Easley Blackwood started it all...
    How many aces do you have, partner?"
Let's talk about that.
The bridge world accepted the idea and put Easley's name to the convention - It's the Blackwood bid.

Blackwood has taken many forms since the 1930's and has evolved from a simple question with four step responses to a complex and much abused agreement.  In the early days, each step of the responses was simple and complete, with no ambiguity in its meaning.  That's not true with the agreements that have replaced Easley's gift to bridge players.

Before you study the various agreements you will find here, please take this to heart:  The player who makes the initial asking bid, usually 4NT, is the captain and makes the final decision.

Also, write this down:  Any form of Blackwood is a dangerous convention if your suit is a minor.  It's impossible if your suit is clubs and terrible for diamonds; most of the time it's okay for hearts but it's great for spades.

Further, I believe the ideas below can be attributed to Mr. Kit Woolsey, although they are not direct quotes:
    When one hand is extremely strong, the player holding it shouldn't even try to describe his hand.  Rather, the strong hand should inquire while the weaker hand describes.  Generally it's just not possible to give an accurate description of both the strength and distribution held by a strong hand because there is simply not enough bidding space available.  In general, it's the strong hand that should place the final contract.  However, there are times when the strong hand may give his partner a final option.


NEVER USE ANY FORM OF BLACKWOOD TO ASK FOR ACES WHEN YOU SUIT IS A MINOR ! ! !

Roy Wilson

                Since January 15, 2022 --      
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