Prerequisites: Comfortable with 2/1 system, competitive bidding, negative doubles, and game tries. Not there yet? Start Intermediate →
Advanced Bridge
Learning Path
This is where bridge gets beautiful. Slam bidding, squeezes, control bids, and the system tools used by tournament players. Work through these modules and you'll play at an expert level.
Module 1
Slam Bidding
Slams are the highest-scoring contracts in bridge — and the most mishandled. Learn to reach the slams that make and stay out of the ones that don't.
Key Concepts
- Evaluating slam potential: controls vs. HCP
- Roman Keycard Blackwood (RKCB): 0314 and 1430
- Asking for the trump queen and specific kings
- Gerber over notrump openings
- When slam is off despite the points
Practice with Brian
Ask Brian to deal slam-zone hands (26+ combined points). Practice bidding to the right slam level.
Open Brian →Readiness Check — before moving on
Can you do each of these without looking it up?
- I can identify when a hand has slam potential based on controls, not just HCP
- I know the difference between 0314 and 1430 RKCB and when to use each
- I can ask for the trump queen and specific side-suit kings
- I know when NOT to use Blackwood (e.g., void in hand)
Module 2
Control Bids & Cuebids
Once you've agreed a suit and one partner shows slam interest, control bids let you probe for specific cards before committing to 6 or 7.
Key Concepts
- What a control bid shows: first-round (A, void) vs. second-round (K, singleton)
- The order of control bids up the line
- Exclusion Blackwood (void asking)
- Last Train: the final slam invitation
- When to cuebid vs. just bid the slam
Articles to Read
Practice with Brian
Ask Brian to create hands where slam depends on specific controls. Practice the control-bid dialogue.
Open Brian →Readiness Check — before moving on
Can you do each of these without looking it up?
- I understand the difference between first and second-round controls
- I know the order control bids are made (up the line)
- I understand Exclusion Blackwood and when to use it
- I can use "Last Train" to make a final slam invitation
Module 3
Squeeze Plays
The squeeze is bridge's most elegant play — forcing an opponent to give up a winner no matter what they discard.
Key Concepts
- The anatomy of a simple squeeze: menace cards and the squeeze card
- Rectifying the count: losing losers before squeezing
- Simple squeeze vs. double squeeze
- The dummy reversal: creating extra tricks in declarer's hand
- Trump coups and how to avoid being couped
Articles to Read
Practice with Brian
Ask Brian to deal classic squeeze positions. Can you identify the squeeze card and execute the ending?
Open Brian →Readiness Check — before moving on
Can you do each of these without looking it up?
- I can identify the squeeze card and the two menaces in a simple squeeze
- I understand "rectifying the count" and why it's necessary
- I can distinguish a simple squeeze from a double squeeze
- I know what a trump coup is and how to execute it
Module 4
Advanced Defense
Experts say defense is the hardest part of bridge — it requires reading the auction, counting the hand, and trusting your partner.
Key Concepts
- Signals: attitude, count, and suit preference
- The rule of 11 on opening leads
- Defensive counting: inferring declarer's shape from the auction
- Uppercuts and promoting trump tricks
- Suit preference signals in specific situations
Articles to Read
Practice with Brian
Ask Brian to put you on defense. Focus on signal play and counting the hand.
Open Brian →Readiness Check — before moving on
Can you do each of these without looking it up?
- I use attitude, count, and suit preference signals correctly
- I can apply the rule of 11 from a known opening lead
- I can count declarer's shape from the bidding and play
- I understand uppercuts and when to promote partner's trump tricks
Module 5
Advanced System Tools
Fine-tune your system with tools that handle edge cases, improve slam exploration, and deal with opponent interference.
Key Concepts
- Lebensohl: handling interference after 1NT
- New Minor Forcing: finding fits after 1NT rebid
- Weak two-bids and strong 2♣ opening
- Multi 2♦: ambiguous preempts
- Defense against strong club systems
Practice with Brian
Tell Brian you want to stress-test Lebensohl and defense against 1NT overcalls.
Open Brian →Readiness Check — before moving on
Can you do each of these without looking it up?
- I understand Lebensohl responses after 1NT interference and what each speed promises
- I know when to use New Minor Forcing vs. a natural bid
- I can open and respond to weak two-bids correctly
- I have a system for defending against strong club openings
You've reached expert level.
Advanced Path — Completion Criteria
- I can bid slams confidently using RKCB and evaluate slam vs. game
- I use control bids and can read my partner's cuebid responses
- I can identify and execute a basic squeeze ending
- I read defensive signals and count declarer's shape accurately
- I handle 1NT interference with Lebensohl and know my other system tools
The advanced path covers what most players never fully learn. From here, improvement comes from playing, reviewing, and discussing hands — with Brian or at the table.
Get Weekly Bridge Insights
Join 500+ players improving their game with our newsletter.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime. See our privacy policy.