Trap Defense Method

The origin of this conventional defense method is unknown, but this defense method was popularized by Mr. Anthony (Tony) R. Forrester of Upton Bishop, England. It is a defensive bidding system employed after strong, artificial 1 Club openings. All intervening bids are normally based on a holding with a minimum of 12/13 high card points and on a longer suit of good to excellent quality.

The intervening bids are shown below. All continuances are considered to be a matter to be decided by the partnership. See also variation: Modified Trap Defense.

Double:	A transfer to a long one-suiter in Hearts.
1 :	A transfer to a long one-suiter in Spades.
1 :	Promises a two-suited holding with Clubs and Spades (Black Suits) or Diamonds and Hearts (Red Suits).
1 :	Promises a two-suited holding with Hearts and Spades (Major Suits) or Clubs and Diamonds (Minor Suits).
1 NT:	Promises a two-suited holding with Clubs and Hearts (Rounded Two-Suiter) or Diamonds and Spades (Pointed Two-Suiter).
2 :	Promises either a one-suited holding in Clubs (the bid suit), of a three-suited holding with shortness in Clubs (the bid suit).
2 :	Promises either a one-suited holding in Diamonds (the bid suit), of a three-suited holding with shortness in Diamonds (the bid suit).
2 :	Promises either a one-suited holding in Hearts (the bid suit), of a three-suited holding with shortness in Hearts (the bid suit).
2 :	Promises either a one-suited holding in Spades (the bid suit), of a three-suited holding with shortness in Spades (the bid suit).

The transfer bids are considered constructive and should be based on a good, positive suit. The holding should contain at least the minimum of a 12 point count.

 

 

If you wish to include this feature, or any other feature, of the game of bridge in your partnership agreement, then please make certain that the concept is understood by both partners. Be aware whether or not the feature is alertable or not and whether an announcement should or must be made. Check with the governing body and/or the bridge district and/or the bridge unit prior to the game to establish the guidelines applied. Please include the particular feature on your convention card in order that your opponents are also aware of this feature during the bidding process, since this information must be made known to them according to the Laws of Duplicate Contract Bridge. We do not always include the procedure regarding Alerts and/or Announcements, since these regulations are changed and revised during time by the governing body. It is our intention only to present the information as concisely and as accurately as possible.

 

 

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