IMPs Question

[AAr]

I prefer IMPs to MPs, but there is one thing that gets me:

 

I tend to play/defend better when overtricks and extra undertricks are at stake than when game contracts and slam contracts are at stake.

 

If you make an overtrick that the Field doesn't make (or stop it), you gain only 1 IMP. For the difference of one extra undertrick (Eg. down one vs. down two), the difference is only 2 or 3 IMPs. Partscore swings are about 5-6 IMPs. Yet, game swings are 10-12 IMPs, and slam swings are as much as 17 IMPs, and can be as much as 24(!) IMPs if the Field takes the game.

 

So, it seems like it is more important to play correctly or defend correctly on some hands than others. It it really true that you might have to be correct in about FIVE OR SIX small swing boards (overtricks, undetrtricks) to make up for a mistake in ONE big swing board (game contracts, slam contracts)? (And, does it also work the other way?)

 

Furthermore:

 

In an IMP Pairs Event, losing an overtrick (1 IMP) will rarely drop me more than one place, while losing a slam swing (14-24 IMPs) can drop me from First (or at least the Top 10% to the Bottom Half (for blowing perhaps ONE trick!)! My question: Shouldn't each board be of equal weight?

 

Also, if you tend to play/defend better when only overtricks, extra undertricks, and partscore contracts are at stake than when game contracts and slam contracts are at stake, would I be better served to play MPs, or what advice would you give?

 

Thanks!

[Guest Jlall]

Yes, obviously slam boards are more important than partscore boards.

 

It doesn't make sense to me that you play better when overtricks are at stake than when a slam is at stake. My only advice to you would be to try to play your best game all the time. This is not possible, and if you have a hard time focusing on all the boards focus most on the big ones.

[hrothgar]

I prefer IMPs to MPs, but there is one thing that gets me:

...

 

My question: Shouldn't each board be of equal weight?

Sorry to answer a question with a question, but...

 

Are you sure that you prefer IMPs to MP?

If so, why?

[Al_U_Card]

Sounds like a closet MP enthusiast to me...... :ph34r:

[han]

Is there a bridge psychiater in the room?

[Al_U_Card]

Could be a split (your honors) personality..... :ph34r:

[barmar]

Are you sure that you prefer IMPs to MP?

If so, why?

I'm trying to understand this dichotomy, too.

 

My guess is that he feels less pressure when he's just trying to find an overtrick or extra undertrick. If you fail at this, you don't lose much.

 

But the pressure to make a thin game or slam is much higher, so this is more stressful. And he finds it harder, or perhaps less enjoyable, to play such contracts.