Sue601

Oops....sorry for my poor formatting....I'll have to take time from Bridge study to studying posting hands, I'm afraid. And thanks for the responses.... Sue in Virginia

Can this hand be made? This beginner hasn't found a way. Using Fred Gitelman's SAYC tutorial for beginners. This hand seems to me a "text book" preempt response (6-10 pts, long trump support, void or singleton). Bidding: South as dealer 1H (P) 4H (All Pass) North 7 2 K 10 9 5 4 7 J 10 8 6 2 West East Q 6 5 3 A K 9 8 J 7 2 K 9 6 3 2 A J 8 5 4 A 7 9 5 4 South J 10 4 A Q 8 6 3 Q 10 K Q 3

Oops, guess I better check that 3NT bid. About the 2D (I don't know Bergen). I've been using a jump limit raise (3S) as 10 -11 pts and the change of suit bid (2D) as showing opening points and a chance to show the trump support at the next bid. I don't know where I got that information--perhaps some other source. Am I off on that idea too? So much for me to learn....So greatful for this message board. Sue

Studying from BridgeBase tutorial (SAYC) from ACBL written by Fred Gitelman South (Dealer): K Q J 5 2 A Q J 7 2 A Q 9 North: A 6 4 3 J 3 A 10 6 3 K 4 3 My guess was 1S (P) 2D (P) 3NT (P) 6S (All Pass) I've been told this is Not a slam hand and should not be taken past 4S. But I'm not sure how North would know that after South's 3NT bid. Based on combined hand point count it seems North would attempt some slam bid or at least slam conversation. My understanding of the bids are: South opens.....North forces additional bidding with change of suit....South rebids using a limit bid showing 19-21 pts....North now "captain." North does the math and takes it to small slam based on combined total point range of 32 to 34. I'm not interested that it is a slam that will go down since North can't actually see South's hand. Just trying to figure how North would bid differently based on the bidding info available. Remember....Beginner here... Sue

I live in a small Virginia city and would love to return to rubber bridge now that my children are grown. The local senior center has rubber bridge but I'm not quite at the "senior" age group. I have found some listings for duplicate bridge but prefer something less competitive with more socializing. I've tried to start my own group by offering to teach the game for free but my few students have not been reliable. What happen to the days when ladies looked forward to an afternoon of bridge? Away from homemaking responsibilities.....just enjoying a chance to use their intelligence... Frustrated in Va Sue

Am a serious beginner using SAYC as system. I'm reading many books based on 5 card majors and SAYC. Each mentions calculating "quick tricks" (also called "defensive tricks") such as AK = 2 quick tricks, AQ = 1 1/2 quick tricks, etc. during bidding. This is not the same as counting "sure tricks" for play of hand planning. Besides using quick tricks to evaluate a preempt response these books also mention using this calculation when thinking of opening with a questionable hand and when thinking of doubling opponent. My questions are: 1. What is an minimum, average, and good number of quick tricks? 2? 2 1/2? How do I know a good number of quick tricks for a minimum opening hand? 2. What is a good number of quick tricks for doubling a contract? How do I incorporate this information with other facts such as singletons, or strength in opponent suit. Do I count on a minimum number of quick tricks from partner when making decisions? If so, how many? I guess, basically, I don't understand the concept of "quick tricks" and how to benefit from their use. Sue in Virginia

Returning to Rubber bridge after long absense. I'm actually "teaching" a few other friends how to play -- pretty much the blind leading the blind since I was never really much of a player to begin with. I recall from years ago a one bid ( 1 NT, 1 Suit) wasn't played. What I can't remember is if the 1 Bid was scored for the bidding partnership OR if the hand was thrown in as if a Pass Out round. Thanks for any response, SueW

Returning to casual bridge after an absense of many years. Have gathered interested others and we are refreshing our memories and playing weekly. My question: When I played Rubber Bridge years ago there were a few $ involved. Seems to me the high scorer left with something and the lowest scorer got her $ back. Other than that I can't remember how much we contributed or how it was divided up. Anyone have any suggestions what might be put in the till and how to distribute it? SueW

Thanks, I appreciate the help and links. Interestingly, no one mentioned I mis-named the bidding system. I name it after a famous toilet manufacturer. My first beginner lesson has been to name the system correctly--Standard American! Walddk provided some very useful links that will keep me busy for some time. I also found one on my own -- The Fifth Chair -- with lessons on the SAYC system at www.fifthchair.org. Now off to learn some bridge. Sue

Sue May 22, 4:29 pm show options Newsgroups: rec.games.bridge From: "Sue" <WSue...@aol.com> - Find messages by this author Date: 22 May 2005 13:29:41 -0700 Local: Sun,May 22 2005 4:29 pm Subject: Beginner Query about American Standard System Variations Reply | Reply to Author | Forward | Print | Individual Message | Show original | Remove | Report Abuse Learning American Standard 5 card majors system. I've noticed some books on this system use 13 to 21 pts suit and 16-18 pts NT while others recommend 12 to 20 pt suit and 15-17 pts NT. Anyone aware of advantages/disadvantages to using either count system? We're talking only one point differences here so I'm curious why the variations. Thanks Sue