bid_em_up

Hush before they think of it and dont be surprised if it isnt attempted or hasnt already been considered. Of course if that were to happen, I suspect this country might reelect Bill instead. :o Yea, he was no picnic either but....... I'd much rather have a man who lies about sex in office (be realistic, what man hasn't lied about sex), than a man who has lied regarding war motives and its accompanying "proof", lied regarding interrogation tactics employed (I would have more respect for the man if he would just come out and say, "Hell yes, we tortured them and by God, we are going to keep doing it until they spill the damn beans or die!!"), spied on the American public through warrantless survellience, is now trying to change/modify the Geneva convention to make certain "methods" of interrogation legal (mainly to cover his ass under the guise of "we need these methods for information gathering"), whose friends (and family) have profited immensely from rising oil prices (a known outcome of the war), defense contracts awarded to other friends and/or companies of friends (not to mention the Veep), whose associates either directly or indirectly blew the cover for a CIA operative (dont stick your head in the sand and pretend that you just dont see), and who, in the eyes of many (not mine), stole his initial election to office anyway and countless loads of other known reasons (I am afraid to consider the unknown). What I hate even more is the "fair and balanced" news employed by certain obvious right-wing conservatives who would have had Clinton drawn and quartered over oral sex, and yet......where is the "fair and balanced" reporting against Bush?? And yet their whole premise was ...."HE LIED ABOUT IT, SO HE MUST BE IMPEACHED". Why are these same people not screaming for Bush to be castrated as well?? (Maybe they are, but I dont hear it). All I hear now is....you gotta support your president and the war on terror. Yada Yada Yada. Nonsense. While I certainly support the War on Terror in principle......nothing should allow us, as Americans, to stoop to the tactics he has used, no matter what the pretext. I swear, I told my ex-wife (a staunch Republican and Clinton hater) that I felt Bush could turn out to be the anti-Christ even before we had attacked in Iraq. Oh, that was a fight to remember for the ages!! :) I wonder how she feels now.......

While you can certainly find the spade fit as well, it becomes harder for the NT bidder to envision that the lack of diamond values is an asset to the hand. There are methods where responder can determine openers exact hand pattern after a NT opening, but I would not use them here. Assume that responder is 4-6-1-2 as you suggest. 1N-2C-2H-2S (still forcing)-3S-4C-4D-4H-? or 1N 2C 2H 2S 3C 4D-? could work, but its harder for either hand to envision the power of the long suit, the 4-4 fit and the fact that there are no wasted diamond values, and I would normally expect either of these auctions to end in 4M, unless employing other gadgets as well (ie, 1N 2C 2N = max, both majors, which isnt necessarily a bad treatment except for hands where partner is attempting to escape 1N at the two level, which is the main factor in why I dont usually play it that way).

My problem with this logic is that in either case (if you duck or you rise) 6N ends up making, so you only cost yourself 10-20% mp's by ducking at trick one, but if you rise, you almost assuredly allow 6N to make for what essentially the same bad board. Overall, I still think the duck is correct.....as you will gain much more than 20% if doing so results in 6N -1.

Not sure what you are asking. Is there some reason to believe that what the website says isnt the case? (I havent been able to see any of the vugraph today, so dont know if there are any variances from this).

Starting with Stayman on this hand opposite a strong NT gets you to hearts on this hand, true. But with this auction you are also going to play in 4H opposite KQx Kxxx Axx KQx (which is a lot more likely to go off than 4S, and is a 17-count with a perfect diamond holding opposite the splinter) I would say that, on average, 4H in the 4-4 fit opposite a normal strong NT will go off a fair percentage of the time. That makes a splinter just a little aggressive, particularly when opener has no idea you have 6 spades and a doubleton club. Saying that there is "not much risk" involved in the splinter is also untrue. If I held xx AKxx Axx KQJx and heard the auction start 1NT-2C-2H-4D splinter* I would feel entitled to drive slam opposite a spade control and the trump queen. I would certainly drive the 5-level. How could I have a more suitable 1NT opening? And yet 5H is extremely delicate opposite this. *I don't play this as a splinter, but suppose we did In my opinion, the only real chance of getting there is for opener to call his hand 18-19 balanced in a 4CM system and open 1H. For every hand you "design" to make it a bad contract, I can design 5 others that make it great. To each their own. While you certainly attempt to do a good job of tearing the initial parts of my posts apart, as usual, you fail to notice (or at the very least) acknowledge the fact that I put the caveats in that hearts can reasonably be achieved as the trump suit, AND that the slam probably should NOT be bid unless there were specific other factors involved. And there are many other hands where 4H will make, but 4S may not....what about those? Do I need to design a few of those for you as well? Geez. In the case of your "one" hand (out of how many gazillion?) where you hold a max NT with no spade control, well....stuff happens. But again, one hand out of ?????. Too many other hands will allow it to make. (Yes, the 4D bid is aggressive....I also noted that as well.....assume it is a normal splinter such as AJ10xxx Qxxx x Ax, now how bad is it???????????) I wont even comment on not playing 4 of minor as a splinter agreeing the major, because I must assume that it means something else in your system, although I cannot, at this moment, come up with any other reasonable meaning for the bid.

