boris3161

So, if I buy the CD, I can get my partner to learn how to play the cards too. That sounds like a good deal to me! B) Thanks!

Can someone advise me on the pros and cons of buying the Bridgemaster deals in BBO v buying the standalone product - I'm thinking about functionality and cost. I've done all the free deals on BBO and I think I need a lot more to improve my declarer play! ;)

On a point of information, as I understand it, drugs have not been legalized in the Netherlands, just decriminalized - there is a difference. The thinking is that it is better to help drug users than to make criminals out of them. In practice and simplifying horribly, most Dutch citizens are very conservative but they do not believe the law should regulate individual behavior. This is a very different approach to law making in the US (or UK) - and tends to make the boast of "The Land of the Free" sound rather hollow, IMHO.

I think I'd pass - I'm guessing my partner has a hand on the cusp between a 1♠ and a weak 2♠ opening and elected to pass it. If we're going to play in a game contract, this is likely to be the cheapest going. Any bid I make is likely to be digging the hole we're in deeper.

Let's go back to basics: I don't know who said it but the objective of bidding is to determine "which denomination?" and "how high?". The answers to these questions may vary according to the type of game you are playing (imps v matchpoints), your partner and his/her mood, your mood, the match position and/or any number of other factors. There is no single right answer. Having said that, with a 19 point opener and a partner who can reply, it is clear you want to be in game - perhaps slam. If your partner shows spades and you have 4 of them, it is clear which denomination you want to be in - so you need to tell your partner by whatever means you have at your disposal the good news. With fewer spades, you have to make more of a judgement. Don't look for rigid rules. Look to give your partner the most appropriate information you can.

I was recently told off by an opponent for alerting Stayman. Under English Bridge Union rules, I understand that it is alertable. You can never please all the people all the time! :)

OK - thanks - that's fixed it! :P

I had understood the new double dummy analyser would work when I'm looking at hands later using netbridgevu. Unfortunately neither the Deep Finesse version nor the GIB version appear to be accessible. I get the DF button but can't make it work. Am I being daft and missing something obvious? I'd like to get a bit of help to work out where I went wrong. :P