dustinst22

The BBF is incredibly active already, but I'm surprised there isn't an easier-to-find link to the forums on the home page (bridgebase.com). It seems like this should be a prominent link at the top with "Home", "Vugraph", etc. Also, BBO could really use the help of a website designer to improve the look and feel of the home page. It basically looks like a programmer designed it. This is fine, but not very welcoming for new players. The look/feel as well as content could and should be improved drastically. This would help to bring new players to the game in my opinion. Bridge is a fantastic game, let's show that with something a bit more interesting on the first page newcomers arrive to!

I too, like this format. Since we both come from Spades, it makes sense that we would enjoy this aspect (making EV state-of-the-match situational decisions). It also makes sense that we enjoy MP coming from Spades.

Not to mention, this isnt the final results. The placing could obv be skewed since some have only played a few boards.

True, but live bridge is typically 3 times more boards.....so obviously far less variance.

I like this method, and have been considering using it. Is it allowable in ACBL general chart? You mentioned the 2C bid shows either a constructive, limit raise, or GF raise. What are the follow ups to show each type?

I too would want to raise hearts, but I'm afraid 2H might be an underbid and 3H could be bad. Guess I'll temporize for now with 2D and show heart support later.

I've been trying to get younger people (i.e. working people) into Bridge, but it's so hard directing them to a course that caters to their working hours. Seems everything caters to those who are retired. Unfortunate.

Not really fond of this look. Guess I'm one of the few that loves how the current web version already looks/functions.

People who.... chomp on gum/eat with their mouth open talk on their phone in the bathroom use the word literally incorrectly use "your/you're" incorrectly spell "lose","loose" dont pick up their dog's crap listen to obnoxious music really loud talk during a movie dont do anything about their crying children at a nice restaurant or a movie walk too slow. Get out of my way. are never on time tailgate pedestrians/cyclists who think they own the road I must be getting old

Thanks. Wouldn't 2N sort of suggest you don't have 5 spades?

A7542 JT A2 QJ76 Partner opens 1H-1S ; 2C-2D ; 3C ?

I grew up in a Mormon family but have been atheist since ~ 15. I've always been a person who looks at things with reason/logic, and never understood faith. Mormons used to think that playing cards were the work of the devil, which was pretty hilarious because my family played a ton of cards. My dad was a serious Bridge addict and my mom's parents really hated this (they were very devout mormons). Before my grandmother passed away (my dad had already passed), she kept warning me to not play Bridge as it was the work of the devil. I think the LDS faith has softened its stance since then on card play.

I really enjoy playing Robodupes for declaring practice. Would be interesting to have tournaments where you're on defense the majority of the time (i.e. your side always has less than half the HCP).

The forcing NT is one of the weak spots of 2/1. IN my experience, I want to use it as little as possible, not more.

Really great read. Passing this along to all my spades friends to convince them they're playing the wrong game.

By the way, another thing -- I wouldn't teach her SA. I see no reason to not just start with 2/1. In my opinion it makes things easier. I think 2/1 has replaced SA as the standard system anyway.

Beginner Intermediate Lounge -- a club in BBO for new players with lessons, etc. http://www.bilbridge.com/

Well, let's get a few things straight. Most spades players from my experience are lazy and unwilling to put in much time studying. So make sure the person you're working with isn't in that group, lol. I've wasted my time trying to teach a few top spades players who frankly are too lazy to learn Bridge. But if she's "brilliant", she'll quickly see how Bridge is a vastly superior game and want to put in the time needed. That being said, really I'd just have them learn basic opening bids and responses with simple overcall rules and that's it. Bidding will come with time through experience. The play is what will get them fascinated with the game, and that's how you get a card player hooked. Once hooked, they'll take it upon themselves to put in the study required. Here's what I'd do step by step: 1) Give them the link to the ACBL course downloads 2) Give them opening and response bids 3) Give them simple overcall rules 4) Start playing with GIB as the opponents which will alert every bid so that the student understands whats going on. Play A LOT of hands. Have A LOT of discusssion about the hands. Repeat. 5) Get them doing Bridge Master 6) Have them watch Vugraph and top players often.

I've taught several spades players Bridge, and I think the very best thing you can do is have them read the ACBL course by Gitelman. Have them really focus on the NT sections. Once they have the very basics of bidding, get them playing lots of hands. A great way to get new players to get through the initial learning curves quickly is to play versus GIB. The last thing you want to do is cover too much on bidding. Really all they should need is a very simple framework and start getting playing experience. After playing a few hundred hands, I'd have them start doing Bridge Master level 1 and 2. In my opinion, 95% of your time should be focused on improving play. The BIL is OK for getting some instruction, but I think far too much time is spent on bidding. Try to do the classes on defense and declaring.

Not sure what the big deal is here? If the opponents ask any question about an alert/announcement, aren't you obligated to provide the answer?

I'm not going to bother counting, but it looks like quite a few results: http://tinyurl.com/c9dln4b

Does anyone have a list of the best bridge books available in electronic format?

Phil, I agree also with your suggested bid and is what I would have bid with most partners. Question, if your partner uses rule of 20 in conjunction with 2 1/2 tricks for openings, what would your call be? The same? I guess my question is, are there hands too strong to preempt, but not quite right to open at the 1 level? I've heard the logic that there is no in between, but not sure if I agree (i.e. scattered values/strength)

Ah sorry, corrected

Think thats what I put