our rules,
which are designed for accuracy and simplicity.