For general bridge club or bridge related chat http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/list.php?3 Sun, 05 Sep 2010 06:06:27 +0100 Phorum 5.2.10 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,214,214#msg-214 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,214,214#msg-214
What should we do to increase attendance - or is there just little demand for Bridge on Wednesdays? Opinions welcome!

Tim]]> tim General chat Sat, 14 Aug 2010 14:08:27 +0100 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,209,209#msg-209 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,209,209#msg-209 ]]> tim General chat Tue, 08 Jun 2010 09:36:17 +0100 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,208,208#msg-208 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,208,208#msg-208
The location is the Nottingham Bridge Club on Mansfield Road.

There is what looks like a contentious proposal to forbid match dates from being re-arranged after the 21st September, the exception being "where driving conditions are dangerous". I would be interested in opinions on this.

Tim]]> tim General chat Wed, 19 May 2010 08:17:42 +0100 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,200,200#msg-200 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,200,200#msg-200
Nottingham Club:

5 card majors. i.e Opening bids of 1H/1S guarantee a 5 card (or longer suit)
1NT is usually either 14-15 or 13-15.

1C ......... this is the important one = Any hand with 16 points or more regardless of distribution.
After 1C a response of 1D is artificial and shows 7 points or less.

1D = Any hand with less than 16 points and no 5 card major not qualifying for 1NT.
Most of the time a 1D opener is an ACOL weak NT hand.
Note that usually people play that 1 level responses to 1D bids are NOT FORCING.

The best way to play against the system is to try to bid after 1D (especially) calls and (if possible) over 1C calls because it makes it more difficult for the opponents to find the right contract.]]> Shiona General chat Sun, 11 Apr 2010 11:08:50 +0100 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,184,184#msg-184 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,184,184#msg-184
The rankings are here [pdf]. The top pairs to date:

David and Judy Cadwallader 237.67
Tim Anderson and James Kirkwood 235.6
Helen Dawson and Ian Dovey 234.04
Will and Polly Gibb 230.91
David Hazeldine and David Woodhouse 219
Val Savidge and Pat Scott 217.17

Plenty still to play for!

Tim]]> tim General chat Tue, 02 Feb 2010 10:30:21 +0000 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,177,177#msg-177 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,177,177#msg-177
Tim]]> tim General chat Mon, 18 Jan 2010 11:10:59 +0000 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,174,174#msg-174 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,174,174#msg-174 Please call 0798 649 6254
Thanks]]> liz.bridge General chat Mon, 28 Dec 2009 16:01:06 +0000 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,170,170#msg-170 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,170,170#msg-170
Interesting test of card play because the best line of play (I reckon it is 71%) works ........... Would you find it at the table?

Declarer -
S - x
H - J x x x
D - K x
C - A K Q x x x

Dummy -
S - A J x
H - A K Q
D - A 10 x x x x
C - x

You get a spade lead ............. What next?]]> IJD General chat Wed, 16 Dec 2009 08:52:23 +0000 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,162,162#msg-162 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,162,162#msg-162
Tim]]> tim General chat Sat, 24 Oct 2009 12:20:47 +0100 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,146,146#msg-146 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,146,146#msg-146
[Also posted in Find a partner topic, but I know not everyone looks there!]

Update - partner now found!

Tim]]> tim General chat Tue, 01 Sep 2009 20:20:15 +0100 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,143,143#msg-143 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,143,143#msg-143
We will soon be immersed again in League of 8 Matches.

It occurred to me that some people may not be aware of one of the recent changes to the EBU Orange Book. (The Orange Book defines what you can legally bid).

At club level The Orange Book - TOB - is not always of great significance but for those who play in League Matches - or perhaps aspire to play in County or National events - it is important.

At WBBC recently I heard the phrase - "Oh, that means 8 playing tricks - it could be in any suit." in response to an enquiry, "What does that mean?"

Unless that is exactly what you and partner play then as TOB is now written you should NOT talk about "8 playing tricks".

So-called "Strong 2's" and Benji 2's (2C/D, the strong options) should now be defined as - "Extended Rule of 25".

