FIRESIDE CHAT NOVEMBER 2002
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome and Announcements
Believer's FireSide Kindling
Bidding with Bridgboy
Guido's Really Important Stuff
This is Your Captain Speaking
Just Jill
Dealing With Dann
Moogal's FireSide Log
Mezzie Lends a Hand
Bob's Bits
Treble's Table Talk
And Finally Kaltica
=======================================
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Hi all!
Welcome to the November, 2002 issue of FireSide
Chat, our monthly newsletter written for and about
our FireSide friends and events.
We hope you enjoy all of this month's articles and
features. Please feel free to write to us with any
comments, questions, ideas, or whatever, that you may
wish to share. This newsletter is for and about you,
and we want you to feel welcome to participate. Just
email Believer at believer@firesides.net or Moogal
at Moocake@aol.com.
A special thanks to all of you who have been sending
us contributions for our "giggle breaks". We appreciate
everything you send, and use as many as we can. Keep
'em coming, please! :-)
OKbridge also offers us an email discussion opportunity,
the Discuss List. You can join that list by emailing them
at Discuss-Request@okbridge.com and put the word 'subscribe'
in the subject line. You can also participate in the
discussions via the OKbridge web site now, just go to the
members area at www.okbridge.com and you'll find the Discuss
List there at the bottom of your opening page.
You can now find our "FireSide Chat" posted at two
different web sites.
You can go to OKbridge's web site:
http://www.okbridge.com/membersclub/periodicals/fireside/
Or find it at our FireSide web site:
http://www.firesides.net/thechat.htm
If, for any reason, you do not wish to receive
these mailings, please write to Believer at
believer@firesides.net to be removed from our mailing
list.
===========================================
CURRENT FIRESIDE SCHEDULE
Day Pacific Time Commentator
MON 11:00 A.M. POOKA
MON 5:30 P.M. BRIDGBOY
TUE 11:00 A.M. BRIDGBOY
TUE 5:30 P.M. MEZZIE
WED 11:00 A.M. FREDW3
WED 5:30 P.M. DIANEW
THU 11:00 A.M. POOKA
THU 5:30 P.M. WISHTRIK
FRI 11:00 A.M. BLUEBEE
FRI 5:30 P.M. KALTICA
SAT 11:00 A.M. WINTAKA/CAPTAIN
Commentators may change without notice,
according to their availability.
*******************
Although there is no set fee for participating in
these "open to all" sessions, please note that FireSide
Bidding Practice Sessions operate with the support of
those in attendance. For information about how to
become a supporting member, please contact Kaltica at
kaltica@mts.net, Moogal at moocake@aol.com, or
Believer at believer@firesides.net
Thanks to all of you for supporting the FireSide sessions
in all the many different ways you have of doing so.
*******************
All articles herein (c) 2002 by FireSide Chat.
All rights reserved.
===============================================
BELIEVER'S FIRESIDE KINDLING
============================
Hi all :-)
Last month I talked about OKb login names, and how we came up
with ours... and asked for some volunteers to share their
stories. We got three submissions -- enjoy! And, send me
YOUR OKb name story!
********************
I've been in a wheelchair for about 20 years. When
I played at the club, I was always very noticeable
since at the time the only other local
wheelchair-bound player in the area was Hermine Baron,
and she only showed up occasionally, while I played
all the time. There was one player (now also on OKB)
who would always ask me, "How's it going, Wheels?"
The day games at the club went through the lunch
hour, so to accommodate the players, the director would
take orders for the deli across the street; the
sandwiches and salads would then be delivered labeled
with the name of the owner. When mine came back one
day with the name "Wheels," I knew that was my alias.
When I first got a computer, I got AOL as my
Internet Service Provider, but when I tried to use
"wheels" as an email address, I found it was already
taken. Then I tried tacking my birthday on it, but
"wheels426" was also taken. My full birth date is
42652, but as AOL only allowed 10 characters at the
time, I had to truncate to "wheels4265."
In 1999, I joined OKB and I was prepared to have to
tack the numbers on the end of the name again, but lo
and behold! "Wheels" with no numbers attached was
available! So I scarfed it up.
KAREN
********************
MQ26 = MQ stands for my name, Margie Quinto
26 stands for my son's football number at Virginia Tech.
********************
Why "Moogal": When my daughter was a baby, she couldn't say
Mom, it came out Moo. Whole family started calling me Moo
(and still does!) I called her Cupcake, so she started
calling me Moocake -- hence the email name. When I came
to OKB, Moocake sounded silly, so I changed it to Moogal
-- less silly?? What was I thinking!!
*******************
Thanks, Karen, Margie, and Jan! I love all three stories -- I
think they all give us a lot of insight into who you are.
Come on, folks! I know there are LOTS more interesting stories
out there about why you picked your OKb name... we'd love to
read about it!
-------------------------------------------
I need Giggles! When we got home from our trip, and found my
computer 'sick', I lost all the jokes I had stored for future
issues of the newsletter. Please remember me when you read a
good joke... I can use all the help I can get.
Speaking of Giggle Breaks: I hope you all realize that, first
and foremost, I appreciate EVERYTHING you send us. Many, in fact
most, of the jokes tend to 'make the rounds' though -- and I very
often receive the same joke from several of you at the same time,
or within a short time of each other. I try to keep the first
copy I get, and credit that person with sending the joke -- but
in reality I may get that joke from 6 of you. I'd like to thank
all of you, but that could get pretty confusing to try to do
every month!
I also get a lot of jokes that are 'reruns' of jokes we've used
in past issues. I don't always recognize them, or if they're
really good sometimes I reuse them -- a good joke is always
funny! But I try not to do 'repeats' if I can help it.
So, if you send me a joke and don't see it in the newsletter,
there could be many reasons why I didn't choose to use that
particular joke. Not the least of which may be that I am just
afraid to run some of them, for fear that Jan will yell at me! I
love all the jokes you send, but we have to be careful with the
ones we choose to share with you. I hope never to offend anyone
with the jokes we choose to print -- and I'd never ever do that
on purpose. If ever you have an issue with any of the jokes we
print, PLEASE let me know!