I assume you mean 1♦-(4♥)-tank, then pass-(p)-5D all pass. In this case, it should be fairly clear that opener has UI. But is pass really a logical alternative? I dont think so. How many would actually pass on this hand, if partner passed in tempo? Had opener bid anything but 5D, I would be willing to agree with it. But come on, 5D? Holding AKQx ♣ and a crappy diamond suit??!! Double I could accept; 4N I could accept; 5C I could accept. Any of these bids are logical (although double is a bad one) alternatives. While pass is certainly an alternative, how logical it is, is an entirely different question. Since any of the other bids should result in partner (now known as "Tank" throughout the world) bidding 5D, I would reluctantly have to agree that no damage has occured. You also must take into account that a preemptive bid by its very nature will usually cause an opponent to take additional time to consider your bid and his next bid. Had partners pass been made in a flash.....so that you know he has absolutely no problem whatsoever, is the call that I would be concerned about.

Its quite easy to get to hearts in real life. Just because you are 6-4 is no reason NOT to employ stayman first, imo. You can always get to spades later (at least a 6-2 fit can be presumed after a NT opening). 1N (15-17)- 2C - 2H (hearts first is fairly normal these days, I believe, and definetely in all of my partnerships)- 4D (splinter agreeing hearts)-? The 4D splinter is somewhat aggressive, but responder should realize the trick taking potential of his hand opposite a good fitting 1N. With wasted diamond values, or a non-control rich NT opening, opener will simply bid 4H over 4D, so there is not much risk involved with the splinter. Or put another way, with no wasted diamond values, opener holding the AK♥ and the KQ♠ only has 12 hcp so must have additional club values, yes they could be the QJx and 5♥ is too high, but with this holding opener may choose not to cuebid 4S. Holding AK trump and a control in each black suit, opener can bid 4S, North knowing opener must also hold at least Kx in spades now (and the 4S cuebid should imply a club control, excellent hearts and no wasted diamond values to continue beyond 4H) can simply inquire about keycards, and then bid 6H. This is a fairly simple sequence....no terribly advanced methods are required. (However, I wouldnt be too overly concerned if we stopped in 4H either.) It isnt so much a question of "Can it be bid?" (of course it can, fairly simply) as opposed to "Should it be bid?". I think that this is a slam that should be bid if you are trailing in a match, if you feel you are outclassed by opps and need as many swings as possible, or if you are in the hunt in the late rounds of a matchpoint tourny and want a top to improve your position; otherwise take the plus score and be happy. As always, jmoo.

The best line is the one that wins the opening lead!! (ok, its a joke!!)

In one particular partnership of mine, we will not even open a preemptive bid that contains THREE cards in either major (if a minor) or 3 cards in the other major (if a major), in first or second seats. We also require good suit texture for our preemptive bids in these seats with very little values outside our suits. In our methods, xx AKJxxx xx xxx is a preemptive bid, but Kxx AJxxxx xx xx would not be. The same applies for xx xx AKJxxx xxx would be, but Kxx xx AJxxxx xx would not be. The logic behind this is not only do you not want to miss a 4-4 major suit fit, but you also do not wish to override a 5-3 major suit fit if one is available. Opening 2D or 3C when holding 3-3 or 3-2 in the majors makes trying to find a possible fit (on a non-fitting hand, close to impossible without special methods. Since 3M making 3 will outscore making 4 of the minor, it is more suitable (in our opinions) that it is better to find the 5-3 fit, than to open the minor preempt. I will be the first to admit, I am not always happy with this agreement, but do so for the sake of partnership harmony (my partner insists that we play it this way). Sometimes its better to keep partner happy with his methods, than it is to argue about it. I realize this varies from the norm, but it works for us the majority of the time.

