Bridge is a game of strategy, and conventions are an essential part of it. One such convention is the Blackwood convention, which is widely used by bridge players worldwide. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, meaning, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences of the Blackwood convention.
Definitions
The Blackwood convention is a bidding system in bridge that is used to determine the number of aces held by a partnership. It is used when a partnership has agreed on a trump suit and is considering a slam contract. The Blackwood convention is used to ask for aces, and the responses to the Blackwood convention are as follows:
- 4NT: Asks for aces.
- 5C: Response showing 0 or 4 aces.
- 5D: Response showing 1 ace.
- 5H: Response showing 2 aces.
- 5S: Response showing 3 aces.
Origin
The Blackwood convention was invented by Easley Blackwood, an American bridge player, in the 1930s. He developed the convention to improve the accuracy of slam bidding. The convention was first used in the 1933 Bermuda Bowl, and it quickly gained popularity among bridge players worldwide.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The Blackwood convention is not listed in most dictionaries as it is a technical term used in bridge. However, some online dictionaries define the Blackwood convention as a bidding system used in bridge to ask for aces.
Associations
The Blackwood convention is associated with slam bidding in bridge. It is used to determine the number of aces held by a partnership and is an essential tool for accurate slam bidding.
Synonyms
There are no synonyms for the Blackwood convention as it is a unique bidding system in bridge.
Antonyms
There are no antonyms for the Blackwood convention as it is a unique bidding system in bridge.
The same root words
There are no root words for the Blackwood convention as it is a unique term in bridge.
Example Sentences
- North bids 4NT, asking for aces using the Blackwood convention.
- South responds with 5H, showing two aces.
- North and South bid the slam contract confidently, knowing they have enough aces.
In conclusion, the Blackwood convention is a vital bidding system in bridge that is used to determine the number of aces held by a partnership. It was invented by Easley Blackwood in the 1930s and quickly gained popularity among bridge players worldwide. The Blackwood convention is an essential tool for accurate slam bidding and is widely used by bridge players of all levels.