Takeout Doubles. A double that we call a normal takeout double is a bid made at your first opportunity to bid after an opponent has opened the bidding. It enables you to show strength and, at the same time, to ask your partner to name his best suit. It is roughly the equivalent of an opening bid and (1) shows support for all unbid suits with shortness in the suit doubled, or (2) shows a very good one-suited hand that was too good to overcall, or (3) shows a very good balanced hand that is too good to overcall 1NT. Examples:
You (a) ♠AQxx ♥x ♦Kxxx ♣Axxx or 1♥ DBL (b) ♠Kxxx ♥Kx ♦AQx ♣xxxx
Negative Doubles. A double is negative when made by the partner of the opening bidder after RHO (right hand opponent) has overcalled a suit. In other words, it is a double of an opponent's overcall for takeout rather than for penalties. The negative double indicates one of several kinds of hands: (1) a four-card unbid major suit and an unbid minor suit, (2) a four-card unbid major suit and support for opener's first bid suit, (3) two four-card unbid major suits, (4) two unbid minor suits, (5) rarely, a one-suited hand (unbid major suit) without the values to bid it freely. If you use a five-card major system of bidding, the use of negative doubles is fundamental to the system. Examples:
Pard Opp You
(a) 1♣ 1♦ DBL ♠Axxx ♥Kxxx ♦xx ♣xxx Shows both majors
(b) 1♣ 1♠ DBL ♠Kx ♥Axxx ♦Qxxx ♣xxx Shows other Major+minor
(c) 1♥ 1♠ DBL ♠xx ♥xx ♦AQxxx ♣Kxxx Shows both minors
Re-Opening Doubles. There are at least two situations in which the opening bidder should strive to reopen the bidding by doubling. (1) If your partnership plays negative doubles, it is extremely important for the opening bidder to reopen the bidding with a double whenever he is short in the suit overcalled by the opponents. (2) It is also important to reopen the bidding with a double in competitive auctions when you have a REALLY good hand (so as to differentiate from competitive hands with long suits.) Generally this second type hand will have at least three-card support for the unbid suits regardless of the opposition bidding. It also indicates either a desire to hear about partner's suit or the desire to show a very good hand and a very good suit of one's own. Therefore in an auction similar to 1♠ 2♣ Pass 3♣ ? Reopen with a double on something like ♠ AKxxxx ♥ AKx ♦QJx ♣x but bid 3♠ on something like AKJ10xx ♥ Kxx ♦Kxx ♣x.
Balancing Doubles. Another type of reopening double is also called a balancing double. It applies after the opening bid is followed by two passes and does not promise the same strength and distribution required for a direct takeout double.
Thus 1♠ Pass Pass X is for takeout but can be less about an Ace or King less than a double in the direct seat. Therefore, double a 1♥ opening bid in the balancing seat with (a) ♠Kxxx ♥x ♦Axxx ♣Qxxx or (b) ♠xxxx ♥xx ♦AKxx ♣Kxx
Responsive Doubles. A responsive double is used by the partner of a doubling or overcalling partner and tends to show the two unbid suits with minimal (1 or 2 card) support for partner's suit. Not implied by partner
(a) North East South West (b) North East South West
1H X 2H X = denies S 1S X 2S X = denies H
1H 1S 2H X = promises other two suites
Support Doubles (and Redoubles). If an opponent overcalls after partner has responded in a new suit at the one or two level, a double by the opening bidder shows three-card support while an immediate raise shows four-card support. If the opponent makes a takeout double instead of overcalling, a redouble shows three-card support.
Lead-Directing Doubles. A lead-directing double is a double made in hopes of directing the opening lead. These doubles are not necessarily made to increase the size of the set that you might anticipate, but rather to give your side a chance to obtain the best result possible. 1NT Pass 2♣ X is lead directing showing clubs. Lead directing doubles of transfers bids and RKC responses are other examples that often work.
In between the two basic types of doubles are a few that can be construed as both or either. Maximal doubles fall into this category as do cooperative-type doubles. These doubles are made in order to inform partner but at the same time they can be easily be converted to penalty doubles.
Maximal Overcall Doubles. Occasionally, when both opponents' are bidding, it interferes with the ability of the opening bidder and the responder to make trial bids or game tries. It is in such situations that maximal overcall doubles are used. Thus a double when there is not room to make a suit game try becomes a game try of its own.......but since it shows extra values it can be converted to penalty.
Cooperative Doubles. Modern bidding has almost become obsessed with doubles that are not clearly penalty but otherwise have no specific meaning. Such doubles have been termed cooperative because they apply in competitive situations (after 4 you and partner have found a fit) and are an invitation to either bid again or sit for the double as though it were a penalty double. Sometimes these are very subtle in the auction but they are intended to show uncertainty about whether bidding more or defending is best at this particular point. (a) You LHO Partner RHO
1D 1H 2D 2H
Pass Pass DBL
Penalty Doubles. Almost all other doubles are penalty!! But, there are some specific situations that are by definition penalty. These, then, are rules!!
(1) The double of an opening strong No Trump bid at any level is penalty except when made by a passed hand or when you’ve adopted a convention to the contrary.
