Walddk

Some are. Remember the Lady Milne at the Hilton in Newport, Wales? They wanted £2,000 for a weekend! Roland

Sir Geoffrey Boycott is spot on! Read this: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/england/4987450.stm Roland

There's always a learning curve with something new. Compare WBF cards from the first year they were introduced (1987 I believe) and now. Or if you don't want to go back that far, compare the Advance Submission forms for Brown Sticker bids from their introduction to now. Hopefully this year's System Summary Forms will be better than last year's. This is an area where virtually all organisers can improve. They rarely give us system cards in advance (most of the time not at all), so way too often the commentators must guess and seek info among a few very knowledgeable spectators. Maybe this could be included in Conditions of Contest, at least for major events. That will make commentating a lot easier, and it will surely be of significant service to the audience if one is able to explain bids and carding when they appear. One can always hope. Roland

Absolutely right, but why should that be different for the Cavendish organisers than anywhere else in the world? They still struggle in many places, but allow me to say that they do a pretty good job elsewhere and that Europe and Australia are way ahead of North America in that respect. Planning is the key word. Jan Martel realises what this is all about. I am sorry to say that this is not yet the case in regard to other organisations in USA, private or public. They really should take a good look at how they do this in for instance Poland, Scandinavia, France, Netherlands, England, Australia and Ireland. Is it really degrading to ask others, even people in smaller countries than your own, how they go about it? I don't think it is. We can all learn from each other. Here is an area where the USA could learn a few things if they cross the Atlantic Ocean. No offence intended, just a piece of advice. Roland

I am against this :P Except for the very best, most vuegraph commentators make too many double-dummy comments already in my opinion. Of course not everyone can be Michael Rosenberg, but I much prefer when the commentators try to figure out how the play in 4S should go, rather than telling how to make it double dummy, and then trying to figure out whether that line is realistic etc. Arend I agree that GIB and/or DF are overused. There is nothing shameful about making a wrong analysis even if you are an expert commentator. Even Michael Rosenberg and Bart Bramley, the world's best analysts, make mistakes. They just make fewer than the rest of us. While we're at it; it amazes me how Michael and Bart, like the best chess players, are able to look several steps (moves, tricks) ahead even on very complex hands. A fantastic ability when you're a commentator. Sometimes it's way over our heads, and certainly for the vast majority in the audience. I am impressed every time I see how accurately they analyse one hand after the other. Roland

You can count me in, at least B) Are you seriously suggesting that one should be able to foresee this auction when one opens 1♥? Count me out. Roland

All this is true but give some credit to the Sri Lankan batsmen too. They dug in there and they survived. It's a relatively inexperienced side and they did very well to come back after they were run over in the first innings. Roland

In principle I agree with you Ben, but this is not possible for various practical reasons although I have close to 200 potential commentators on my contact list. 1. They are not available. 2. Some are available but respond too late for me to plan. 2. They are available, but they can't do it at the same times. 3. Many overlapping broadcasts. 4. It's time consuming beyond reasonable limits. There is a lot of work behind the scenes as it is now, and believe me, I really try hard to assign commentators who will make a nice group in many respects. It's not only a question of being good; you must also be able to interact with your fellow commentators. Sometimes this gives me a headache because A doesn't like B who would prefer not to commentate with C and D. C would like to be at the same table as E and F, but unfortunately they didn't sign up for that particular session ... and so on and so forth. Regarding the quality of commentators, I would love to add the likes of Michael Rosenberg, Bart Bramley, John Swanson, Sabine Auken, Fred Gitelman, David Burn, Jan Martel, Larry Cohen, Richie Reisig, David Greenwood, Debbie Rosenberg, Liz McGowan, Michael Barel, Migry Zur Campanile and many other top class players and commentators to every segment, but all of you will surely understand that this wish is an illusion most of the times. I am not sure if everyone knows, but no volunteer commentator gets paid for her or his services (I am also among those). Would it be different if money had been an issue? There is no way one can tell, but my guess is: yes, to a certain extent but it wouldn't solve all problems. Commentators donate their time because they love bridge and because they want to give something back to the game that has given them so much. I think it's fair to assume that some would find a little more time if they got paid. This applies to the bridge pros, but it would also be an issue among commentators who do not have bridge as their living. For the vast majority, however, money or not would not make a significant difference. I can only speak for myself obviously, but it wouldn't change anything as far as I'm concerned. Being able and allowed to do this is a reward in itself. We would of course all like to get paid for our contributions, and I know that Fred would like to pay people for everything they do for this wonderful site. I also believe that this will happen some day when Fred & Co. make a lot of money from BBO. I have no clue regarding the BBO finances, but if we all keep working hard it's bound to happen sooner or later. Until then we are all happy to render our assistance where and when needed. We will always aim at doing this as perfectly as possible. We do not always succeed, but we do try hard. Constructive criticism is always welcome, but please keep it constructive and remember that there is a limit as to how much we can do. Roland

I think I will find a safe place to hide. The European Team Championships in Warsaw, Poland, will take place from August 12-26, and although there's a time difference between USA and Europe, we will get a few overlaps. Our limit at the moment is 8 simultaneous tables, but I know that Fred is going to bump it up at some point. Looks like it'll have to be sooner rather than later. For the first time ever we had to ask organisers to cut down on number of tables when we are having 6 broadcasts more or less simultaneously on May 27 and 28. They all understand the difficult position we are in at the moment. Better to get 1 table than none, and the late arrivals will have to do with only 1 although they would have liked 2. Amazing how vugraph has developed. From one broadcast every other month 3 years ago to almost weekly transmissions - and as all of you know, often with 3 or 4 at the same time. It's great for everybody and it's perfect when it comes to promoting the game to an audience worldwide. Keep up the good work Jan and other organisers in all parts of the world; we will cope somehow, because if there's a will there's a way! Roland