Ummm, last time I checked, you would have to make 5 of a minor to outscore 3 of a major. Might help your matchpoint scores to remember this!! :)

Says who? Partner cant be 6-4-1-2 or similar? Please tell me what spade "fit" they have now? Now, of course, if partner has a fit for both of your suits.....

I played in a team match tonite, where my LHO declared 2♥. What I could not figure out, was that after the opening lead was made, dummy tabled a 2-3-4-4 hand where his spades where on dummies left. (Not his trumps, as is normally the case). Every one else at the table said trumps were on the right, but on my PC, they were not...... What gives?

As a "general" rule, you return small from an original holding of 4, or high from an original holding of 3. A1052, you win the Ace and return the 2. A105, you win the Ace and return the 10. However, there are many times where you may "know" thru the auction or simply suspect that partner has led from a 5 card (or longer) suit. In these cases, depending on your holdings, it may be best to return either the high card or the 2nd highest card to begin to unblock the suit, ie, if you hold A1093, it is like to be necessary to return the 9 or the 10 or the suit may block. If dummy is void, you should return as high a spot as you can (usually), so partner will not expect another higher card from you. If dummy's remaining card is a stiff winnner, you should proceed as leading from your original holding (small from 4, high from 3, unblocking from 4 if you think it may be necessary). If your length in partners suit is known (via the auction), the card you return can possibly indicate suit preference, so that partner can win a trick and then put you in for a lead thru declarer (if one is necessary), although this will rarely apply. Assuming declarers length is known and dummy has one or two small cards remaining in the suit, it is usually best to return a card that beats dummy's holding, if possible.

If 3♠ is preemptive, it doesnt matter if partner tends to overbid or not.....

Another question first. Can 3♠ really be passed?? Why would South bid it unless he expected to play 4♥? East is probably something along the lines of: 2-2-7-2 or 3-2-7-1 (hard to make a judgement on this without seeing openers hand) with fairly good diamonds. Even so, I dont think 4♦ rates to be a good call as it give South a chance to correct to 4♥ now......unless East intends to double 4♥.

Assuming your partner is competent, there is no reason not to double. :P I expect at LEAST 300, quite possibly more. If I was vul against not, I'd have to consider 3N, at least temporarily, before taking the sure plus.

3♦. I expect partner to be either 1-4-5-, 1-3-6-3 or 1-3-5-4 on this sequence. I expect 3♦ will make the majority of the time, and 2♠ may well be making also. I dont think the opps to be able to double 3♦ for penalty very often, as both of their hands are limited and neither rates to hold more than 3 ♦. If I double now, I will not outscore +110 (3♦ making) if 2♠ can only be defeated by one trick (quite probable) but I will be quite happy to double 3♠, should they bid it. (Correction: I originally read the hand as they are not vul., so while +110 will not outscore +200, I have no certainties of beating 2♠ either.)

See this thread. http://forums.bridgebase.com/index.php?sho...14780&hl=buffet It also appears (if I am reading the website correctly) that all players for the US must use the same convention card (a version of 2/1), and the Europeans have their own CC as well that all European players must use. This, in and of itself, may have prevented certain top players from accepting an invitation to this event as well (but is only a guess). In a side note.....From the website: In a three-part series of interviews presented by Charlie Rose on PBS television from July 10th - 12th 2006 (www.charlierose.com), Buffett added that he would happily pay $5m a year for the right to play 12 hours a day of bridge online with his friends. I'm sure for 5 million a year....it could be arranged!! lol Ka-Ching!!

