inquiry Posted September 23, 2003 Report Share Posted September 23, 2003 Hi. Playing in an indivdual event at your local club is fairly easy stuff... you know the players and their styles. Playing in an individual in Oklahoma city or memphis is also not bad, as most players who travel there and play are probably sound. An individual in Las Vegas or Orlando, where people will combine a little vacation with a little bridge can lead to strange results for you as your "partners" ability will be suspect. A main room Individual in BBO is like ALICE in wonderland, as you will find yourself not only with partners of WILDLY different skill levels, but language problems often lead to no agreement what-so-ever between you two. So I thought we might get a thread started with hints on how to maximize your chances in a field like this. I will get the ball started, agree to no GERBER (or 4C always GERBER) if your partner insist... but make sure a 4C bid is can't be confused. Second, agree on carding (1/2 the time you will be on defense, and only 40% of the time you will be playing it. What, you think that should be 50% or 25%??? Well, in an individual in the BBO, YOU really should try to declare the hands from yourside if at all possible :-) ... Open light, in quick, out quick. Sure, your partner might not be able to handle light openings, but there are two opponents, and they will have more trouble with competitive bidding than if you leave them alone. That is enough for first post... add your hints/tips. Ben PS.. and to beat you to the punch line, best hint might be not to play in these things.... :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luis Posted September 23, 2003 Report Share Posted September 23, 2003 Top tip: "Abandon all hope" I guess that agreeing to play STD BBO or ADV BBO with standard carding is the easiest way to go, in fact in an individual tournament the conditions of contest should indicate the system and carding that players MUST use. In my local individuals players are handled a sheet with a brief description of the system and conventions that you are supossed to play. - Avoid strange bids- Maximize fast arrival with no slam interest don't use any fancy cuebid, just bid what you think you can make- Be more agressive than in pairs competitions, remember that your opponents never played together so the defense is usually softer and competition in the bidding is not very accurate- Double any game contract reached after a strange auction specially when there's a missfit or when they have stretched to game. Penalties are a valuable source of points in this contests Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hrothgar Posted September 23, 2003 Report Share Posted September 23, 2003 Here are a few of my rules for individuals: First, if you have a 5332 pattern with a 5 card major always open 1N if you have appropriate strength. You and your partner will never be able to straighten out ranges otherwise. Second, never open 2C unless you have a strong balanced hand. You won't have time to discuss these rare sequences with partner. Third: Interfer in the opponents strong 2C auctions whenever possible. You KNOW that the opponents won't have agreements. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Free Posted September 23, 2003 Report Share Posted September 23, 2003 Also check the level of your partner, and if it's a beginner, don't give him a tight contract that you know YOU would make, but your partner won't. I normally adjust my agressive style, but not too much B) I still use psychics and other stuff... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suzzz Posted September 23, 2003 Report Share Posted September 23, 2003 your comment that the best hint was not to play in these tourneys disappointed me. I assume it is directed to advanced/expert players...... Indys are the only chance I have to play with expert players and although as you say they are an absolute crapshoot I can actually win sometimes.. which does wonders for my attitude and enthusiasm towards the game! ;D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luis Posted September 23, 2003 Report Share Posted September 23, 2003 Welcome to the forums Sue! :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Free Posted September 23, 2003 Report Share Posted September 23, 2003 your comment that the best hint was not to play in these tourneys disappointed me. I assume it is directed to advanced/expert players...... Indys are the only chance I have to play with expert players and although as you say they are an absolute crapshoot I can actually win sometimes.. which does wonders for my attitude and enthusiasm towards the game! ;D There are more ways to play with an expert player suzzz, you just need to ask... There are a lot of people who try to help beginners to become better players! Look around this forum and you'll certainly find some. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inquiry Posted September 23, 2003 Author Report Share Posted September 23, 2003 Note to Suzzz.... My comment about the "best hint" is not to play was tounge in cheek. I mean, would I be seeking advice if I thought to never play in them? :-) I meant this as humor, similar to Luis's "adbondon all hope". Individual events are the huge crapshoots under best conditions. I did place the topic in advanced/expert discussion group, because to be honest, experts tend to avoid such open events (an individual in abalucy private club would be more interesting, perhaps). I happen to enjoy individuals, but let me give you an example of what can happen to you. This happened in my last one in 6Clubs, last two tricks, lead in south... S-void H-void D-3S-6 C-6 S-QH-Q H-4D- S-J D-voidC- H-void C-void D-void C-K South lead the Spade JACK, and discard the 13th diamond allowing the Spade Q win for down one. Cross ruff, and it is home. Maybe an extreme case, but, expert bridge players generally want to play high level bridge. The individuals are fun, excting, anyone can win, but high level? Nope. So a good exercise is to try to come up with a winner strategy under these conditions of contest. :-) Ben Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
easy Posted September 30, 2003 Report Share Posted September 30, 2003 Cardinal Rule: Always be friendly and make partner feel like they are your best friend other rules1. Never make a delicate bid. odds r pard will be lost 2. Bid nt as soon as possible. you probably play hand better than pard. 3. NEVER make a takeout double at a level higher than 3. Partner will invariably pass thinking you x is for penalty. 4. Never place partner in a touchy contract. Ie: take the low road. 5. Do not use a splinter bid (especially in a higher ranking suit) unless you wish to play there. LOL 6. When defending play no signal. Why tell opponents what u have when pard is not watching your signals. Please temper the above rules with judgement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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