badderzboy

My guess\ Steve

[hv=d=n&v=b&s=s92ha10874d2c86543]133|100|Scoring: MP[/hv] Your partner opens 1♦ and may have a 4 card major and 4 diamonds.. Do u bid and if so what? How do u handle the potential rebids? Does your decision change playing 2/1 or SAYC? Do u think opps are likely to balance... Steve

As an Acol player Playing Acol 1♠ might be a 4 card suit but it is extremely unlikely to be as if u have 4 ♠ then you have 15+pts balanced and a 4333 shaped hand so in this auction the 3♥ bidder has shown 6/7+ ♥ then partner is unlikely to have that shape and therefore likely to have at least 5. Q1 Does the acol partnership bid 4 card suits up the line ? ie with 42(34) do they bid the minor first? If u do it makes this hand soooo much easier Q2 How many ♥s does the negative doubler hold? On the hand in question 3 so partner looks short... Now when an Acol player bids 4♥ he's leaving 4♠ open so (i) Hasn't picked a minor suit so if he is unlikely have 42(34) shape (ii) Didn't bid 3NT so likely weak/short in Hearts. (iii) You didn't bid 3NT so he knows you don;t have a ♥ stop (iii) Didn't bid 3♠ so not weak (iv) Didn't bid 4♠ so wants a little help in ♠s OR for u to pick a minor - he knows you don;t have 3 as you would have bid 4♠ over 3♥ with 3 card support and a decent hand (see Partner has 5 spades).. (iv) if 5134 he would show preference so there is a good chance he has 6♠s and if he has 5 will bid a minor over 4♠ ie it was a Slam try... So with 2 Spades I bid 4♠ - with 1♠ my best minor. PS 4♠x doubled make too <_< Steve

Over the takeout double I would bid 4♥ telling partner to pick which game he would prefer Steve

[hv=d=n&v=e&n=sqjxxxhkxdxxcaxxx&w=sxxhxxxdqjxxcqjxx&e=shxxdaxxxxxckxxxx&s=sakxxxxhaqjxxxdkc]399|300|Scoring: IMP[/hv] Bidding at our table was :- 1♠- - 2NT*(Mod Ghestem weak(3-7) / strong (16+) 5/5+ both minors here) 4♣(Gerber) -4♦ 4♥ 1 Ace - -5♦ 6♠ - Pass What would u do differently? I was West and considered both 5♦ over 4♣ but what if game is the limit and considered both 7♣/7♦ over 6♠s. The sacrifice might work on this layout but is it worth a gamble anyway? Steve

http://www.poorbridge.com/?misc=13 Brought a smile to my face has anyone any additional ones Steve

Opp opens 2 Diamonds (alert)... You hold [hv=d=e&v=n&s=sak1093h98d7caj1098]133|100|Scoring: MP[/hv] You're playing in the UK so weak 2 Diamonds is pretty rare normally a multi 2 or a strong 2 Club opening. Over Weak 2 Majors you play Leaping Michaels and over 1 level openers you play Modified Ghestem... You create ethical problems for partner if u ask what 2 Diamonds means and then pass of course... 1. Do u ask? 2. What do u bid if they explain a weak 2 Diamonds as we have no agreement (yet)... 3. Do u just bid 2♠s and damn the clubs... 4. Do u pass and if a weak 2 in ♥s would 4♣ now be leaping Michaels... 5. Any other thoughts? Steve PS if u pass then RHO bids 3♦ and partner/LHO passes... what do u do now..

[hv=d=n&v=n&s=s103h4da643cakj1043]133|100|[/hv] Opps held this hand - what would u do? Steve

[hv=d=n&v=n&n=sakqjh5da85cakq82&w=s5haj9872d10632c63&e=s108432hk1043dk4c107&s=s976hq6dqj97cj954]399|300|Scoring: MP North opens Strong 2♣ and south bids 2♦[/hv] After 2♣-p-2♦, west bids 3♥? Any merit in the 3♥ bid after a strong 2 opener and negative response? North doubles (does he have a better bid?).... Should south pass ? Steve

[hv=d=s&v=n&s=sq98hqt9652daqc73]133|100|Scoring: MP[/hv]. Do u open? If u do what would need to be different in the hand to pass? If u pass what would need to be different in the hand to open? Steve

Hi, I'm hoping to mentor and assist in the Beg/Intermediates Lounge and there are some great example deals throughout a number of bridge books on a wide range of subjects I own that have helped me a great deal. ( too many to name!). As the lessons are at no cost would I be in breach of any copyrights if I use the material to help others. If you would need permission where would you get it from and also should I mention where the deal comes from in the session (some advertising per se)? It isn't rocket science to change the deals a little and still keep the substance :P Any views from experienced teachers would be most welcome? Steve