This means any of the following -

1) Rule of 25, (HCP + length of 2 longest suits)
or
2) Any hand with 16 or more points
or
3) A hand with 8 clear cut tricks

This change to the rules actually helps players - because you can now legally use your strong 2 bid for a hand that is a little short of 8 playing tricks; [There is always the risk that 1 level openings get Passed out, and it helps with those awkward 20/21 hands with a singleton without an obvious 8 (seven and a half ???) tricks]

Why is this important? ........ Because it is illegal to psyche (strong) 2 level bids and if you did so in a match (or in a pairs event) you are automatically penalised - you can not argue that you would have reached the final contract of (say) 4H/S anyway.

An example - this hand occured at the club very recently:-

Opener has -

Q x x
A K
A x
K Q 10 9 x x

The bid was (stop) 2C.
Alert from partner who stated "8 playing tricks". [To all intent and purpose - Playing tricks = Clear cut tricks]

The pair then got to 3NT, (as did most other pairs) with the opening hand going down as dummy.

The hand above does NOT qualify as 8 PT ....... At pairs if the director was summoned he would automatically score the hand 30% to this pair and 60% to the opponents, (yes, it does not add up to 100%).

(And you can not say, "Well I meant Ext Rule of 25 ...... it's the same thing")

However, if you describe the hand as "Extended Rule of 25" the opponents have no redress, (it is actually 18 HCP + 9 for length).

Out of interest - the hand above would only be 6 playing tricks because the long suit only counts as 3, (it is assumed that partner has a void when you assess how many tricks you can make from a long suit!)

If you use a convention card (and all who play in matches ought to do so) then I suggest you amend your descrition of 2C/2D, (or even 2H, 2S if you still play those as 'strong') so that neither are described as 8 PT.

Cheers,

Ian]]> tim General chat Sat, 20 Mar 2010 21:46:15 +0000 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,141,141#msg-141 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,141,141#msg-141


West is dealer and bids 1♠, to which E replies 4♠. I bid 5♠, effectively a very strong take out double. North bids 6♥, which I raise to 7♥, doubled and redoubled.

Normally a redouble is always a take-out, but when there is nowhere else to go (as here) it can work as a natural bid. It is still slightly risky, as the opposition would do well to sacrifice in 7♠, which goes two down.

Tim]]> tim General chat Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:32:34 +0100 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,138,138#msg-138 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,138,138#msg-138 here.

Although computer bridge is not as much fun as the real thing, it is handy for the odd spare moment and can throw up some interesting hands. The standard is high although I sometimes supect Jack of being not quite fair - since it plays my partner as well as the opposition :-)

Tim]]> tim General chat Thu, 13 Aug 2009 20:36:35 +0100 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,134,134#msg-134 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,134,134#msg-134 Monday 20th July 2009
Those of you that attended our AGM in April 2009 may recall that I spoke
briefly about the English Bridge Union (EBU) and their new policies which
affect all Duplicate Bridge Clubs in England. Much of the discussion and
associated publications are labelled P2P (pay to play). I provided a
handout on this topic.

The EBU is the governing body for duplicate bridge. They produce the
rules, provide training for Club and National level Directors, maintain a
ranking system for all competitive players, issue quarterly magazines and
support a web site on ebu.co.uk. They also provide support and funding
for national teams and run many national competitions for duplicate
players of all abilities. They want to raise awareness of bridge from
school level upwards and simply get more people playing bridge.

The Board of the EBU has passed a resolution which means that every member
of an affiliated duplicate bridge club will become an EBU member. WBBC is
defined as an EBU affiliated club and we enter teams in the County
leagues. We have a choice - we can continue our affiliation, or we can
withdraw.

The committee of WBBC met recently to discuss again the implications.
We propose that we should continue affiliation for the year 2010 to 2011.

This will mean that our table fees will rise, typically to £2.50 from next
year, although as this year, we intend to keep our subscription at the
same level.
All members of WBBC then automatically become EBU members.