(2) The double of a No Trump overcall at any level is penalty except when made by a passed hand or when you’ve adopted a convention to the contrary.
(3) If either you or your partner has made a natural strong No Trump call in the auction, doubles of opponents’ bids are penalty.
(4) An “out of the blue” double at the three level or higher is penalty. (Doubler has remained silent until then).
(5) If either you or your partner has made an earlier penalty double or made a penalty pass of a takeout double, a double is penalty.
(6) If either you or your partner has made a preemptive bid and the other doubles, it’s penalty. (IT IS NOT NEGATIVE). Example: 3♦ 3♥ DBL is penalty.
(7) Generally speaking a rule to remember is that in competitive auctions if the double is over the bidder (or behind), its penalty. If it's under the bidder (or in front of), it's takeout. And if you think about this for a minute or two it makes sense. Thus in the auction 1NT 2♥ Pass Pass DBL, the double is intended for takeout, but in the auctions 1NT Pass Pass 2♥ DBL or 1NT 2♥ DBL, the doubles are penalty.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
chose your actions
My wife has been teaching 1st grade for many years, it has always fascinated me how she could control 20 6 year olds.
I was in her class the other day and I watched with amazement. She asked this 1 child, Why did you chose to act out. Child as the rest of us would say, "I don't know". Well, she immediately said, I expect you to chose your actions before you do them and consider what will happen if you make the wrong choice.
Well this has made a tremendous effect on my bridge game & I know it will yours. Before I start getting angry with my partner for doing something that I don’t agree with ( right or wrong) I chose not to get angry, I control my emotions. We can discuss the defense or the bidding later, make a note of it. The anger that builds up inside is an emotion that you can control. Chose to control your feelings. How important is this scenario? Screaming DIRECTOR or even screaming Director please, loud enough to scare everyone within 6 tables of where your sitting is not an acceptable form of communication. So what if the person revoked, lead out of turn or did something else that requires a professional ruling. Chose to control your emotions, lower your blood pressure and relax. You still should call the director but chose to control your emotions. Call him as you would call over a friend.
I want all these kitchen bridge players to take a different view of duplicate. Each one of us on an individual basis are the only ones that can bring them back to playing at our clubs. Don't be an emotional basket case. Chose your actions
I was in her class the other day and I watched with amazement. She asked this 1 child, Why did you chose to act out. Child as the rest of us would say, "I don't know". Well, she immediately said, I expect you to chose your actions before you do them and consider what will happen if you make the wrong choice.
Well this has made a tremendous effect on my bridge game & I know it will yours. Before I start getting angry with my partner for doing something that I don’t agree with ( right or wrong) I chose not to get angry, I control my emotions. We can discuss the defense or the bidding later, make a note of it. The anger that builds up inside is an emotion that you can control. Chose to control your feelings. How important is this scenario? Screaming DIRECTOR or even screaming Director please, loud enough to scare everyone within 6 tables of where your sitting is not an acceptable form of communication. So what if the person revoked, lead out of turn or did something else that requires a professional ruling. Chose to control your emotions, lower your blood pressure and relax. You still should call the director but chose to control your emotions. Call him as you would call over a friend.
I want all these kitchen bridge players to take a different view of duplicate. Each one of us on an individual basis are the only ones that can bring them back to playing at our clubs. Don't be an emotional basket case. Chose your actions
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Play bridge online
BBO Information
Go to this website.
http://www.bridgebase.com/
Make it an icon on your desk top. (right click)
options are (create a shortcut)
chose yes.
once you get there it says
Play Bridge Now
Click on Play bridge now.
then!
Click on:
Become a member (free)
Now create a user name (first name###) First name with number will work. (you may have to use a 2 or 3 digit number)
Make up a password
Put in your real name
country
Skill level
(novice)
Then log in!
I was just on line there were 14,561 Players were on line at the site.
Now what to do.
1. bottom right of screen My friends
click on my friends
put in depristo and hit add
my login name is "depristo"
put me on your friends list
close
2. Make sure each of you sends each other your login name and I would like to have it also.
This way we can find each other on line.
3. top left corner of screen Play or Watch Bridge
Click on Help me find a game
Take me to an interesting table ( you can watch some real good players playing)
enough watching
top left side Home
Play or Watch Bridge
Start a match point table
Reserve seats at your table
whoever is serving a table put each of your names in the compass points.
say OK
NOW you are ready to start table!
hit start table -relaxed game and everyone will show up automatically at your table. Assuming they are on line.
and you have them in your friends list.
Chat block in bottom of screen
Talk to table (everyone hears)
Talk to individual (only that person hears)
I would probably print this out and it will be easier to follow
Good luck guys !!
I am on line a lot so If I run into you I may be able to help/direct you ( so to speak)
I am excited to see that you guys will enjoy the insanity of this game as much as I have over the years.
Have a great day!
Unless you made other plans.
Have a great day!
Unless you made other plans.
Go to this website.
http://www.bridgebase.com/
Make it an icon on your desk top. (right click)
options are (create a shortcut)
chose yes.
once you get there it says
Play Bridge Now
Click on Play bridge now.
then!