Just some thoughts on the above Have a couple of common start-times to accomodate players round the globe for example it might be 1500EST (Europeans) and 2000EST (US players) weekdays or 0800EST and 1600EST weekends on a fixed day. The team managers meet in a designated chat room (based on team skill level?)and organise the matches there and the matches kick off 15-30mins later. There is scope for ladder matches or leagues or the 3/4 competition each month. Ladders are probably easier to kick off as teams can always play each other again? Steve

I play in the UK so face weak NT against a high percentage of pairs. Unfortunately regular NT players have escapes from 1NTX... We have now started playing the following... 1NT X ( Takeout but convertable) - 13+pts - partner pulls with a very weak hand to a 5 card suit or lowest 4 carder - only 2NT by doubler is forcing so partner can pull to a 'better' suit if short . Partner can pass with a reasonable hand After 1NT X p 2NT is a strong response ( if red vs white or unsuitable hand) and asks partner to bid suits up the line... 1NT suit bid - one suiter 5/6+ 10-13pts typically. The idea is to disturb 1NT and occasionally get extra penalties more often - so far so good!!! Steve

Bidding is 1♣ (4+) - 3♠ by you -3NT -ppp How do u defend? Partner leads 4♠ (std leads 2/4th) [hv=d=n&v=n&n=sjhq82dak76cakj85&e=sakt9752ht9dq82c9]266|200|Scoring: MP[/hv]

[hv=d=s&v=b&s=sqj7hkdakq98caqt6]133|100|Scoring: MP[/hv] What do open and why? Steve

Somewhat related, it appears that the number of "reasonably forseeable" sequences, which might logically be specifically mentioned in an FD file, is quite large. Assume the following--somewhat over-simplified--conditions: A. Vulnerability is irrelevant. B. Only sequences in which the dealer (North) opens the bidding are considered. C. Both sides are playing identical versions of SAYC, using only a minimal list of conventions (Stayman, 2-suit transfers, 2nt forcing major raise, 2c strong/2d waiting, negative doubles, unusual NT, Michaels, Blackwood). North will choose one of--at least--ten different calls with significant frequency. East will then choose one of--at least--twelve different alternatives (pass, double, minimal or single-jump overcall). South will then choose from some five alternatives, after which West will choose from some five. Implying that some 3000 first-round sequences should be regarded as "reasonably forseeable". Assuming that each player has as few as two logical-alternative calls on the second round, we now have a total of 48,000 such sequences. Attempting to manually key any such volume into FD, let alone issues related to reviewing, distribution, etc., appears rather impractical. Undisputed that only a relatively-small percentage, of all "reasonably forseeable" sequences, occur with any significant frequency. It seems probable--altho I have done no relevant calculations/research--that the highest-frequency 1-2000 sequences would occur in 99+ percent of all relevant auctions. In other words, the remaining 46-47000 sequences would occur in less than 1% of auctions; and could be, at least for the purpose of initial FD creation, safely disregarded. It appears that some "guidelines", as to selection of sequences which need to be actually included in FD files, need to be established. There appears to be a fundamental problem in this area. As best I am able to determine, it is necessary to assume one--and only one--opposing agreement concerning any given call. Opponents' 1c openings have to be assumed either "natural in principle", or "forcing"; bidding side's agreements concerning double, 1nt, and 2c tend to be significantly different. Short-term, about all that can be done is to make an assumption as to opponents' agreement. It may, sooner or later, be desirable to develop a list of frequently-encountered conventions, and to accept specification of this on both bidding side's and opponents' calls. Bidding side could then specify one meaning for "double" over a natural 1c, and an entirely-different meaning over a forcing 1c. It is possible to have multiple replies to opposing bids depending on their meaning. You need to use qualify text box on the screen where you enter the bids meaning. Steve

As a recent BILlie , Losing Trick Count is useful to help you learn hand evaluation but should also be used alongside HCPs etc to inform your decision. Its value is to teach the power of shape in bidding and to sway one or the other with the 2 and a half raise of a major say ie a good 9 or poor 10 count but not as a replacement to your system! I have heard the phrase but I had 8 losers partner after a disaster too often I play some players who rely totally on it but forget that Qxx is not the same as Axx and likewise AKx xxx is far more powerful than Axx Kxx and so on but LTC is the same which is where judgement comes into it! Well worth learning with a little consideration Steve