-----------------------------------------
Lastly, I want to remind everyone that the only way the FireSide
Bidding Practice sessions can continue to provide you with a
healthy and enjoyable learning opportunity is for those of us who
attend to show our commentators how much we appreciate their
time, and the knowledge they so generously share with us. The
support you send in goes only to the commentators -- all the
table managers, the contributors to this newsletter, and even our
occasional 'guest' sub commentator at a FireSide session are all
voluntarily giving their time and resources to support the
sessions.
Also, please keep in mind when looking for a teacher to work with
you on more of a one-on-one basis, or someone to play the
tournaments with you, or do group sessions, that most of our
commentators are available for those services at very reasonable
prices. If you like what you see at a FireSide session, just
imagine what you'd get in a one-on-one session! If you don't
know if the commentator is taking new clients, just ask :-)
I think we are so lucky to have such a talented group of bridge
players working with us -- where else could you ever find such a
selection of brilliant minds to pick? Please -- let them know
how special we think they are.
til next month...
Sara
********************
You can write to Believer (Sara Stobbe) at:
believer@firesides.net
============================================
GIGGLE BREAK
Some thoughts on 'aging' from MaxJ
Eventually you will reach a point when you stop lying
about your age and start bragging about it.
The older we get, the fewer things seem worth waiting in line
for.
Some people try to turn back their odometers. Not me, I want
people to know "why" I look this way. I've traveled a long way
and some of the roads weren't paved.
How old would you be if you didn't know how old you are?
When you are dissatisfied and would like to go back to youth,
think of Algebra.
You know you are getting old when everything either dries up
or leaks.
I don't know how I got over the hill without getting to the
top.
One of the many things no one tells you about aging is that it
is such a nice change from being young.
One must wait until evening to see how splendid the day has
been.
Ah, being young is beautiful, but being old is comfortable.
==============================================================
BIDDING WITH BRIDGBOY
=====================
What Does Partner Have?
Picturing partner's hand during an auction is a needed tool for
effective partnerships. You have to make bids so that partner
can see in his mind's eye your 13 cards as clearly as possible
so that he can then see how they fit with his.
You pick up:
S Axxx
H Axx
D A109xx
C Q
and you hear, with opponents silent:
1C-P-1D-P
1H-P-1S-P
3C-P-?
First question, what does partner have?
Your take on it is a hand that is good enough to jump rebid with
a four card major, so you expect 6-4 and 17 points or so.
Let us put a typical hand up and see how it matches.
S Kx
H KQxx
D X
C AKxxxx
is about the minimum you would expect from partner. And it could
be better!
S KQ
H KQxx
D X
C AKxxxx
is reasonable also.
or
S x
H KQxx
D Kx
C AKJxxx
Any one of these is about what we expect.
So now we count losers against our hand and then see what we
should bid. If you see how big your queen of clubs is along
with your three aces, you will also leap to 6C as I did.
Now, unlike the real world where this took place, I am going to
make you play the hand because partner had to leave to take an
important phone call and you have to sub for him. This is what
you see!
DUMMY
S Axxx
H Axx
D A109xx
C Q
DECLARER
S KQx
H KQxx
D x
C AK109x
Well, he owes you one club but this is still a great contract.
Assuming you have no more than one club loser, all you need is
either red suit to split 3-3 for 12 tricks, and of course the
jack of clubs could drop third also.
With eager anticipation we get the DK lead. We win, cash our
CQ, cross to the SK and run the clubs. Alas. RHO shows
up with Jxxx, so we have a loser there. We give the opp the
trump trick, and ruff the diamond return. Now we have to
think... a good thing to occasionally do!
All you need is a 3-3 split in either major, but if they are
not splitting, are we going down? We have played 6 cards so
far, so that leaves only 7 cards in each hand around the
table. Hmmm, that means neither opponent can have 4 cards in
both majors. So they must be split 4 in each hand. OK, but what
about the diamonds! You have never played for a squeeze
before, but you think LHO is about to get squeezed if he has
4 cards in either major, and the top diamonds.
So, without a worry in the world, you cash your high spades and
watch LHO start to squirm. Aha! LHO is about to not like me,
you think, as you finish the three rounds of spades. You find
they are 4-2, but now LHO can not hold 4 hearts and the top
diamonds so he has to give up a heart. You fall into 12
winners by a red suit squeeze! What a thrill! You bid a nice
slam then have to run around the table and make it! Plus 1370
is a fine score for us. On to the next round!
********************
You can find Bridgboy (Bob Lavin) doing his FireSide
sessions on Monday evenings at 5:30 p.m., and Tuesdays
at 11:00 a.m. OKbridge time.
Anyone interested in one-on-one lessons on any topic of
the game may contact Bob at bridgboy@charter.net
===================================================
GIGGLE BREAK
Thanks to Mindy for this giggle:
Quirks About Life That You Notice By The Time You Are Fifty
- Most people deserve each other.
- All the good ones, no matter what it is, are taken.
- The one who snores will fall asleep first.
- The length of a marriage is inversely proportional to the
amount of money spent on the wedding.
- If you help a relative in need, he/she will remember you the
next time they are in need.
- The probability of meeting someone you know increases greatly
when you are out with someone you do not want to be seen with.
- Toothaches always start on Friday night right before the
weekend when the Dental Office will be closed.
===================================================
GUIDO'S REALLY IMPORTANT STUFF
==============================
What Would I Do?
As scary as it sounds, some people actually ask me this
question. It starts out with...you hold Qxxx-Kxx etc. etc.
Just in case you ever decide to be silly and ask me such a
question, here is some advice on what to do with the answer.
When asking me a lead question, view my answer as part of the
process of elimination. I make one good lead per year -- and I
have already made it for 2002. So, whatever card I tell you to
lead, view it as improving your chances from 1 in 13 to 1 in
12. If you catch me playing with Ian, you can improve your
chances to 1 in 11 (guaranteed).
If you ask my advice on a convention, I can almost guarantee
that I will suggest forgetting about it.
If you ask my advice on how to improve your Lehmans, I won't
even answer. Laura Brown asked for a set game against Ian and
me. We agreed and in 15 minutes of Instant Messaging came up
with a FINE system called Curried Fishrot Relay. A very well
defined system (we talked over about two situations in the
second round and none for subsequent rounds. A great system
including 1D=8-10 balanced. A strong 1C opening showing most
12+ hcp (ya, that's twelve)) hands, with a 1D response being
the only positive response. So, do you STILL want to ask me how
to improve your Lehman's? OK, the answer is: do NOT play
Fishrot or any modifications thereof. (It was a lot of fun, by
the way).