Click on:
Become a member (free)
Now create a user name (first name###) First name with number will work. (you may have to use a 2 or 3 digit number)
Make up a password
Put in your real name
country
Skill level
(novice)
Then log in!
I was just on line there were 14,561 Players were on line at the site.
Now what to do.
1. bottom right of screen My friends
click on my friends
put in depristo and hit add
my login name is "depristo"
put me on your friends list
close
2. Make sure each of you sends each other your login name and I would like to have it also.
This way we can find each other on line.
3. top left corner of screen Play or Watch Bridge
Click on Help me find a game
Take me to an interesting table ( you can watch some real good players playing)
enough watching
top left side Home
Play or Watch Bridge
Start a match point table
Reserve seats at your table
whoever is serving a table put each of your names in the compass points.
say OK
NOW you are ready to start table!
hit start table -relaxed game and everyone will show up automatically at your table. Assuming they are on line.
and you have them in your friends list.
Chat block in bottom of screen
Talk to table (everyone hears)
Talk to individual (only that person hears)
I would probably print this out and it will be easier to follow
Good luck guys !!
I am on line a lot so If I run into you I may be able to help/direct you ( so to speak)
I am excited to see that you guys will enjoy the insanity of this game as much as I have over the years.
Have a great day!
Unless you made other plans.
Have a great day!
Unless you made other plans.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
dopi and depo
DOPI (Double 0 Pass 1) and ROPI
It does not matter if you play 4 or 4NT to ask for aces (or key cards), if the opponents bid over your asking bid then obviously things change.
Let’s assume you are playing simple Blackwood, you have 2 aces and partner bids 4NT to ask. Your response is 5, but what if your RHO sticks in a bid of 5•? The answer is the DOPI convention: -
Double = 1st step (0 aces)
Pass = 2nd step (1 ace)
Next bid (so 5 here) = 3rd step (2 aces)
Next but 1 bid (so 5here) = 4th step etc.
The same principle applies if you play RKCB, Gerber or whatever. Note that the lower responses (double or pass) allow for a possibility of defending against a doubled contract by opponents. Often a good idea if you are short of aces/key cards!
If RHO doubles the asking bid, then there is a similar convention (ROPI)
Redouble = 1st step (0 aces)
Pass = 2nd step (1 ace)
Next bid (so 5 here) = 3rd step (2 aces) etc.
Now I have been careful to mention steps here. For example, If you play standard RKCB then 1st step = 0 or 3 key cards, 2nd step = 1 or 4 key cards etc.
When the opponents interfere above your agreed suit
DEPO (Double Even Pass Odd) and REPO
This is a less popular variation of the above but has the advantage that the opponent’s can always be doubled for penalties.
So when your Blackwood bid is overcalled its REPO: -
Double = Even (0, 2 or 4 aces)
Pass = Odd (1, 3 or 5 aces)
And if your Blackwood bid is doubled: -
Redouble = Even (0, 2 or 4 aces)
Pass = Odd (1, 3 or 5 aces)
Barry Depristo
301 288 7437
It does not matter if you play 4 or 4NT to ask for aces (or key cards), if the opponents bid over your asking bid then obviously things change.
Let’s assume you are playing simple Blackwood, you have 2 aces and partner bids 4NT to ask. Your response is 5, but what if your RHO sticks in a bid of 5•? The answer is the DOPI convention: -
Double = 1st step (0 aces)
Pass = 2nd step (1 ace)
Next bid (so 5 here) = 3rd step (2 aces)
Next but 1 bid (so 5here) = 4th step etc.
The same principle applies if you play RKCB, Gerber or whatever. Note that the lower responses (double or pass) allow for a possibility of defending against a doubled contract by opponents. Often a good idea if you are short of aces/key cards!
If RHO doubles the asking bid, then there is a similar convention (ROPI)
Redouble = 1st step (0 aces)
Pass = 2nd step (1 ace)
Next bid (so 5 here) = 3rd step (2 aces) etc.
Now I have been careful to mention steps here. For example, If you play standard RKCB then 1st step = 0 or 3 key cards, 2nd step = 1 or 4 key cards etc.
When the opponents interfere above your agreed suit
DEPO (Double Even Pass Odd) and REPO
This is a less popular variation of the above but has the advantage that the opponent’s can always be doubled for penalties.
So when your Blackwood bid is overcalled its REPO: -
Double = Even (0, 2 or 4 aces)
Pass = Odd (1, 3 or 5 aces)
And if your Blackwood bid is doubled: -
Redouble = Even (0, 2 or 4 aces)
Pass = Odd (1, 3 or 5 aces)
Barry Depristo
301 288 7437
Sunday, June 13, 2010
weak jump shifts
Weak Jump Shifts,
When partner opens say 1§ or 1¨, then a jump to 2© or 2ª is normally played as strong - a good hand with a good suit; forcing to game and slam seeking. However, there is an alternative to the traditional strong jump shift: -
Consider this hand, partner has opened 1¨. You have totally insufficient values to bid, but wouldn’t it be nice to be able to stick your oar in?
ª Q97542 © 5 ¨ 42 § 7653
If you could safely bid 2ª without exciting partner, that would be super.