A brief EGM will be held before bridge on Monday 10th August 2009 to
discuss this topic and I will ask members to vote on the above proposal.
If you are unable to attend this meeting please make you views known to me
or another committee member. I suggest that you all look at the EBU
website and read the EBU proposals for duplicate bridge in England.

Tony Craddock
Chair - WBBC]]> Shiona General chat Tue, 04 Aug 2009 21:15:26 +0100 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,123,123#msg-123 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,123,123#msg-123
N: QT9xx
S: Axx

I played for split honours by leading first the T then the Q towards the A. It turns out E has the J and W the K, so my approach worked - I forget who had 3 cards in the suit, but they did split 3-2 (67.83% chance according to my book).

Was that the best line, or is there a better one?

Tim]]> tim General chat Tue, 04 Aug 2009 21:19:56 +0100 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,118,118#msg-118 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,118,118#msg-118
Ian]]> IJD General chat Thu, 23 Jul 2009 12:49:09 +0100 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,86,86#msg-86 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,86,86#msg-86
teams night

any system

I promise to be nice.

email me on scdawson@ukonline.co.uk before Tuesdy 9pm.


Shiona]]> Shiona General chat Sat, 23 May 2009 09:36:18 +0100 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,81,81#msg-81 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,81,81#msg-81
I'm not 100% sure, but I think what it does not assume is the quality of your partner's hand. It's primary use is when your partner opens the bidding with an overcall. Eg 1♦ is overcalled by 1♠. Let's say you have 11 points and a 4 spades. You want to invite game, but there is a possibility that your partner has made a weak overcall with just 7 points. Therefore you bid 2♦, which tells your partner you have the strength for a good raise. If partner has a good hand 4♠ may be on; if it is weak they can still duck out with 2♠.

Another advantage is that direct raises are available for pre-emptive, competitive bids.

What if your partner is overcalled - what does a cue bid mean then? This is a matter of agreement, though it might have a similar meaning.

In other situations a cue bid of the opposition's suit is often asking for help in that suit - you have no stop, or half a stop, and want to invite no trumps. It's always a strong bid looking for game.

Tim]]> tim General chat Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:14:37 +0100 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,79,79#msg-79 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,79,79#msg-79
You can format your posts with BBCode; see here for a guide.

Tim]]> tim General chat Sun, 08 Jun 2008 09:51:29 +0100 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,69,69#msg-69 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,69,69#msg-69
W doubles; N has a fair hand with a couple of hearts so passes. E, with 11 points and three spades, decides to have a punt at 4S (thinking the double shows the other major).

Unfortunately it was a misunderstanding; W has only 2 spades and has both minors. Contract is played with a 3-2 fit and goes 4 down.

The twist: it's a top, as all the other NS pairs make game.

Tim]]> tim General chat Tue, 03 Jun 2008 16:37:20 +0100 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,40,40#msg-40 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,40,40#msg-40
Discussion of the EBU strategy document.

Worth attending if you have a view on this.

Tim]]> tim General chat Wed, 16 Apr 2008 13:42:01 +0100 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,34,34#msg-34 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,34,34#msg-34
You are in 3NT and E leads a diamond, which W wins with the A. W returns a heart (I haven't worked out what happens if W returns a spade).

]]> tim General chat Wed, 16 Apr 2008 13:38:29 +0100 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,33,33#msg-33 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,33,33#msg-33
1st pair 3 Sheila and Marie - 26pts
2nd pair 4 Pat and Irene - 19pts
3rd pair 5 Eric and David W - 18pts
4th pair 1 Tim and Bernard - 17pts
5th pair 2 Val and Hilda - 16pts

Tim]]> tim General chat Wed, 23 Jan 2008 23:06:57 +0000 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,29,29#msg-29 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,29,29#msg-29
You are vul. Dealer on right opens 3C. You have:

x
Axx
AKQJT9x
xx

What to bid - obvious to X?

If you X, P bids 3S. So you don't have enough time to shown diamonds and have the chance of playing in 3N.

Given that I have an outside entry, I bid 3D - p must take that as a strong bid at the vulnerability.

P bids 3N - so I assume he has stops in the black suits. Maybe he has no diamonds? I can't bid 4C to say "bid again" and show more strength as it will be taken as Gerber.