People ask bidding questions, too, of course. My normal
response is to make the simplest call that is not an out-right
lie. Try this one.. you hold xxxx-x-xxxxx-Ax. You are in 4'th
seat and the bidding goes:
(1S)-2C-(3C)-P
(4S)-4N-(P)-
What do you do? I think the theoretical answer is 5D (you easily
could talk me into 6D, by the way). Never the less, I will tell
you to bid 5C. Why? Well, partner should have long clubs and
secondary diamonds, since I think he should double 4S with
secondary hearts. But 5C is the practical bid. It will not be
a complete disaster.
My favorite question: Which form of Blackwood should I use?
Key Card? Roman Keycard? Kickback? Byzantine? My answer is:
don't play Blackwood. It is a useful convention but too often
abused and most partners think 4NT is ALWAYS Blackwood, which
loses a very useful natural bid. If forced to recommend
something, I suggest Byzantine because a) I like the name and
b) no one knows it -- it's an English invention by the same
fellow instrumental in the invention of Acol -- and, therefore,
does not encourage the use of any form of Blackwood. My second
choice is Tuna Blackwood (Bidding 4NT with a void or two in an
attempt to completely confuse the opponents on defense.)
What beer should I drink? A Belgian Trappist Ales, of course.
This is the only answer I am quite comfortable giving.
********************
You can email Guido at: paulfriedman@attbi.com
==================================================
GIGGLE BREAK
Thanks to Luc for this giggle:
A group of psychiatrists were attending a convention. Four of
them decided to leave, and walked out together.
One said to the other three, "People are always coming to us
with their guilt and fears, but we have no one that we can go
to when we have problems."
The others agreed.
Then one said, "Since we are all professionals, why don't we
take some time right now to hear each other out?"
The other three agreed.
The first then confessed, "I have an uncontrollable desire
for sex and I frequently seduce my female patients."
The second psychiatrist said, "I love expensive things and
so I find ways to cheat my patients out of their money whenever
I can so I can buy the things I want."
The third followed with, "I'm involved with selling drugs
and often get my patients to sell them for me."
The fourth psychiatrist then confessed, "I know I'm supposed
to, but no matter how hard I try, I can't keep a secret."
====================================================
THIS IS YOUR CAPTAIN SPEAKING
Third Seat Openings
Here's a tiresome line heard following another disaster in
bridge: "But I was in 3'rd seat when I opened!"
If that one doesn't press your nerves, here's a worse one:
"I didn't think you had an opener, you were in 3'rd seat
when you opened..."
Now be truthful -- those statements have both slipped from your
mouth and hit your ears!
This article will not be a cure-all, but let's try to improve
on their frequency.
No one will argue that a 3'rd seat opener can be "shaded" in
order to protect a partial score that may be due your team.
Thus we occasionally open light in 3'rd chair, but how light,
and when? This article will deal with which hands to open in
3'rd seat that lack the 13+ that Goren would suggest to you.
I will talk about the measurement tools to use.
Some reasons to open the bidding light (for light we will say
10+/-12) in 3'rd chair:
Quick tricks:
With 2½ quick tricks open. With only 2, consider opening. With
less than 2, find a pass button.
A quick trick is an ace. A king is ½ a quick trick. Together
in the same suit they are 2 quick tricks. A kq together is 1 QT.
In separate suits, only the king counts and is worth ½ QT, as
stated earlier.
Therefore this hand has 2½ QT's:
AQx = 1½
KTxx = ½
Kx = ½
xxxx = 0
I would not question anyone opening this hand, even in other
chairs.
Change that hand to:
Jxx
KQxx
Qx
KJx
A full 12 points, but only 1½ QT's. (kq = 1 and K = ½).
I would not recommend opening that one even in 3'rd chair.
Lead Direction:
When opening some flat nondescript 2 QT hands a minor suit,
ask yourself: "Do I want this minor suit led?" If yes, lean
towards opening. If no, lean towards not opening.
Example:
Holding:
Ax
K9x
xxxx
KJTx
I would recommend a prudent pass, the diamond lead being the
most undesirable lead for your side.
But switch the minors about to:
Ax
K9x
KJTx
xxxx
Now a 1D bid has that little advantage in taking the aggressive
action to hopefully get the defense off to a good start. So
open that second hand 1D.
Do you have spades?
When you have the spades, you don't want to lose out. It is
like an ace in the hole playing black jack -- you have an edge
before the next card is turned. So when you own 4 spades,
lean towards opening, but short spades suggest no harm in
passing.
Example:
You hold
KQxx
xx
Axxx
Jxx
2 QT's so a borderline decision -- open this 1D, as you own the
spades.
Reverse the majors to
xx
KQxx
Axxx
Jxx
Let that one go.
Do you have some distribution?
With the dreaded 3-3-3-4 distribution, pass is a stand-out
position when the decision is "close".
Pass with
xxx
KQx
Qxx
KQxx
The hand has 2 qt's so "close", but is BLEAUGH for distribution
-- downgrade it. In fact, pass in a hurry!
But with:
xxx
KQxxx
KJxxx
void
Only 1½ QT's, and they own the spades (but not all of them!)
I would take the aggressive approach and venture 1H --love my
distribution/love a heart lead.
Major openers?
I would best recommend that you do not open very light with a
major suit, shading 3'rd seat opener requirements no more
than a queen from 1'st seat requirements, until you employ a
tool for checking with pard to see if their opener is
"sound" -- and that tool is some form of Drury. That is next
month's article -- see you then!
********************
Captain is a full time instructor on OKbridge, offering
group or individual lessons for anyone ranging from novice
to advanced players.
Email Andy for more information - capta@accesscomm.ca
========================================================
GIGGLE BREAK
Thanks to BobW for this giggle:
Caught for speeding
The cop got out of his car and the kid, stopped for speeding,
rolled down his window.
"I've been waiting for you all day," the cop said.
The kid replied, "Yeah, well I got here as fast as I could."
When the cop finally stopped laughing, he sent the kid on his
way without a ticket.
===================================================
JUST JILL
=========
Hodgepodge
Can't believe it's been this long
Nine whole months and going strong
Ghosts and goblins come along
Turkey dinner for a song
Playing bridge, so much to gain
Pounding things into my brain
Bending from the stress and strain
Call it pleasure, never pain
Reading up on this and that
Putting on my Zia hat
Some things stick in nothing flat
Other things elude me -- drat!