And how about this hand? Partner has opened 1§. You do not really want to pass, but you ‘know’that if you bid, then partner will jump in a black suit.
ª 42 © KJ9652 ¨ 9542 § 7
Is there a solution? Enter the (very) weak jump shift.
After a 1§/¨ opening, a jump to 2©/ª may be played as a weak hand, too weak for a 1-level response; with a 6 (possibly 7) card suit and typically 2-5 pts. Now this has numerous advantages, you have described your hand perfectly and the only person who really knows what is going on is your partner!
When partner opens say 1§ or 1¨, then a jump to 2© or 2ª is normally played as strong - a good hand with a good suit; forcing to game and slam seeking. However, there is an alternative to the traditional strong jump shift: -
Consider this hand, partner has opened 1¨. You have totally insufficient values to bid, but wouldn’t it be nice to be able to stick your oar in?
ª Q97542 © 5 ¨ 42 § 7653
If you could safely bid 2ª without exciting partner, that would be super.
And how about this hand? Partner has opened 1§. You do not really want to pass, but you ‘know’that if you bid, then partner will jump in a black suit.
ª 42 © KJ9652 ¨ 9542 § 7
Is there a solution? Enter the (very) weak jump shift.
After a 1§/¨ opening, a jump to 2©/ª may be played as a weak hand, too weak for a 1-level response; with a 6 (possibly 7) card suit and typically 2-5 pts. Now this has numerous advantages, you have described your hand perfectly and the only person who really knows what is going on is your partner!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
New Minor forcing
New Minor Forcing
New Minor Forcing comes up when responder bids a new minor after opener has rebid 1NT. For example,
These auctions : 1C 1S 1NT (2D) or 1D 1H 1NT (2C)
2D is artificial, showing 11+ points and asking opener to further describe his hand. Responder is interested in game, normally has a five-card major suit and wants to know if opener has support.
Opener's responses, in order of priority, are:
Two of responder's major shows a 3-card support minimum
Three of responder's major shows 3-card support, 13+ to 14+ pts
2NT shows 2-card support, 12 to 13- pts
3NT shows 2-card support, 13+ to 14 pts
If responder bids spades and then bids new minor forcing. Opener should Show a 4 card heart suite if you have one before answering questions as to spade length and value
Raise of the new minor Natural, denies the ability to make any other bid
Rebid of opener's suit shows a 4-card suit
Natural, denies the ability to make any other bid
To show a genuine two-suiter, responder can rebid the new minor on the third round.
New Minor Forcing is OFF in competition.
New Minor Forcing comes up when responder bids a new minor after opener has rebid 1NT. For example,
These auctions : 1C 1S 1NT (2D) or 1D 1H 1NT (2C)
2D is artificial, showing 11+ points and asking opener to further describe his hand. Responder is interested in game, normally has a five-card major suit and wants to know if opener has support.
Opener's responses, in order of priority, are:
Two of responder's major shows a 3-card support minimum
Three of responder's major shows 3-card support, 13+ to 14+ pts
2NT shows 2-card support, 12 to 13- pts
3NT shows 2-card support, 13+ to 14 pts
If responder bids spades and then bids new minor forcing. Opener should Show a 4 card heart suite if you have one before answering questions as to spade length and value
Raise of the new minor Natural, denies the ability to make any other bid
Rebid of opener's suit shows a 4-card suit
Natural, denies the ability to make any other bid
To show a genuine two-suiter, responder can rebid the new minor on the third round.
New Minor Forcing is OFF in competition.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
The Drury Convention
The Drury Convention
________________________________________
The Drury Convention is an artificial 2C response that's used by a passed hand after partner opens 1H or 1S in third or fourth seat. It shows 3+-card trump support and maximum playing values (10+ support points). Drury is a very valuable convention that comes up frequently, is easy to remember and can dramatically improve your bidding accuracy. Here's the type of problem it solves:
J43 A75 KQ532 64 -- You pass and partner opens 1S in third seat. Without Drury, you have a choice of four possibly disastrous responses:
1 - You make a limit-raise to 3S and go down because partner opened light.
2 - You raise conservatively to 2S, partner passes, and you make 10 tricks because he had a full opener.
3 - You bid 1NT (forcing or standard), partner passes, and you get a poor score because the rest of the field is playing in their 8-card spade fit.
4 - You try a "temporizing" 2D, partner passes and you get an even worse score.
A Drury 2C response shows your support and strength right away, allowing you to bid your hand's full value without getting too high. It gives you a built-in safety valve if partner has opened light and it helps opener evaluate chances for game.
Drury is used only when you're a passed hand and partner has opened 1H or 1S in third or fourth seat. If you have 6-9 points, you make your normal raise to 2 of the major. If you're stronger, you use the Drury 2C response, which always shows:
1 - At least 3-card support for partner's major.
2 - A maximum passed hand (10+ support pts.).