Your thoughts?]]> Shiona General chat Sun, 13 Jan 2008 09:54:22 +0000 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,25,25#msg-25 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,25,25#msg-25
[www.jackbridge.com]

Early bridge playing software had a poor standard, but this one will give you a good game (it has won the computer bridge championship several times). Perhaps more important, you can analyze hands at leisure, trying different lines of play. You can enter actual deals you have played elsewhere, and Jack will calculate the maximum tricks possible in each suit.

Tim]]> tim General chat Thu, 10 Jan 2008 18:30:18 +0000 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,22,22#msg-22 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,22,22#msg-22 Opener has -

♠ A x
♥ Q 10 x
♦ K 10 x x
♣ A J x x

Partner has -

♠ K 9 x x x
♥ A 8 x
♦ A Q x
♣ 8 x

Bidding? ...... Does Responder use Stayman or transfer?

How do you play the hand in 3NT with a club lead?]]> IJD General chat Thu, 10 Jan 2008 18:41:28 +0000 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,16,16#msg-16 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,16,16#msg-16 "
Under the forum there is a list of topics, under the heading "Subject". Anyone can add a topic at any time. You can see who started the topic and who
last updated it - look to the right of the subject row.

To read a topic, click on the subject eg "Weds 19th Dec".

You will see the topic including the original post and replies. Continue to scroll down and you will see a window where you can add a reply.

Type your message into the box and click on preview to see how your reply will look.

If you don't like what you see, click Cancel. Or if you want to post your reply, click "Post message".

It is recommended that you register and log in to the forum. This avoids someone else being able to write messages in your name.

To register, click on "Log In". Half way down there is a link that starts "Not registered". Click on the link. You can make up your own username and password.

Then to log in at a later time, click on "Log In" and enter username and password.

if you forget your password, click on "Log In" and look for the section that starts "Did you forget your password".

Enter yur email address and a password will be emailed to you. The email will come from "OnlyConnect.Forums.admin".

That should be enough to get going. If you've got any questions, why not put the on the forum ... most likely someone will be able to help.

If you're really stuck, email me at scdawson@ukonline.co.uk]]> Shiona General chat Tue, 18 Aug 2009 09:12:20 +0100 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,15,15#msg-15 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,15,15#msg-15
I have
♠ AJ
♥ A
♦ AKJ9xx
♣ AQxx

Opened 2D (game forcing) and then completely ignored partner's bidding to get into 6♦ which goes 1 down. Lose a trick to Q♦ and a club.

With the benefit of double dummy, Ian says 6♠ makes. Though that needs N to hold Hx and S Hxx or either to hold HH - which I get to be around 25% probability.

But how to get to 6♠?

With W hand
♠ T9xxxx
♥ KJxxx
♦ void
♣ Kx

I would have bid 2♥ relay. But I do see a case for bidding the spades, even though partner is likely to expect some honours. But with W's distribution, he is guaranbteed to hear p bidding ♦, so may as well try and show the distribution. So next time, if I'm W i would bid 2♠ afte 2♦ and then bid ♥.

What do you think?]]> Shiona General chat Sat, 22 Dec 2007 10:04:43 +0000 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,8,8#msg-8 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,8,8#msg-8
Judy made an excellent bid of 3N.

She held (I think):

♠ void
♥ AKxx
♦ AKx
♣ KQJTxx

I opened and rebid spades. She followed with 4NT - RKCB which helped her find the 3 cards she needed.

Anyone have any other variants on the bidding?

Shiona]]> Shiona General chat Wed, 26 Dec 2007 17:45:21 +0000 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,2,2#msg-2 http://bm.onlyconnect.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,2,2#msg-2
Note: if you enter your email address when posting, this will currently show as a mailto link. I don't like this, as it increases the chance of getting spam. Therefore I suggest that you don't include your email address when posting.

Better still, register and log-in. Then edit your profile not to show your email address in messages (actually this seems to be the default).

I'll try to find a neater solution in due course.

Tim]]> tim General chat Sun, 23 Dec 2007 18:11:58 +0000