Just when everything seems clear
I freeze up in total fear
All I learned leaked out my ear
So much for that Bridge career!
Counting winners, planning plays
Winding my way through the maze
Sometimes I have "dizzy days"
That's OK, it's just a phase
Maybe losers matter here...
Have to get my brain in gear
Dummy entries disappear
Force myself to persevere
Some things I can do with ease
Other things need expertise
One thing that is sure to please:
Mastering a criss-cross squeeze!
Whether I feel smart or lame
Having fun is my first aim
I look forward to each game
After all, that's why I came!
(c)Copyright 2002 by Jill Wilson
********************
You can email Jill at ilovechocolate@earthlink.net
==================================================
GIGGLE BREAK
Thanks to Wheels for this giggle:
ACTUAL WRITINGS ON HOSPITAL CHARTS BY DOCTORS:
1. She has no rigors or shaking chills, but her husband
states she was very hot in bed last night.
2. Patient has chest pain if she lies on her left side for
over a year.
3. On the second day the knee was better, and on the third
day it disappeared.
4. The patient is tearful and crying constantly. She also
appears to be depressed.
5. The patient has been depressed since she began seeing me
in 1993.
6. Discharge status: Alive but without my permission.
7. Healthy appearing decrepit 69 year old male, mentally
alert but forgetful.
8. The patient refused autopsy.
9. The patient has no previous history of suicides.
10. Patient has left white blood cells at another hospital.
11. Patient's medical history has been remarkably
insignificant with only a 40 pound weight gain in the
past three days.
12. Patient had waffles for breakfast and anorexia for
lunch.
13. She is numb from her toes down.
14. While in ER, she was examined, X-rated and sent home.
15. The skin was moist and dry.
16. Occasional, constant, infrequent headaches.
17. Patient was alert and unresponsive.
18. Rectal examination revealed a normal size thyroid.
19. She stated that she had been constipated for most of
her life until she got a divorce.
20. I saw your patient today, who is still under our car
for physical therapy.
21. Both breasts are equal and reactive to light and
accommodation.
22. Examination of genitalia reveals that he is circus
sized.
23. The lab test indicated abnormal lover function.
24. The patient was to have a bowel resection. However, he
took a job as a stock broker instead.
25. Skin: Somewhat pale but present.
26. The pelvic exam will be done later on the floor.
27. Patient was seen in consultation by Dr. Blank, who felt
we should sit on the abdomen and I agree.
28. Large brown stool ambulating in the hall.
29. Patient has two teenage children, but no other
abnormalities.
===================================================
DEALING WITH DANN
==================
Card Combinations
These are some common card combinations that have arisen
recently in tourney play at OKbridge. I will go through them,
and hopefully explain what/why is the correct way to play them.
For the first situation, how do we play this one for no losers?
Jxxx opposite AQxx(x)
To play the suit for no losers(!) we want to play low
(not the J) towards AQxx(x), if only 4 in the AQ side we
need the suit to split, Kx in front (onside) of AQxx, then
we play the Q, A - dropping the K - and then low to J
picks up the suit.
The reason we play low from J side with 5 in hand is
to cater to the small percentage of a stiff K onside.
(if we play J - K (cover perforce) - then A/Q - and opps
10 is promoted.)
This assumes a situation with no knowledge of opps cards.
If opener was behind AQ - and we KNOW! they must have K
for the bidding - then up A and hope it's stiff!
As with all card combo stuff I give you, some of it can be
tossed out the window if opp's bidding leads us to different
(non-vacuum) conclusions.
Card combo #2:
J987 opposite Axxx
For no losers, we need a revoke! (can't happen.)
For 1 loser, legitimately, we need K or Q10 doubleton in
front of J987:
J987
K10 Qxx
Axxx
We lead an x towards the J. If the King flies - 1 loser
- we cross to the J side and play it next - it doesn't
matter what opp does with Q, we smothered the 10 and
only have 1 loser.
Illegitimately - if we opt for low to the J, and opp takes
a long time - then plays K, or Q, (usually faster than K)
we might decide this was from Q/K10x or even Q/Kxx (then
the 10 appears from other opp) and then we have 1 loser
by dropping the now stiff K/Q at the second time we play
the suit (we must guess the opps panicked.)
Again this is in vacuum - if the opps opened/interferred,
we might have to play for KQ frozen to limit the loss to
one trick in the suit (Ace - getting an honour then low!)
And as my mother always told me, good things come in 3's
so here goes the 3'rd Card Combo!
Assuming we are in NT (IMPs!) we hold Ax in hand, and Dummy
owns Q9x, and the opps lead this suit (non-honour.)
We can insert the 9 - sometimes this does scare up the K -
but no matter, (assume 10 or J produced) we win this trick
with the Ace (ducking is not an effective hold-up, and may
cost us a trick) [unlike Qx and Axx - stuff the Q in and win
3'rd round with Ace regardless of what opps play on the Q]
Once we win the Ace, we hope K is in the opening leader's
hand, and we still have a stopper.
At worst, we create a danger opponent (original opening leader)
and might be able to play the hand safely to keep said opp
off lead, and guarantee our contract!
Hope this helps you all with some common card combos we run
across.
And as Usual - Happy Bridging All
and Good Luck!!!
Dann {POOKA} Kramer
*******************
You will find Pooka (Dann Kramer) doing his FireSide
sessions on Monday and Thursday mornings, at 11:00 a.m.
OKbridge time.
Dann is available for one-on-one lessons, group mentoring
sessions, and/or tourney play.
For more information, write Dann at: Dann-Kramer@shaw.ca
===================================================
GIGGLE BREAK
Thanks to Obraven for this giggle:
On May 15, 1930, the first airline stewardesses boarded planes
with the following set of instructions, notes an early
Stewardess Manual:
* Keep the clock and altimeter wound up.
* Carry a railroad timetable in case the plane is grounded.
* Warn the passengers against throwing their cigars and
cigarettes out the windows.
* Keep an eye on passengers when they go to the lavatory
to be sure they don't mistakenly go out the emergency exit.