In this sequence a 2d response is weak and Drury bidder should now bid 2 of Major. Opening hand or better rebid 2 of Major
Two-Way Reverse Drury
Yet another treatment is Two-Way Reverse Drury, where 2C shows the 3-card raise and 2D shows the 4-card raise. If you use "normal" Drury and bid 2C with 3-card support, opener has a 2D bid available to show this hand. But if you use 2D to show 4-card support, opener will have to rebid 2 of his suit with minimum and sub-minimum hands. If responder has extra playing strength, he'll know exactly what is in your hand and either makes a game try or bid game.
________________________________________
The Drury Convention is an artificial 2C response that's used by a passed hand after partner opens 1H or 1S in third or fourth seat. It shows 3+-card trump support and maximum playing values (10+ support points). Drury is a very valuable convention that comes up frequently, is easy to remember and can dramatically improve your bidding accuracy. Here's the type of problem it solves:
J43 A75 KQ532 64 -- You pass and partner opens 1S in third seat. Without Drury, you have a choice of four possibly disastrous responses:
1 - You make a limit-raise to 3S and go down because partner opened light.
2 - You raise conservatively to 2S, partner passes, and you make 10 tricks because he had a full opener.
3 - You bid 1NT (forcing or standard), partner passes, and you get a poor score because the rest of the field is playing in their 8-card spade fit.
4 - You try a "temporizing" 2D, partner passes and you get an even worse score.
A Drury 2C response shows your support and strength right away, allowing you to bid your hand's full value without getting too high. It gives you a built-in safety valve if partner has opened light and it helps opener evaluate chances for game.
Drury is used only when you're a passed hand and partner has opened 1H or 1S in third or fourth seat. If you have 6-9 points, you make your normal raise to 2 of the major. If you're stronger, you use the Drury 2C response, which always shows:
1 - At least 3-card support for partner's major.
2 - A maximum passed hand (10+ support pts.).
In this sequence a 2d response is weak and Drury bidder should now bid 2 of Major. Opening hand or better rebid 2 of Major
Two-Way Reverse Drury
Yet another treatment is Two-Way Reverse Drury, where 2C shows the 3-card raise and 2D shows the 4-card raise. If you use "normal" Drury and bid 2C with 3-card support, opener has a 2D bid available to show this hand. But if you use 2D to show 4-card support, opener will have to rebid 2 of his suit with minimum and sub-minimum hands. If responder has extra playing strength, he'll know exactly what is in your hand and either makes a game try or bid game.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Super Acceptance
Super acceptance
Bergen says you (the no-trump bidder) should make bids on occasion that vary from an automatic 2S bid. There are two reasons. You can pre-empt (even by a 1NT opener), and you can get to good (but close) game contracts. And you can stay out of poor game contracts or over-high part score contracts.
Here are opener's responses to 2D:
1. With 2 cards in hearts, bid 2h.
2. With 4 cards in hearts and 15 or a "bad" 16, bid 3h.
3. With 4 cards in hearts and 17 or a good 16, bid your doubleton!
4. With 3 cards in hearts including at least one honor (or 4-3-3-3 with 4 hearts) and 17 points, and with every suit soundly stopped (Kxx or QJx or better), bid 2NT. [The transfer bidder might want to try 3NT holding six hearts and 2 of the top 3 honors. The transfer bidder should bid 3NT over your 2NT with KQxxxx in hearts and nothing else, expecting opener to get 6 heart tricks and make 3NT.]
5. With 5 hearts, bid 4h
6. With anything else, bid 2h
7. The responses to a transfer of 2h showing spades are similar.
Bergen makes these points which are pretty much accepted. When you hold nine hearts between you and partner, you can usually make 3s so the 3-level is fairly safe. When 3s is defeated, it usually turns out that the defense had a contract they could make (and might bid if your bidding dies at 2s).
When partner doesn't superaccept, the responder can usually bypass an aggressive move knowing the major suit fit is poor.
You are able to bid many close game contracts that are quite good contracts and that others are doomed by their methods to play in a part-score.
If opener doesn't respond 2h to your transfer, and you want to signoff in 3h, then a 3d bid by you is a "retransfer" to 3h. This time partner will accept the transfer.
Occasionally you can bid a great slam that others can not bid. Or you can stay out of a marginal slam that others are bidding.
All these bids are alertable, including 2H ("Denies 4-cards in hearts and certain other good hands").
Alternatives: some play that a jump to 3h shows 4 trumps and that "you like your hand." [This translates to 16 or 16+ for the rest of us.] This saves the other bids for really good 17-pointers. Some also will superaccept with great 3-card support but not a hand in one of the earlier categories. Bid 3 over 2• holding, say,
S AJ, H AQT, D KQT87, C 87.
For some famous players, these bids are still "under consideration" meaning they haven't been persuaded to upgrade their Jacoby bids. Nevertheless, SuperAccepts are mainstream among the class of "Flight A" players because they are easy to use, occur a lot, and they have proved their worth, at least to their advocates
Bergen says you (the no-trump bidder) should make bids on occasion that vary from an automatic 2S bid. There are two reasons. You can pre-empt (even by a 1NT opener), and you can get to good (but close) game contracts. And you can stay out of poor game contracts or over-high part score contracts.
