It is a complicated question from a mathematical point of view, and they have never kept any record for a long enough period of time to be of any practical value.
They doubt, however, the expediency of keeping the bridge strictly.
If, however, the bridge is to be kept at all, it should be kept always, and in the same manner; otherwise you deceive your partner.
There is a growing tendency to abolish the bridge. The writers remember distinctly not long ago when every one kept the bridge; now the same players take their chances with two lay aces, or the ace and another in trumps. This, however, is purely a matter of taste, and is not offered here as an arbitrary rule.
Naturally, some hands will make four beyond a doubt; but it is much harder to get an imperfect lone hand through against two good players than against two inferior ones; hence the better the players, the less is the value of the bridge against the ordinary lone hand.
LONE HANDS.
It is impossible to absolutely define a “lone hand.” With the score three-all, four-all, or any score in your favor, do not risk a light lone hand. It is our opinion that a great many points are lost by not taking your partner with you for a march.
With the score four-one or four-two against you, you may take a desperate chance.
If your opponents keep bridges tolerably strictly, you must, of course, be more careful if they have passed.
The eldest hand has the best position to play a lone hand, and the dealer the next best.