===================================================
MOOGAL'S FIRESIDE LOG
======================
OKB TOURNEYS
Tue Oct 8 18:00 2002
Rank Team Score Boards
1 dloye/Frodo 70.39 12
A fabulous result for our good friends and table managers D'Loye
and Gail. Well done! And we won't mention who they beat out in
second place.:)
Fri Oct 18 18:00 2002
Rank Team Score Boards
1 hughie/srikanth 1.84 23
Congrats to Hughie on this tourney that he won with a pick-up
partner. Hughie learned his stuff from Shelagh (SHEP) and I
have been fortunate to play with him when our time zones allow.
He is a real sweetie.:)
Wed Oct 23 21:00 2002
Rank Team Score Boards
1 kaysha/logwg 68.56 12
Way to go, Cyndi (KAYSHA)! She and partner Bill set a tough pace
for the field on this one. We're proud of you!
Sat Oct 26 11:00 2002
Rank Team Score Boards
1 kristena/wheels 61.51 22
We thank Karen (WHEELS) for many of our best giggle breaks, and
are happy to see this fine finish! Nice job!
Sat Oct 26 15:00 2002
Rank Team Score Boards
1 Kaltica/moogal 69.69 12
This one felt good! We have several bridesmaids outfits hanging
in our closets! :)))
****************************************************************
NOVICE MENTOR TOURNEY
Congrats to our top finishers in the 5th Chair
Novice-Mentor Tourney this month:
Rank Team Score
1 gandalf/jundith 60.85
2 k/rickms 59.83
3 cosomo/riggin 58.71
4 curls/gladys 56.40
5 brocky/ejfree 56.23
6 asinger/gambit 56.09
7 de/hec1 54.94
8 JonArna/sKillick 54.65
9 raven99/Tom-V 54.41
10 lynkos/rickb 50.85
11 AndyEdw/luvlee2b 50.74
12 giajen/oliebell 50.72
Mentors and novices, join us this month on the 14'th - email
Sandra at sandree@attbi.com if you would like to find a partner
ahead of time. I promise you a fun evening.
****************************************************************
MENTOR CUP GAME
October 6: TEAM ANDRE55: Adnre55, JanetE, Jundith & JerryB
October 20: TEAM BOBOWEN: Bobowen, Norrie, Pringle & Unicorn
The last three wins for Bobowen have all been with different
partners, quite a testament to his partnership skills!
Visit our website at www.firesides.net/mtc.htm for info and
lists of all our top placing stars. To get on the email reminder
list for these games, contact me moocake@aol.com - all welcome!
****************************************************************
Our deepest sympathy to Hal (TODDY) on the recent death of
his wife, Mary. We hope it helps to know that your OKB
friends grieve with you and send all our love. May her
memory be a blessing and comfort.
****************************************************************
FIRESIDE NEWS
Mezzie's back! Now that James has returned from his summer
employment in Japan and is starting his PhD studies at the
University of Pennsylvania in Linguistics, we are delighted to
have him back on our roster, taking over the Tuesday night
slot. Please note that it is moving back to its original time
of 5:30 OKB time.
While we will miss Andy (CAPTAIN) who had been doing Tuesday
nights, we're happy that we will have him for a while yet on
Saturday afternoons, alternating with Bill (WINTAKA). So stop
by and catch him while you can!
****************************************************************
Stanwyck Role and Sixty by Richard Pavlicek
All bridge players are invited to participate in this new
bidding poll. There are six problems from a past tournament,
and all you have to do is click a checkbox next to the call
you prefer. As a side challenge, you may wish to guess when
and where the tourney was held from the clues. The poll opens
November 1. Fasten your seat belt for a wild ride!
http://www.rpbridge.net/7y09.htm
Results of my October play contest "The Lake Erie Ghost Ship"
will be posted November 3.
Quiz: http://www.rpbridge.net/7x01.htm
Scores: http://www.rpbridge.net/7x07.htm
Analyses: http://www.rpbridge.net/7x08.htm
****************************************************************
Don't miss the Dear Billy Cyberlive 3!
Billy Miller, professional player, noted teacher and ACBL
Bulletin columnist is known for answering your toughest bridge
questions with expert advice and humor! Present your current
problems to him in our LIVE Forum, and receive a LIVE real-
time response that will be enjoyed by all attending. Billy's
answers are devoted towards improving the bridge game of the
aspiring player. Is that you?
Mark your calendars for Thursday, November 21st 2002, 6:30 pm!
****************************************************************
Some exciting news from Bob (BOBW)!
"I played in the North American Pairs qualifying round on October
19 with a friend and local partner named Jesse. He and I each
have only about 200 master points, so we play in flight C. (We
could have played also in flight B, but it was played on Sunday,
and Jesse almost never plays on Sundays, for religious reasons.)
This was a 2-session event played in three locations for our
district (20); we played at Chico. For the first session, we had
a 61.5%, but were second. The first place pair had a 72% going
into the last round, but they had a bad last round and dropped to
64% for the session. In the evening session, we scored a 65.5%,
and the other pair dropped off some, so we were first at the
Chico location. We had to wait until the next day to find out
how we did against the other two sites, Portland and Honolulu.
When the scores were calculated across all three sites, Jesse and
I were second in the district, 1.5 MPs behind the winners (467
and 465.5, respectively), who played in Portland.
"I guess there's always some disappointment at missing first
place by so little, but we are both elated to have done well,
and ACBL will be providing our air fare to play in the NAP in
Philadelphia in March (first place gets both airfare AND
accommodations). Neither of us would likely be going otherwise.
As it happens, Jesse and I won a Red Ribbon qualification for
winning an open pairs event (flight B in a stratified event)
in the Medford regional last April. The Red Ribbon pairs
event is played the two days before the NAP, so we will be
able to play in two nationally rated events over four days.
We have both played at NABCs before, but these will be the
first nationally rated events for either of us. Each of these
events is 4 sessions over two days, with the first day being a
qualifier for the finals, so we may be playing in some other
events on the second day of either or both.
"Jesse got married in June and moved, so he and I haven't had
much time to play face-to-face since. As a result, he is now
considering joining OKbridge so we can practice for these
events."
Wow, Bob, that really is very impressive! Best of luck in
Philly, and be sure to let us know it goes. Encourage Jesse to
join OKB, but don't let on to his new wife how addictive it can
be.:)) We look forward to meeting him.
****************************************************************
Bob also sent along a note about his involvement with mentoring,
in the hopes that it might encourage some others to do the same.