Excuse me, but what's the point of mentioning Namyats if you don't explain what it shows? >>I would open 4♣ (namyats) and take my chances of missing a slam vs them not finding the spades<<, Luis says. Does he explain what Namyats implies, or should one expect that beginners and/or intermediates know? I don't think so. Roland

Of course they are not stupid, and foo didn't say that. He said that Namyats does not belong here, and I have to agree with him. One thing is to learn what 4♣ and 4♦ should show, another and more complex thing is to comprehend the subsequent auction if responder doesn't sign off in opener's suit. How many partnerships have a clear agreement on what 4♦, 4♠ and 4NT show over 4♣, and how many have discussed what 4♥ and 4NT show over 4♦? I have said this over and over again and I do not mind repeating it: In my opinion beginners and intermediates should concentrate on the basics, and when they master all that (very few do although they claim that they do), they can start looking further ahead. It's something about crawling before you walk, and not the other way around. They can understand 1♥ and 2♣, but they are lost when you suggest 4♣ or 5♥ (so am I, by the way, as far as 5♥ is concerned). Roland

1♥. I tend to open my longest suit. Roland

Happiness is to wake up in the morning to see that you and those you care for are still alive and in good health. Roland

Hand evaluation is not easy, but to me this is a clear minimum now that the opponents have told me that ♠Q doesn't carry its full weight. I see no reason to bid at the 4-level opposite what could be a 6 count, so 4♣ seems like an overbid. 3NT is not appealing unless partner has considerable extras (if he has he will bid again), and double would not only show a different hand but also a stronger one in my methods. Pass is often a logical alternative. It's the only bid as I see it. The thing you should not do, though, is to tank, then pass and finally expect partner to re-open. Roland

This space intentionally left blank. Information will be posted as it becomes available. This is the laconic message you get if you try to read the final bulletin .... 11 hours after the event finished. The organisers could have technical problems of course but if that is not the case, the word "intentionally" makes little sense. Roland

[hv=d=s&v=n&s=skqhkj1095dj10ckq94]133|100|Scoring: IMP[/hv] Teams. You open 1♥, LHO overcalls 1♠ and your partner doubles *). 3♠ to your right (pre-emptive). What is your rebid? *) Minors, unlimited with 4-4. 2mi would be forcing and preferred with 10+ hcp and 5+ cards. Roland

It's a tradition in Scandinavia at least. We believe that it's more important to service the players and spectators than the organisers. You have seen this happen in all tournaments in Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland - and Poland too as Nikos points out. Add Australia and Ireland in this context when Dave Thompson and Norbert van Woerkom are in charge. I wish that many more would follow suit, but I am not holding my breath. Roland

Susan was originally also supposed to be operating in Las Vegas. It's obviously up to her to decide if she wants to tell why that did not happen. But I agree with you Denis: Susan is definitely one of the best operators we have. Roland

You would love that I bet. True Scots do not wear anything underneath! You have your tango in the Water Cooler, now perhaps you want to add jitterbug where the men must wear kilts? Any more frivolous suggestions? ;) Roland

Right, your picture tells us all how they want it ;) Must the T-shirt really be yellow?? Roland Laugh. I'm pushing the limits of the avatar dress code. :) Yes, there really should be an avatar dress code. I vote for red evening jacket and multicoloured tie! Roland P.S. And male members must obviously shave every day! Did you see that, Wayne?

Dress Code In the European Open, Ladies and Senior Teams Championships the following dress code applies. General Policy The whole team, including the Captain, Coach and NBO Officers must wear the same uniform. Thus trousers (and skirts) and tops must be of the same colour and general design. The team uniform must contain the logo of the country and may contain discreet sponsor logos. Formal Occasions Uniform consisting of blazer and tie (or neck scarf), all of the same colour with logo indicating the country, and trousers and skirts all of the same colour. During Play Tee shirts, polo shirts, shirts and blouses all of the same colour with the team's logo indicating the country, and trousers and skirts all of the same colour. Team members must be supplied with changes of clothing so that they look smart at all times. Women may wear skirts or trousers. If sweaters, cardigans and sweatshirts are used they must be of the same colour and carry the team logo. Team members cannot wear shorts or open-toed sandals. Publicity The team uniform must contain the logo of the country and may contain discreet sponsor logos. N.B. The World Bridge Federation's dress code is as follows: 'NBOs are asked to take note of the recognition of Bridge as a Sport by the IOC and requests that players should, at all times, be dressed appropriately; this is particularly the case at the Opening Ceremony, when it is hoped that teams could at least be uniformly dressed even if a team uniform is not available. During play appropriate dress would, for example, be an open-necked shirt, or a smart polo or sweatshirt worn with trousers or skirt as appropriate.'

Don't know about US clubs, but if there is to be a WBF event in North America, a dress code applies. It's in the Conditions of Contest. Roland

Right, your picture tells us all how they want it B) Must the T-shirt really be yellow?? Roland

Really?? By the way, it reminds me of the European Team Championships in Salsomaggiore, Italy, in 2002 during an excruciating heat wave. There was (still is of course) a dress code. After 2 days the players had enough. They changed to shorts and sandals, and the officials did absolutely nothing about it. Well done! Roland

When I was young my mum would say: Du danser som et kosteskaft" (You dance like a broomstick). Was that a compliment? B) Roland