MikeRJ

The web site below has a lot of bridge articles in Spanish, many also with English versions, so a good source of picking up Spanish bridge terminolgy. Mike http://www.confsudbridge.org/hits/hits0.aspx

I used to get pretty good results with the Benko gambit, but it is 20 yrs since I played much chess. I expect it is out of fashion now.

I would certaianly prefer simple regulations along the lines of Frazer's suggestions to "anything goes". The idea of system regulations that can be written on one side of a piece of paper wiithout using small font is certainly attractive (at least to me!). I would support something simple like this at least for Pair's tournaments or events with short rounds. Most of us would have to give uo some of our toys, but as everyone would be in the same boat I don't think it would really be much of an issue. Two changes I would make to Frazer's suggestions would be: 1. Strong openings defined as 15+ or in terms of rule of 24 (or 23, 25 whatever). 2. would want to allow enquiry type responses such as stayman, Ogust. Mike

In SAYC systems on after X, off after overcall. See ACBL booklet http://web2.acbl.org/documentlibrary/play/...gle%20pages.pdf. Mike

another repeat of the problem. Exactly the same sequence, and repeated at all tables where South responded 2C. Q4 AJ AJ753 8642 1D-2C Pass Mike http://www.bridgebase.com/tools/handviewer...8599-1266886201

I now make take out doubles on a wider range of hands than I used to - on balance with good results. Also more aggressive about bidding game. Mike

What is "really unusual" depends on local practice and the level of the level of the players - presumably the director is well placed to judge. Certainly I have played in clubs/regions (not in Australia) where amongst the weaker players it was very common for a double to show "opening points" with no shape requirements. I think this is one of those areas where the good players have to accept that they may be occasionally fixed, but in the long run they will gain by playing against infrerior methods. Next time ask! Mike

I too am enjoying the new Robot MP tournaments (like pdmunro I like to be able to see what other tables have done). My preference would be a little faster, perhaps 10 hands in 25 mins or 12 in 30. Mike

I would support hrothgar's suggestion of a "permanent floating indy" with a defined system. I don't think chat should be banned - I think most people should be able to put up with anyone for a board or two and if anyone is too rude or obnoxious they will end up being reported to "Abuse". Having robots finish a hand if someone drops out seems a reasonable idea. Mike

Win the heart in hand, cash QD, cross to dummy and play off A and K of diamonds throwing two low spades. If the Diamonds break make +1. If West has long diamonds lead a spade to the K playing East for the Ace. If East has long diamonds lead a spade to the J playing For QS with East and As with West. Mike

I would rebid 2NT, at least gets NT played from the right side. Mike

2S if feeling aggressive, 1S feeling cautious. Never pass. Mike

I met John once in about 1990 when we stayed at the same bed and breakfast establishment during the LLangollen bridge congress (in North Wales). We were the only two who stayed over to the Monday morning and we had breakfast together before leaving. I was a complete non-entity at bridge, he was a Bermuda Bowl silver medalist, but he was happy to chat over the bridge of the previous few days as if we were equals. As others have remarked, a real gentleman. Very sad. Mike

Just to clarify the conditions of contest (http://eurobridge.org/competitions/08Pau/RulesRegulations.pdf), last paragraph of section A 2 "No team will be permitted to refuse to play against any other team and such refusal to play will result in disqualification". Which seems to conform to Roland's original suggestion.

1S-2D 2S-2NT 3S-4C 4H-5S 6S may be a bit contrived? Playing a style where a 3S rebid can be a 1 loser suit I think Norths spades good enough to accept. Mike