Bridge strategy research

based on double-dummy simulation results

A new approach to studying bridge emerged starting in the late 1990s: dealing out large numbers of hands satisfying a set of constraints, then determining how many tricks can be taken with perfect play and defense if everyone can see everyone else's cards. There are some limitations to this method -- for a start it doesn't quantify the value of leaving your opponents in the dark about how best to defend, and this article by Thomas Andrews discusses some others -- but it remains a useful tool to estimate how often a given auction gets you to the right contract.

I use Thomas Andrews's Deal 3.1.7 package, which uses scripts written in TCL to specify hand types and is integrated with Bo Haglund's free double-dummy solver. (If you like spiffy graphical interfaces, you'll want to use something different.)

Some of the topics I have investigated:

How much does it matter how declarer's and dummy's high cards are divided?: Everyone knows it's easier to make 3NT with 25 HCP than with 24 HCP. Sharp-eyed players also know that it's better to have 25 HCP divided 15-and-10 than 20-and-5. How much better?
Optimizing your notrump ladder - coming soon: Expanding on the previous article: what point ranges for NT openings and raises ought to lead to the best matchpoint results in the long run?
Responding to 1NT with an 8-count: The experts are not unanimous in their opinions as to when it's right to drop partner in 1NT, when it's right to use Stayman with a marginal hand, and whether 1NT-2NT should be an invitation to 3NT.
Dropping partner after using Stayman: Closely related to the previous article: with what hand patterns and strengths is it more profitable to drop partner in 2, 2, or 2 than to play 1NT?
Responding to 1NT with 3-3-6-1 distribution - NEW: The right response is obvious once you think about it, but the field hasn't ever thought about it.
Raising 2NT to 3NT - NEW: Are all 5-counts created equal, or is AJ significantly better than QJJJ for putting partner in game?
4-4 Major fit, or notrump? - coming soon: Here again you'll get a different answer from Kit Woolsey's Matchpoints than from a lot of other books. Who is right and why?