I'd like to share this with you also:
"I mentor Lucy (LUC)... she's a real sweetheart. The reason I
mention it is that I'm obviously not an expert; I don't even have
the experience of a lot of the good players out there. It might
help people to realize that one doesn't need to be an expert to
be helpful. Most of us know things that can be helpful to
beginners. (Of course, we could all learn from each other, IF we
were all as willing to learn as we are to find fault in our
partners.)"
"I'd like to say that I think the primary requirements for a good
mentor/mentee relationship are patience and a desire to learn ...
for BOTH parties. I know that I've learned more from evaluating
the hands for Lucy than I expect her to learn or remember. Maybe
if others realized the learning opportunity of the experience,
they might be more inclined to do it."
Bob goes on to say that he records the hands and writes
evaluations after the game for each hand, picking out one or
two things that the most appropriate for Lucy's level.
However, there is no set formula for mentoring....you and your
mentee might like to discuss issues as they come up,
especially if you don't have the time to spend on post-game
written evaluations. There are many ways to give back for the
wonderful gifts we have been given, and mentoring is one way
where you will get much in return, starting with the eternal
gratitude of your mentee. Just keep in mind Bob's observation
that one doesn't need to be an expert in order to mentor a
novice.
For more information or to be matched up with a learning partner
contact Marcia (TARSH -- tarsh1@mindspring.com)
*************************************************************
MOTOR CITY MADNESS
You know it has to be a wild time when Sara (BELIEVER), Gail
(FRODO), Deb (FPDOC) and Dann (POOKA) all get together!
Here are a few (somewhat censored, I'm sure!) views of that
visit to Detroit:
---------------------------------
First the host, Sara:
What a blast I had, when Dann, Gail, and Deb all flew in to
spend a week with us, and play in the Motor City Regional this
month. I'm still trying to catch up on my sleep! We had so
much fun, sitting around talking, sight seeing, EATING!,
finding new restaurants (two were keepers! a new Thai place
that is simply wonderful, and a great new Italian restaurant
that we definitely plan to go back to). Almost hated to take
time out to go play bridge!
But we did have some fun at the Regional, too. Folks at a
bridge event are pretty funny, some of em. There was this one
guy there who drove in from 'somewhere' -- a 'teacher', pro?
-- I think he may have been playing with a client. He made
sure we all knew he was from out of town though, and we should
feel honored that he drove in to play at our event. He was
very generous with his expertise and knowledge -- he managed
to call the director at least once each and every round -- I
really think he thought he was 'teaching' his pard, and the
opps, (and the directors!) proper bridge procedure, rules,
etc. He was pretty obnoxious :-) After watching this for a
while, Deb and Gail got his number -- then started greeting
him with a smile, and commenting on his "cool" ties -- he had
a different 'theme' tie for each day (rather loud, 'make a
statement' type of tie/shirt combos). He would just beam when
we noticed his ties, and was very jovial and friendly to us
the whole rest of the time. Even when Sara made an
insufficient bid (and never noticed until the director came
and the bidding was reviewed), he seemed almost regretful that
he had to call to get it straightened out. All in all, I
suppose it was a pretty fun experience.
And I can't forgot to tell you about playing in the knockouts!
Dann insisted that we play in the knockout event -- and it was
Dann with his jillion master points, and me with my less than
ten, and Gail and Deb who also have a "few", but we had to
play in "A" because of Dann's points.... anyway -- we got
clobbered first session of course. But at one point, Gail and
I played a round against Zeke Jabbour and his pard. Talk
about being intimidated... Sara was VERY intimidated. Gail
just grinned a little wider, rolled her sleeves up, and played
her game! Too bad her pard was in duh-ville.
Ah well, it was an experience :-) I can't wait til the next
one!
-----------------------
Deb followed up with her take on the visit:
A journalist I am not but here is my version!
What happens when you get OKB (Fireside) friends together in
person? A barrel of fun and laughs!! Gail, Sara and myself,
internet bridge friends on OKB and Fireside and Dann's
students recently had a face to face get together centered
around the ACBL Detroit Regional. Sara and her hubby Frank
(GOLDWING) played host and I flew in from Kentucky, Gail from
Washington State, and Dann from Canada. What a blast!! Poor
Sara, Frank and family did not know what hit Motor City.
Meeting at the airport revealed all to be as expected--no mass
murderers in the group as friends and families had cautioned!
The first night, despite being worn out, we all played the
open pairs except Frank and Gail, who proved they were the
true experts by winning the 199er's. Both received a trophy
inscribed Regional Champions -- Frank proudly took this to
work to display! He never heard the end of it all week
because all of us wanted to play with the Champ. I am sure
Pooka would have learned a lot more and probably would have
been 1'st overall if he had a chance to play with Frank.:)
The second day, Sara and Gail each took a turn helping Dann
win more masterpoints to go with his over 3500! Both pairs
had over 50% games. Frank and I again played the 199er's but
it did not help that both of us had such a good time laughing
and cutting up that we were heard all over the room,
distracting Dann and Sara.
The night found everyone back at Sara's munching, drinking and
going over the cards.
The third day was by far the most challenging. Dann persuaded
all his charges to play the knockouts (think he needed more
gold points?) and convinced the group that they would fit
right in the B or C category. Sara and Gail knew they were in
trouble when sitting down at the first table they noted one
player's name as being familiar for writing articles in the
"Bulletin". Each team that would come to our table would ask
"You only have one life master on your team?" Then Dann would
confirm that he had the 3700 master points and the rest of us
had the other 20!! What a hoot. After the dust settled we
found that the rest of the day would be in the side games
because we lost all the matches!!
Dann and I had a fairly fruitful next two rounds--made fun
because I had offers from one of the players to visit him in
Gatlinburg and Clearwater, Florida and also a dinner
invitation. I learned later that he won 2 events and placed
second in the other. Next tourney I will get Ray instead of
Dann to play!! The dinner invitation was not accepted because
he declined to take the other 4 out with us!! I've already
received a letter from the gentleman--is it love at first
sight?
Sunday saw the group rising early to see me off for KY --
unfortunately I had to go to work that night to be able to
afford another trip soon.
All in all, Dann managed to place 4'th overall and win some more
masterpoints. All the others will still qualify for the 199er's
but play like A players all the time!! In closing, there is a
lot to be said about the experience of playing on OKB and the
tutoring of Fireside.