Here are opener's responses to 2D:
1. With 2 cards in hearts, bid 2h.
2. With 4 cards in hearts and 15 or a "bad" 16, bid 3h.
3. With 4 cards in hearts and 17 or a good 16, bid your doubleton!
4. With 3 cards in hearts including at least one honor (or 4-3-3-3 with 4 hearts) and 17 points, and with every suit soundly stopped (Kxx or QJx or better), bid 2NT. [The transfer bidder might want to try 3NT holding six hearts and 2 of the top 3 honors. The transfer bidder should bid 3NT over your 2NT with KQxxxx in hearts and nothing else, expecting opener to get 6 heart tricks and make 3NT.]
5. With 5 hearts, bid 4h
6. With anything else, bid 2h
7. The responses to a transfer of 2h showing spades are similar.
Bergen makes these points which are pretty much accepted. When you hold nine hearts between you and partner, you can usually make 3s so the 3-level is fairly safe. When 3s is defeated, it usually turns out that the defense had a contract they could make (and might bid if your bidding dies at 2s).
When partner doesn't superaccept, the responder can usually bypass an aggressive move knowing the major suit fit is poor.
You are able to bid many close game contracts that are quite good contracts and that others are doomed by their methods to play in a part-score.
If opener doesn't respond 2h to your transfer, and you want to signoff in 3h, then a 3d bid by you is a "retransfer" to 3h. This time partner will accept the transfer.
Occasionally you can bid a great slam that others can not bid. Or you can stay out of a marginal slam that others are bidding.
All these bids are alertable, including 2H ("Denies 4-cards in hearts and certain other good hands").
Alternatives: some play that a jump to 3h shows 4 trumps and that "you like your hand." [This translates to 16 or 16+ for the rest of us.] This saves the other bids for really good 17-pointers. Some also will superaccept with great 3-card support but not a hand in one of the earlier categories. Bid 3 over 2• holding, say,
S AJ, H AQT, D KQT87, C 87.
For some famous players, these bids are still "under consideration" meaning they haven't been persuaded to upgrade their Jacoby bids. Nevertheless, SuperAccepts are mainstream among the class of "Flight A" players because they are easy to use, occur a lot, and they have proved their worth, at least to their advocates
Sunday, January 31, 2010
2/1 revisited
Basic Two-Over-One
The concept behind this sheet is for a player who is familiar with Standard American to be able to pick up 2/1 quickly. 2/1 is very similar to Standard American but there are two major differences: -
(a) A new-suit two-level response to a 1/ opening is forcing to game.
(b) The response of 1NT to a 1/ opening is forcing.
1. A new suit at the two level
2 Suppose you have this hand and partner opens 1. You play weak jump shifts
AKJ9542 and so respond 2 and partner bids 2. What now? Playing Standard you
• K72 would probably jump to 4, but there may well be slam if partner has the Q.
A6 In 2/1 it’s simple – take it slowly with a bid of 3. The auction is absolutely game forcing.
AK96543 And playing 2/1 makes life much easier for opener. You hold this hand and
A4 open 1 and partner responds 2. What do you do now? 3? 4?
• 10 Playing 2/1 it’s very easy, take it slowly with 2. This is just one of the great
AJ8 advantages of 2/1 – there is no need to leap about to set up a game force.
2. The forcing NoTrump
So what do you do with a hand of 10-11 points where you would have responded at the two level? The answer is the forcing 1NT. Over a 1/ opening a 1NT bid is forcing; it may be virtually any shape and anything from 5 to a poor 12 points.
7 Partner opens 1. Playing Standard you would bid 2• and hopefully arrive
542 somewhere sensible. Playing 2/1 you do not have the values for a game force
• KQJ752 and so you bid a forcing 1NT. If partner then bids 2, 2 or 2 you can bid
A72 3• to show this hand type exactly.
J3 Partner opens 1 and you respond 1NT. If partner bids 2 you bid 2• - to play;
54 if partner bids 2• you pass; if partner bids 2 you bid 2 and play in the 5-2 fit;
• KJ9752 if partner bids 2 you pass and play in the 6-2 fit.
J52
3. Responding to partner’s forcing NoTrump
Opener must respond. With a six card suit he can rebid it. With 54xx he can bid 2. A 5-card major is not usually rebidable and opener my sometimes have to bid a three card minor.
There is just one really awkward shape – 4522. After a forcing NoTrump opener cannot reverse into 2 without full reversing values so this one is a problem. If the 5 card suit is very good then rebid it, otherwise bid 2. Flannery solves the problem but it really is a bit excessive to use the 2• opening just to solve this one rare problem.
If opener has a big hand with game potential then he can jump/reverse whatever as normal.
4. The constructive raise
Q65 Partner opens 1. Playing Standard you would bid 2 and pray that partner
J42 does not make a game try. Playing ‘Constructive Raises’ in the 2/1 system
• K752 you show this poor raise by bidding 1NT and then 2 over partner’s 2/•/
742 response.
KJ65 Partner opens 1. This time you have a decent raise and the way to show that
Q42 is to bid 2 immediately.
• K752
742
5. A reverse by opener after a 2/1 response
AQ653 What do you open with this hand? Playing Standard a 1 opening has its
82 problems as you do not have the values for a 3 high reverse over 2•/.