Why mastermind when simple is best? Just bid the hand naturally for cryin out loud. Geez. Why is this masterminding? We are playing this hand in ♥ unless partner has got ♠ which are good enough to mention, and I am giving him information which can help him make the correct decision. That is co-operation, not masterminding. It is masterminding because: 1) it will require partner to hold a hand good enough to reverse to be able to show his spades (give partner AQxx Axxxx Ax xx or KQx Axxxx xxx Ax) and what does he bid? And will he now accept an invite? 2) You DO want him to devalue a stiff spade (ruffs in the long trump hand are apt to be useless). 3) You distort the shape of your hand, presenting partner with the illusion of possible (yet, non-existent) pitches available in your hand on a club suit that doesnt exist. 4) We have no reason to believe that he needs to devalue a short club. Give partner AQx Axxxxx Axx x. Why should he devalue his singleton club when we bid 3H? If anything, its an asset. 5) It makes it harder to bid on the next round and gauge what to do. 6) You fool partner with your holdings, now can he ever believe you again? 7) The whole key to the hand is how well do these two hands fit together. Which sequence do you think you are more apt to find it out on, 1♥-1♠-? where you get to hear partners next call? (Partner next raises spades or bids clubs themselves) 1♥-2♣-? and holding 3-5-3-2 partner is ill-placed for a bid, or holding 2-5-2-4 now raises to 3♣, and will accept automatically over your 3♥ call on the supposedly known double fit?! Theres lots more, but do I really need to continue?

Just curious, have you tried to create an FD from scratch? It is no easy task. I spent several hours messing around with the FD interface one evening before finally giving up in frustration. For me to spend the amount of time required to "transcribe" MY systems notes into FD, only to have someone swipe it without my consent would be quite annoying. (Mind you, I probably would be happy to let them have it, if they just asked). I would not consider it to be transcription, in any sense of the word. Another question, are you the author of your system notes? Usually. Therefore you would be the author of your FD as well. Now this is where you might be mistaken. You appear to be confusing COPYRIGHT, with PATENT. A copyright gives authors, artists and others the right to exclude others from using their works. Copyright definition from Websters: a person's exclusive right to reproduce, publish, or sell his or her original work of authorship (as a literary, musical, dramatic, artistic, or architectural work). A patent gives someone exclusive ownership of an idea, invention, etc. so that it cannot be reproduced by anyone. Patent definition: A grant made by a government that confers upon the creator of an invention the sole right to make, use, and sell that invention for a set period of time. 2) An invention protected by such a grant. Technically, you would be in copyrigth violation for transcribing the speech in your example, unless you had been granted permission to do so by the speaker and/or speechwriter. By no means do you hold a patent on your FD card. But it is an original work (piece of software) that required time and effort on your part to create it and technically is thereby copyrighted, imo. Note that works are copyrighted automatically, there is no need to apply for an actual copyright. However, if you were to intend to actually enforce a copyright to seek injunctions/monetary damages, then the actual copyright application should be filed. It also helps if you include the notations "Copyright mm/dd/yy by Author" or similar language. A couple of sites with more info: http://www.templetons.com/brad/copymyths.html http://www.piercelaw.edu/tfield/copynet.htm

Why mastermind when simple is best? Just bid the hand naturally for cryin out loud. Geez.

Mike, the key here is that the higher level partner is going to force you to bid at, then the shorter he must get in the opponents suit OR the stronger his hand must get (and usually both). In the cases where he has two spades, they will be Ax or KQ or at a minimum Kx. He cannot be expecting more than one spade loser given the auction. RHO could well be holding Jxxxx xxx xxx xx and choose to bid only 3♠, the hand simply has too many losers and no stiffs/voids for a 4♠ bid.

Personally, I think 4♦ is an underbid with a competent partner. Responder has a weak hand, opener doesnt have enough to bid 4♠ (either as an advance sac or to play). Give partner a reasonable hand for his bidding so far, such as: Ax AQxx Axx KQxx and 5♦ should have some play, and this is about the worst hand I would expect. Better hands just make it easier. So I would just bid 5♦. While many suggest that 3N is to play, this doesnt make a lot of sense. If you have a holding that is capable of bidding 3N at equal vul on this auction, you should be converting the 2nd X to penalty. While it makes sense that 3N should be "pick a minor" in this sequence, partner has already said they can tolerate whatever you bid. Since your hand has such a good diamond suit, it doesnt make a lot of sense to bid 3N to find a minor.

Trying playing in higher level competition then, because I promise you, its going to happen more frequently than you think.

Neither are C or D. :) (Note: Constructive!!) While many may open them on the basis of rule of 20 (or ZAR), I will assume we are referring to first/second seat openings in a 2/1 context. These hands do not meet criteria for constructive openings in my methods. A barely qualifies, and only because of the suit texture in the spade suit. In 3rd/4th seats, ABC are all openers. I would never open D, regardless of position.