------------------------------
And finally Dann, who always has a unique view:)
After we descended on the Stobbes for the Motor City Regional,
it didn't take long to find out which of the Stobbes is the
real Regional player, as Gail and Frank won a trophy Wednesday
nite. Deb was stuck with me and our only accomplishment that
night was that she picked up a pen pal! Thursday, we switched
around and Sara almost got me to average in the afternoon and
then Gail, back brace and all, carried me to my first above
average session in the side game. Perhaps Sara should have
borrowed the brace for the afternoon session! Frank had the
best plan and watched hockey Thursday nite -- Go Wings Go!
Now on Friday I suggested/demanded we play knockouts. It
turns out not many play KO'S in Detroit so we were in the top
bracket -- better pickings for pen pals but as much fun
playing, according to Deb!!! (Note to the team: no worries,
I've lost to worse by more!! Although losing to Zeke Jabbour
was a first!)
Friday nite I got Gail -- brace and all. Deb thought she
could do better with a different pard.....didn't want to
discourage the pen pal(s)!!! Deb was busy laughing with Frank
across the room as Gail with the secret weapon back brace
carried me to a 61% and 3'rd overall in the side game.
Saturday we opted for 2 sessions in the side game. (Deb wasn't
sure she wanted to play 2 sessions with me I think) Deb and I
had a great game -- unfortunately most N/S's did also, so our
70+% game was only 57. We wuz really robbed but considering
what most opps did it wasn't just at our table. Turns out we
were 5th overall and Deb decided she'd stick with me. After
finding a great Italian restaurant we waddled back to try and
play some cards -- to our amazement a snappy 5th overall
again. Thanks to the talents of my partners I managed an
overall placing in the "Continuous Pairs".
Sunday Deb had to leave, taking with her some of our desire to
go to the site, since we wouldn't have the fun of watching her
attract pen pals!! So we opted for a lazy day rather than a
high stress swiss with no breaks, getting a great tour of
Detroit from our hosts instead.
Thanks to the Stobbes for their kindness and general
acceptance into the family for the weekend. See you all
around!!
************************************************************
Good luck to those of you who are going to Phoenix.
My heart will be there with you! Remember to send me
a note with your experiences....I do my best to follow
the daily bulletin results, but help me out!!! :-)
Hugs to all.....Janice
************************************************************
Can't remember if this is a Mentor Cup week or when the next
Fireside session is? Get the complete schedule of events at:
www.firesides.net/whatsup.htm
Bookmark this page, and check back often. You don't want to
miss anything!
For those of you who use a credit card to support Fireside,
it's easy now! Go to:
www.firesides.net/support.htm
********************************************************
Everyone loves bidding polls, so we added one! Give us
your opinion of the best bids on the featured problems and
watch this space for a compilation of the responses with
commentary by a guest expert! Don't be shy, no one will
be mentioned by name unless you give us your OK!
www.firesides.net/bidwhat.htm
And if you haven't had a chance to check them out yet,
here are some links to some of the other quizzes that
Colin has developed to enlighten us:
www.firesides.net/staymantest.htm
www.firesides.net/sayctest.htm
www.firesides.net/sarctest.htm
www.firesides.net/spectrumtest.htm
www.firesides.net/bidstest.htm
www.firesides/net/IGITSAP.htm
(Note that IGITSAP must be in CAPS.)
Give them a try! They are fun and instructive.
**********************************************************
November Events: (All times Pacific)
===============================
NOVICE/MENTOR TOURNEY:
Thursday, November 14, 6:00 P.M. A low-key introduction
to the tourney experience, sponsored by Fifth Chair...
see www.fifthchair.org for more info on this and
their other services, including getting a mentor.
MENTOR CUP TEAM GAME:
Sunday, 5:00 P.M. November 3, and November 17.
See www.firesides.net/mtc.htm for info and lists
of past winners. To get on the mailing list for
this game, email me at moocake@aol.com.
OKSCRIPT SEMINAR:
OKScript seminars are held as demand warrants.
Email Kaltica to schedule a session, usually available
on the same Sunday as the Mentor Cup Game, at 2:30 p.m.
OKScript is an add-on program that saves you many
keystrokes while playing on OKB by sending
prepared text to the table, opps, or lobby at the
push of a button. Try to download the program BEFORE
the seminar by going to www.firesides.net/okscript.htm.
For more information, email Colin at kaltica@mts.net.
FIFTH CHAIR INSTRUCTIONAL EVENTS:
=================================
Interested in getting a mentor to play with you periodically
in your learning of this wonderful game? Please contact
tarsh1@mindspring.com and ask for a mentor.
SAYC Novice Team Game:
Saturdays, at 8:00 a.m. PACIFIC. Newcomers very
welcome! In addition to the team game, there will be
an open table for those waiting to join the team game.
This table will also have a commentator.
2/1 Team Game for intermediate players:
Saturdays, 1:30 p.m. Pacific. Novices are welcome in
spectator mode.
Look for the words FIFTH CHAIR beside the server's name,
in the table notes, to attend either of these sessions
You can also go to the Fifth Chair Foundation webpage:
www.fifthchair.org if you have any bidding questions.
After clicking on the webpage, find the Ask Anything section.
Write an email to Lucy, and she will be most happy to answer
your questions.
********************
Moogal (Janice Kofman) stays busy collecting all sorts
of news about our FireSide family members to share with us.
Please help her out by emailing her any news or stories you
are willing to share with the group.
Janice's email address is moocake@aol.com
================================================
GIGGLE BREAK
Thanks to Benson for this giggle:
New Drink
A guy walks into a bar and approaches the barman, "Can I have
a pint of Less, please?"
"I'm sorry sir," the barman replies, looking slightly puzzled,
"I've not come across that one before. Is it a spirit?"
"I've no idea," replies the guy, "The thing is, I went to see
my doctor last week and he told me that I should drink less."
================================================
MEZZIE LENDS A HAND
===================
Hi, it's me again, back for another Fireside Fling,
hopefully long-term this time! In case you're new to
Fireside, let me introduce myself. My name is James
Mesbur, and I'm a PhD student in Linguistics at the
University of Pennsylvania. I have been playing bridge
since my undergraduate days (about 7 years in total),
mostly on-line. I have been teaching bridge privately
(with real cards in real homes!) for several years,
and hope to branch out into on-line instruction in the
near future. I am also available to play in OKb tourneys
if you are interested. Contact me for more information at:
james_mesbur@yahoo.com
My general philosophy is that simple is best.