• 2 But playing 2/1 there is no problem. A 2•/ response is game forcing and
AK742 it’s best to play that a subsequent reverse by opener does not show extras.
AQ65 Here you open 1 and get a 2 or 2• response. Without agreement to the
AQ982 contrary a 2 bid would show 16+ points. Playing 2/1 it simply shows the
• 2 shape and does not promise extra values.
742
6. The 11-12 point 2NT invitational bid
53 Partner opens 1 and you have a classic 2NT response; but most players
Q82 play Jacoby 2NT. In Standard you would bid 2 followed by 2NT but that
• AK86 is game forcing in 2/1.
K942 The answer is to bid a forcing 1NT and then bid 2NT over partner’s response.
7. The 3-card limit raise
KJ3 Partner opens 1. Playing Standard you would bid 2 and then 3 to show
82 just three card support.
• K863 Playing 2/1 you start with a forcing 1NT and then jump to 3.
A942
8. 1NT and two-level responses by a Passed Hand
Note that 2/1 only applies if responder is not a passed hand, so 1NT is natural if you have passed. If partner opens 1/ in 3rd seat or 1 in 4th seat then I like to play (two-way reverse) Drury. I do not play Drury if partner opens 1 in 4th seat as that is always a sound opener (whereas 1 may well be on the light side - rule of 15) but play natural methods.
____________________
The concept behind this sheet is for a player who is familiar with Standard American to be able to pick up 2/1 quickly. 2/1 is very similar to Standard American but there are two major differences: -
(a) A new-suit two-level response to a 1/ opening is forcing to game.
(b) The response of 1NT to a 1/ opening is forcing.
1. A new suit at the two level
2 Suppose you have this hand and partner opens 1. You play weak jump shifts
AKJ9542 and so respond 2 and partner bids 2. What now? Playing Standard you
• K72 would probably jump to 4, but there may well be slam if partner has the Q.
A6 In 2/1 it’s simple – take it slowly with a bid of 3. The auction is absolutely game forcing.
AK96543 And playing 2/1 makes life much easier for opener. You hold this hand and
A4 open 1 and partner responds 2. What do you do now? 3? 4?
• 10 Playing 2/1 it’s very easy, take it slowly with 2. This is just one of the great
AJ8 advantages of 2/1 – there is no need to leap about to set up a game force.
2. The forcing NoTrump
So what do you do with a hand of 10-11 points where you would have responded at the two level? The answer is the forcing 1NT. Over a 1/ opening a 1NT bid is forcing; it may be virtually any shape and anything from 5 to a poor 12 points.
7 Partner opens 1. Playing Standard you would bid 2• and hopefully arrive
542 somewhere sensible. Playing 2/1 you do not have the values for a game force
• KQJ752 and so you bid a forcing 1NT. If partner then bids 2, 2 or 2 you can bid
A72 3• to show this hand type exactly.
J3 Partner opens 1 and you respond 1NT. If partner bids 2 you bid 2• - to play;
54 if partner bids 2• you pass; if partner bids 2 you bid 2 and play in the 5-2 fit;
• KJ9752 if partner bids 2 you pass and play in the 6-2 fit.
J52
3. Responding to partner’s forcing NoTrump
Opener must respond. With a six card suit he can rebid it. With 54xx he can bid 2. A 5-card major is not usually rebidable and opener my sometimes have to bid a three card minor.
There is just one really awkward shape – 4522. After a forcing NoTrump opener cannot reverse into 2 without full reversing values so this one is a problem. If the 5 card suit is very good then rebid it, otherwise bid 2. Flannery solves the problem but it really is a bit excessive to use the 2• opening just to solve this one rare problem.
If opener has a big hand with game potential then he can jump/reverse whatever as normal.
4. The constructive raise
Q65 Partner opens 1. Playing Standard you would bid 2 and pray that partner
J42 does not make a game try. Playing ‘Constructive Raises’ in the 2/1 system
• K752 you show this poor raise by bidding 1NT and then 2 over partner’s 2/•/
742 response.
KJ65 Partner opens 1. This time you have a decent raise and the way to show that
Q42 is to bid 2 immediately.
• K752
742
5. A reverse by opener after a 2/1 response
AQ653 What do you open with this hand? Playing Standard a 1 opening has its
82 problems as you do not have the values for a 3 high reverse over 2•/.
• 2 But playing 2/1 there is no problem. A 2•/ response is game forcing and
AK742 it’s best to play that a subsequent reverse by opener does not show extras.
AQ65 Here you open 1 and get a 2 or 2• response. Without agreement to the
AQ982 contrary a 2 bid would show 16+ points. Playing 2/1 it simply shows the
• 2 shape and does not promise extra values.
742
6. The 11-12 point 2NT invitational bid
53 Partner opens 1 and you have a classic 2NT response; but most players
Q82 play Jacoby 2NT. In Standard you would bid 2 followed by 2NT but that
• AK86 is game forcing in 2/1.
K942 The answer is to bid a forcing 1NT and then bid 2NT over partner’s response.
7. The 3-card limit raise
KJ3 Partner opens 1. Playing Standard you would bid 2 and then 3 to show
82 just three card support.