Hi all, One area to consider is defensive bidding and coping with interference. This is a seperate option in FD but I can't see how to pull in defensive bidding cards? These aren't necessarily part of any system although there are exceptions of course For example I play 1♦ - DBL - new suit as non-forcing with XX and jump bids forcing but I suspect many don't ? Others play it forcing but it is system independent. The same thing applies to Fit-jumps and so on? Any thoughts out there? Steve

1)Listen to the bidding - does it tell u anything about points and shape. As declarer you can see two hands and if the opps have bid what can you tell about outstanding HCP or shape? As defender what did the opposition not bid and if declarers hand is limited how many points has partner got 2) Sometimes think about what opposition didn't bid it can help too... 3) Think about the lead what does it tell u (sometimes in conjuction with (1). 4) As declarer or defender - think and plan ahead at trick 1 - even if u have nothing to think as a defender give time for partner to consider dummy and plan some defence. Steve

[hv=d=n&v=n&s=s9862hj3dj10943cj6]133|100|Scoring: IMP Partner opens 2NT (20-22)[/hv] Partner opens 2NT (20-22) do you bid or pass quietly? And if u bid what do u do over partner's responses... If you don't bid what extra do u need ? Steve

People also forget that FG etc provide this incredible service free of charge to us all. I watched most of the Bermuda Bowl in awe and still have fond memories of a 2 years ago when 5K+ watched the fateful mistake on the last hand. To have over 8K+ people watching shows what an incredible service is provided. We owe a massive debt of thanks to all including the commentators who I also believe were at times up at unsocialable hours to make a telling contribution! Steve

A little trick is to use enemies as people you like to play with and friends as the tell me they've logged in . You can filter in the lobby on these anyway and it works well Steve

[hv=d=w&v=n&s=sajxhakqjxdakq10xc]133|100|Scoring: MP[/hv] West opens 1♠ and not surprisingly both North and East pass You double and partner bids 2♥ (0-poor 7pts). You ask for aces and find partner has 1 Ace and if u ask for kings no kings. As it's duplicate pairs what do u rebid and why? I thought post hand that 7 is not a bad bid as it it/was likely that losing spades can be thrown on the diamonds ? Also if partner had shown no aces do u still bid 6 and if so what would be the rationale to not bid 7 if they show 1? Steve

Playing with FD in a bidding room, both of us with FD1.1.5 and BBO 4.4.8 and nearly the same CC card on , I can see all the bids correctly however my partner cannot see the description of the 1st bid but sees the description of the first bid after the second bid is made on the 2nd bid and so on... eg 1NT..2C then 1NT description appears over the 2C bid to my partner but appears ok to me! Anyone else seen this happen? Steve

