ladydoc

I think you were over reacting, bmonger. Calm down and think about the game. let it go.

Your suspicions are very justified. There was a player, not naming him specifically who used this method several years ago, though he hasn't been on much in the past year under the names. He was using his BBO name, another male name, and two female names. Notice I'm staying away from identifying him, under his numerous aliases. He was very nervy, even taking on some of USA's star players and of course winning. He came to an end when a sysop, BBO help, was notified , came to the table and booted the ISP number, wherein both the cheater and his alias were booted. And with that one move, BBO became less cheater friendly. So, if you do have the suspicions and see a friendly sysop, ask them to check for you. Some will.... without actually making any accusations. If it's a family game and a husband is simply playing with his wife, it won't embarrass them. If you notice the same "kibber" comes on whenever there's a difficult guess to make on a finesse, then you are right in your suspicions. I've seem that couple on almost daily. I think most are aware of who they are. There are two sets (cheater id and helper id ) that I'm aware of. And of course, there probably are more.

I agree with your three club bid. Partner's bid wasn't forcing (or he would have redoubled). You are raising his suit only, and he has no major.

Hi Kaitlyn, I'd like to play with you, so if you see me on, then ask me. I can play all your conventions, and also prefer udca. Also, if you're looking for a nice table, join 2shaina... who is Always pleasant, and even if you kib there she'll invariably stand so you can sit. Gluck, Shirley

It is not possible on BBO at the present time to have a perfect legitimate game, except in the ACBL tourneys, which are monitered (I hope). For years the people with the highest skill ratings on BBOskill got them by playing with themselves as partners. If you wish the name (names) I can tell you who they were, and that's just the tip of the iceberg. The reasons people would do this 1. economical, ... those are the 'teachers' who give paid bridge instructions and want to have a believable profile on BBOskill, and 2. to appeal to a selected field target ie, the other sex. Bridge base online is great the way it is now, with no ratings, except self ratings. Most true experts underrate themselves because they know each other.

I play exactly this and it works. Would not consider any other way.

Cheating by chat is so trivial. I know one person who plays with himself every single day. He calls his other selves by different names, depending on the day. No two of his other selves are on at the same time. He even chats with himself. Its easy to trip him up when he's kibitzing himself, while he plays with other people though. I don't know what BBO can do about it... but after awhile it becomes apparent to players on BBO who is who... It is rather disappointing to find out that that player who you thought was always perfect was "two-timing".

I think its a non issue , with online bridge and so many regions involved in the mix with different connection speeds. Just enjoy the fact that you have the opportunity to play in this environment and leave it at that. Its a game, and really, the whole world isn't out to get you!

In our system(two over one game force by max hardy) there is no ambiguity in the major suit raises and they are very specific. 4 clubs shows four or more cards in spade support, with 2 of the top three honors, also an opening hand. Says it all. There is a bid for every hand in major suit support. This bid in this system also denies a splinter, and shows a balanced hand. If responder had had a splinter, with the same point count and the Ace King of trump, he would have shown this shape with an "overjump shift" , 3NT. Opener's four club bid would then ask "where is your splinter?"

two NT, showing both minors, with no doubt

two NT, showing both minors, with no doubt

The bidding was wrong by north. He should bite the bullet and bid 6 spades, and learn a better system. In our system with this hand we employ an "underjump" shift... ie South opens 1 Spade, responders bid of 3 hearts says, limit raise, four or more spades, and a singleton or void somewhere. There now, you get a whole level of bidding to further describe. If opener wants to know where is your shortness he bids three spades, asking... You get to six legitimately if six is there.

The bidding should be (omitting opps) 1D... 2D (absolute game force is the way we play it, no four card major).... 3 Clubs by north.. and 3NT by south... all pass It seems simple. I realize not all partnerships play our system (walsh, 2/1, with a few amendments, but this hand is a no brainer. Ace-King, Ace is always an opener.

I've agreed with partner that bid of a new suit after the double of his preempt is for the lead, so my bid is four clubs, showing some heart support, and to lead clubs in case we don't win the contract.

I would bid 2 hearts definitely. My partner knows how to make game trys. If he is interested in game, his bid is 2 spades, asking, where is your help? No problem. ladydoc