• K863 Playing 2/1 you start with a forcing 1NT and then jump to 3.
A942
8. 1NT and two-level responses by a Passed Hand
Note that 2/1 only applies if responder is not a passed hand, so 1NT is natural if you have passed. If partner opens 1/ in 3rd seat or 1 in 4th seat then I like to play (two-way reverse) Drury. I do not play Drury if partner opens 1 in 4th seat as that is always a sound opener (whereas 1 may well be on the light side - rule of 15) but play natural methods.
____________________
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Inverted minors
email me and I will email you the information
depristo@gmail.com
Too long for this post.
depristo@gmail.com
Too long for this post.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Laventhal
Lavinthal (aka McKenney) - Signals in Defence
When you are defending and cannot follow suit, then you have to discard something. It is often best to convey some sort of information to your partner with this discard and there are various schemes. One of the best and most commonly used is Lavinthal, also known as McKenney. The most important point is that you DO NOT discard in a suit that you like, but discard from one of the other suits. There are two remaining suits and the size of your discard indicates which of these remaining two suits you like, a high/middle card indicates the higher ranking and a low card the lower ranking.
When you are defending and cannot follow suit, then you have to discard something. It is often best to convey some sort of information to your partner with this discard and there are various schemes. One of the best and most commonly used is Lavinthal, also known as McKenney. The most important point is that you DO NOT discard in a suit that you like, but discard from one of the other suits. There are two remaining suits and the size of your discard indicates which of these remaining two suits you like, a high/middle card indicates the higher ranking and a low card the lower ranking.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
re: Audrey Warren
To all my bridge friends:
Wow I feel so good right now, I think I can explain it. ( I have really hated one person for close to 10 years with more disgust, dislike and anger then I can possible describe no one in my whole life has ever brought me to that point. Last year it came to a head and we had a verbal confrontation at her bridge game.)
But now It's over, It's over I don't hate her anymore, I went to her bridge club today with a misunderstanding about playing there, but I had a chance to talk with her. I even cried, I felt soooooo good about not feeling hate, I do feel bad for her, but that's different. wow it's been so hard on me it's not describe able. I feel sooooo good!
It's over, It's over.
Over the years, I have seen so many motivational emails about not feeling hate for anyone I could not understand them at the time, but I sure understand them now.
Barry
Thanks for listening
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY! :)
Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle in their journey.
Dont forget to change your politician. They are like diapers they need to be changed regularly for the same reason.
Wow I feel so good right now, I think I can explain it. ( I have really hated one person for close to 10 years with more disgust, dislike and anger then I can possible describe no one in my whole life has ever brought me to that point. Last year it came to a head and we had a verbal confrontation at her bridge game.)
But now It's over, It's over I don't hate her anymore, I went to her bridge club today with a misunderstanding about playing there, but I had a chance to talk with her. I even cried, I felt soooooo good about not feeling hate, I do feel bad for her, but that's different. wow it's been so hard on me it's not describe able. I feel sooooo good!
It's over, It's over.
Over the years, I have seen so many motivational emails about not feeling hate for anyone I could not understand them at the time, but I sure understand them now.
Barry
Thanks for listening
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY! :)
Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle in their journey.
Dont forget to change your politician. They are like diapers they need to be changed regularly for the same reason.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Pre empting
I ask you!
after 2h by you and then 4h by me, what is my hand?
after 2s by you and then double and then 4s by me, what is my hand?
after 2h by you and then 2s and then 4h by me what is my hand?
after 2s by you and then 4h and then 4s by me what is my hand?
The answer to all those questions! I have no idea. Your partner could be huge or they could be continuing you preempt.
My point :) You have done all the damage you can do when you preempted in the first place.
Don't bid again, your partner knows what to do. No excuses, no reasons like I am interfering with their Blackwood bid. Just sit back and enjoy the fact, that you destroyed their auction in the first place by opening weak. Let your partner do the rest. Think about it, that’s why it's fun to play with a good partner, they will handle what needs to be done from the other side of the table, just give them your information, that is all they need.
What you have been doing will work occasionally, but not often enough to justify the bad results that you are about to receive or the good results you missed out on.
The opps are under a tremendous amount of pressure to guess what is the right thing for them to do after you premept in the first place.
after 2h by you and then 4h by me, what is my hand?
after 2s by you and then double and then 4s by me, what is my hand?
after 2h by you and then 2s and then 4h by me what is my hand?
after 2s by you and then 4h and then 4s by me what is my hand?
The answer to all those questions! I have no idea. Your partner could be huge or they could be continuing you preempt.
My point :) You have done all the damage you can do when you preempted in the first place.
Don't bid again, your partner knows what to do. No excuses, no reasons like I am interfering with their Blackwood bid. Just sit back and enjoy the fact, that you destroyed their auction in the first place by opening weak. Let your partner do the rest. Think about it, that’s why it's fun to play with a good partner, they will handle what needs to be done from the other side of the table, just give them your information, that is all they need.
What you have been doing will work occasionally, but not often enough to justify the bad results that you are about to receive or the good results you missed out on.
The opps are under a tremendous amount of pressure to guess what is the right thing for them to do after you premept in the first place.
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