Benjamin add-on *00{Benji Acol}=NYYYYYYBenjamin Acol Weak 2s in majors weak NT 12-14 4 card majors 002C=YYYYYYY508Acol 2 undisclosed suit or balanced 23-24 002CP2D=YYYYYYY508Negative 0-7pts 002CP2DP2H=NYYYYYY358Acol 2 in !H 8 playing tricks with !h as trump 002CP2DP2S=NYYYYYY358Acol 2 in !s 8 playing tricks with !s as trump 002CP2DP2N=NYYYYYY223-24 Balanced 4432,4333,5332 ( may include 5 card major) 002CP2DP2NP3C=YYYYYYYD08Stayman 002CP2DP2NP3CP3D=NYYYYYY008No 4 Card Major 002CP2DP2NP3CP3DP3H=NYYYYYY658Implies 4!Ss 002CP2DP2NP3CP3DP3HP3N=NYYYYYY2 002CP2DP2NP3CP3DP3HP4H=NYYYYYY233 002CP2DP2NP3CP3DP3S=NYYYYYY658Implies 4!Hs 002CP2DP2NP3CP3DP3N=NYYYYYY1Implies a 4 card major 002CP2DP2NP3CP3DP4C=NYYYYYY758 002CP2DP2NP3CP3DP4D=NYYYYYY758 002CP2DP2NP3CP3H=NYYYYYY2454+!Hs 002CP2DP2NP3CP3HP3N=NYYYYYY1 002CP2DP2NP3CP3HP4H=NYYYYYY108 002CP2DP2NP3CP3S=NYYYYYY2454+!Ss 002CP2DP2NP3CP3SP3N=NYYYYYY1 002CP2DP2NP3CP3SP4S=NYYYYYY108 002CP2DP2NP3D=NNNYNNNA08 002CP2DP2NP3H=NNNNYNNA08 002CP2DP2NP3N=NYYYYYY1 002CP2DP2NP4N=NYYYYYY7Quantatative 002CP2DP2NP5N=NYYYYYY5Grand Slam try 002CP2DP3C=NYYYYYY008Acol 2 in !c 8 playing tricks with !c as trump 002CP2DP3D=NYYYYYY008Acol 2 in !d 8 playing tricks with !d as trump 002CP2H=NYYYYYY5588+ HCP 002CP2HP2S=NYYYYYY358Acol 2 in !s 8 playing tricks with !s as trump 002CP2HP2N=NYYYYYY5Balanced 23-24pts Systems on as per 2NT 002CP2HP2NP3C=NYYYYYY508Stayman 002CP2HP2NP3D=NYYYYYYA086!H's 002CP2HP2NP3H=YYYYYYYA585!S's 002CP2HP2NP3N=NYYYYYY1To play 002CP2HP3C=NYYYYYY008Acol 2 in !c 8 playing tricks with !c as trump 002CP2HP3CP3D=NYYYYYY548 002CP2HP3CP3H=NYYYYYY568 002CP2HP3CP3S=NYYYYYY548 002CP2HP3D=NYYYYYY008Acol 2 in !d 8 playing tricks with !d as trump 002CP2HP3DP3H=NYYYYYY568 002CP2HP3DP3S=NYYYYYY548 002CP2S=NYYYYYY6588+ HCP 002CP2SP2N=NYYYYYY5Balanced 23-24pts Systems on as per 2NT 002CP2SP2NP3C=NYYYYYY008Stayman 002CP2SP2NP3D=YYYYYYYA585!H 002CP2SP2NP3H=YYYYYYYA686 !s (2!s showed 5) 002CP2SP3C=NYYYYYY008Acol 2 in Clubs normally 9 playing tricks meets rule of 23 002CP2SP3D=NYYYYYY008Acol 2 in Diamonds normally 9 playing tricks meets rule of 23 002CP2SP3H=NYYYYYY508Acol 2 in !H 8 playing tricks with !h as trump 002CP2N=NYYYYYY0Balanced 8+ pts Systems on as per 2NT opener 002CP3C=NYYYYYY5588+HCP 002CP3CP3D=NYYYYYY008Acol 2 in Diamonds normally 9 playing tricks meets rule of 23 002CP3CP3H=NYYYYYY508Acol 2 in !H 8 playing tricks with !h as trump 002CP3CP3S=NYYYYYY008Acol 2 in !s 8 playing tricks with !s as trump 002CP3CP3N=NYYYYYY1 002D=YYYYYYY508Strong Game Force 23+pts 002DP2H=YYYYYYY508Negative 0-7pts 002DP2HP2S=NYYYYYY358Acol 2 in !s 8 playing tricks with !s as trump 002DP2HP2N=NYYYYYY225-26+ Balanced 4432,4333,5332 ( may include 5 card major) 002DP2HP2NP3C=YYYYYYYD08Stayman 002DP2HP2NP3CP3D=NYYYYYY008No 4 Card Major 002DP2HP2NP3CP3DP3H=NYYYYYY658Implies 4!Ss 002DP2HP2NP3CP3DP3HP3N=NYYYYYY2 002DP2HP2NP3CP3DP3HP4H=NYYYYYY233 002DP2HP2NP3CP3DP3S=NYYYYYY658Implies 4!Hs 002DP2HP2NP3CP3DP3N=NYYYYYY1Implies a 4 card major 002DP2HP2NP3CP3DP4C=NYYYYYY758 002DP2HP2NP3CP3DP4D=NYYYYYY758 002DP2HP2NP3CP3H=NYYYYYY2454+!Hs 002DP2HP2NP3CP3HP3N=NYYYYYY1 002DP2HP2NP3CP3HP4H=NYYYYYY108 002DP2HP2NP3CP3S=NYYYYYY2454+!Ss 002DP2HP2NP3CP3SP3N=NYYYYYY1 002DP2HP2NP3CP3SP4S=NYYYYYY108 002DP2HP2NP3D=NNNYNNNA08 002DP2HP2NP3H=NNNNYNNA08 002DP2HP2NP3N=NYYYYYY1 002DP2HP2NP4N=NYYYYYY7Quantatative 002DP2HP2NP5N=NYYYYYY5Grand Slam try 002CP2DP3C=NYYYYYY008Acol 2 in !c 8 playing tricks with !c as trump002DP2N=NYYYYYY58+pts balanced - systems on as per 2NT 002DP2S=NYYYYYY5588+ 002H=NYYYYYY268Weak 2 6-10pts 002S=NYYYYYY268Weak2 6-10 pts