jcreech

Some platforms do not even receive the invitations, so the invitation just times out. I have noticed a problem with phones and iPad users. It is easier when you know what questions to ask before making an invite.

I understand that these are trying times for BBO, as well as the rest of the world. The number of logins are unprecedented, and the demands on BBO difficult. But is it the best policy to dump your long-standing friends in favor of a new friend that once the crisis is over will return to their old ways. I do not mean to disparage ACBL, I have been a happy member of the organization for nearly 40 years. Nonetheless, ACBL has historically been a short-sighted organization, and largely motivated by their own profit line. They have their own online games, and yet the vast majority of players are coming to BBO. I first came to BBO when Imagination was taken over and I preferred BBO to OKBridge. I came with a group of friends, who even while I disappeared for awhile, continued to play here. When I came back, I enjoyed kibitzing and playing with them again, but I found other old friends and they introduced me to BILS and IAC. I participated in those clubs, not because I needed their lessons, but because I saw a greater need within BBO for players who need their lessons. It was a way for me to give back to the game and help players who want to learn and develop their skills. Pillowsky (the previous contributor) is an example of someone who really does need the lessons available in BILS and IAC. It is not that he is not without skills or abilities. It is that he has an incomplete understanding of standard methods. He has interesting ideas of what bids mean, but if partner doesn't also understand, then the communication of bidding falls apart. There is a difference between being highly intelligent and communicating using the same language; in bridge, you are in your best position when both are working hand in hand. I don't know how much having the ability for the clubs to run tournaments is to their survival. Curls77 has a much better handle on that than I do. Nonetheless, there are many times when a tournament is the starting point for a lesson; and that is valuable for the club and bridge more generally. There are also times when club members are put into a position where they play with other members that they do not normally get to play with. Even in clubs, there is a bit of self-selection and cliqueishness that goes on, and these events help break down those barriers and make the club stronger for having done so. Even if BBO cannot justify allowing all of the club tournaments from being played, at least allow the clubs some to support their ongoing teaching programs. Just my 2 cnets!

I also agree that this is a software update that is needed. There is a former member of a private club that complained incessantly about another member constantly kibitzing him. He used to call her a stalker. Now he is doing exactly the same thing to a different existing member. I didn't think of this solution when he complained, but now that he is the "stalker" and the solution has been proposed, I think it is an excellent idea. It could have solved his problem then and now it can solve another person's problem now.

I many ways, this reminds me of a failure to move that occurred back when I had fewer than 50 MPs. East has first round control in three suits and MUST make a move. 4♠ makes the most sense, and, if West RKB's, will not have to wonder if there is a missing key. Then, if specific king responses are used for the 5NT continuation, then it will be clear that the K♦ is missing.