Concentrate on mastering the basics before introducing
gadgets into your system. If you have a regular
partner, spend the majority of time hammering out
agreements, such as the suit quality necessary for
weak 2 openers at different vulnerabilities, what
constitutes a "new-suit game-try", whether you promise
4-card support for a limit raise, and so on. The more
agreements you have about your style, the less bidding
misunderstandings (cf. disasters!) you will have at
the table.
-----------------------------------------
So exactly what is the best play for the best score?
We've all been in competitive auctions when we have to
decide whether to bid one more or whether we've pushed
the opponents just far enough. Sometimes, we don't
have a chance to enter the bidding, but can visualize
our part-score potential upon seeing dummy. Take the
following as an example:
Both vul
Sitting North, you hold:
S T9876
H K
D AK85
C 943
Dealer, on your right, opens 1H, we pass (we have an
agreement not to overcall on a bad suit without
opening points at the 1-level - hey, at least it's an
agreement!), and a 3H bid (limit raise) buys the
contract. It's our lead. We place the king of diamonds
on the table and eye dummy expectantly.
We see:
S 2
H 9862
D QJ72
C AQ87
On our king, partner follows with the 4 and declarer
with the 3. What's going on and what should we do
next?
First, are we in a good spot, defending 3H? If
declarer has 3 spades or less, we are in for a
terrible score, as we should be declaring spades (no
doubt half the room overcalled 1S with our cards!).
So, let's assume declarer has 4 spades. Thus his shape
is precisely 4522, based on the diamond count (if
declarer had 6 hearts or a minor-suit singleton, he
would have accepted the game invitation, we figure).
So far, so good.
What about high card points? Declarer will have 11 to
13, as he declined his partner's game invitation. That
leaves our partner with some values, and us for some
hope to set this contract.
The key card here is clearly the king of clubs. If
partner has either major suit ace, they won't run
away, but declarer will surely discard a club loser if
we set up his diamonds by cashing our ace at trick 2.
Should we switch to a club immediately, then?
Well, let's look at the possibilities. At other
tables, most sane folks will be playing 3S or
defending 3H. To get a decent score, we're definitely
going to have to set 3H, as going down 1 in 3S (-100)
will be better than letting them make 3H (-140), and
obviously if we can make 3S (+140), we'll have to set
3H by two tricks (+200) to get any matchpoints.
Let's look at that in chart form for clarity:
Contract Result Our score Match-point rough estimate
3H down 2 +200 90%
3S makes 3 +140 75%
3H down 1 +100 55%
3S down 1 -100 45%
3H makes 3 -140 25%
3S down 2 -200 10%
Since they have a 9-card fit, however, if one of the
contracts goes down 2, the other side should be able
to make game in their fit, so we can assume those
scenarios are impossible.
We appear to have 2 choices: 1) cash our diamonds and
wait for our trump and spade tricks, whatever they may
be; 2) switch to clubs, hoping to set up a trick there
before dummies diamonds are established for discards.
Which is the better play?
In order to set 3H without any club tricks, partner
will need to hold specifically both major suit aces.
To set 3H with one club trick, partner will need the
club king plus either major suit ace. Since holding 2
of 3 specific cards is more likely than holding 2
specific cards, plan 2 is decidedly better.
Is there any danger? If declarer holds the club king,
he can cash 3 rounds of clubs and throw his losing
diamond. In that case, he may make 4, when cashing the
diamonds would have held the contract to 3. How bad is
that? Well, assuming many pairs will be in 3S, making
3 or going down 1, -170 will not be much worse than
-140!
We follow through on our stellar analysis, switch to a
club at trick 2 and are duly rewarded.
The complete hand is:
S 2
H 9862
D QJ72
C AQ87
S T9876 S QJ3
H K H A43
D AK85 D 964
C 943 C KJ65
S AK54
H QJT75
D T3
C T2
Those who cashed the diamond ace at trick 2 allowed 3H
to make, and those who pushed to 3 spades went down,
either on a club ruff or by losing 2 diamonds when
defender's led trumps. Our optimistic yet simple plan
paid off.
We get 10 out of a possible 13 matchpoints.
Moral: If you think you may be in a bad spot, assume
the best and play accordingly.
********************
You will find Mezzie doing his FireSide sessions on Tuesday
evenings at 5:30 p.m. Pacific time. You can email him at:
james_mesbur@yahoo.com
================================================================
GIGGLE BREAK
Thanks to Benson for this giggle:
Toe Stepping
On her way back from the concession stand, Sandra asked the
man at the end of the row, "Sir, did I step on your foot a
minute ago?"
Expecting an apology the man said, "Indeed you did."
Sandra nodded. "Oh, good. Then this is my row."
===============================================================
BOB'S BITS
==========
Bob sent us this wonderful article this month, which was written
by his friend and co-teacher, Allan Graves. Bob and Allan will
be offering another great class on 'Play of the Hand' sometime
in January of 2003. Contact Bob at bobmcphee@hotmail.com for
more information.
********************
The Singleton Lead
Most of us enjoy leading a singleton, or perhaps a doubleton,
and getting a ruff. However it is a misunderstood defense.
Bear in mind that you are leading your worst suit and, unless
partner has bid it, it may well be their best suit. If that is
the case you have pickled whatever holding partner had in that
suit. Remember, if you have a singleton, the suit is breaking
poorly and left to their own devices, declarer may play the
suit in question "straight up" and partner will win a slow
trick on the third or fourth round. For instance partner may
hold JT82 or dozens of similar holdings and if you lead your
singleton, declarer will now pick the suit up. Lay out A765
in dummy opposite KQ93 in declarer and have the lead be the
singleton 4 to appreciate this.
Having said all this, it is often a very effective lead. It
will be most effective when some of these conditions are
present:
1. When you have at least two trumps.
2. When you have a sure trump entry or think that partner does.
3. A singleton in an un-bid suit is better than in a suit the
opponents have bid, for the reasons above.
It will tend not be that effective when some of these conditions
are present:
1. You have natural trump tricks (ie such as QJx.)
2. When you have great length in trumps. A forcing defense
may be more effective. In effect if you have long trumps,
to ruff may be to force yourself, handing control back to
declarer.
3. When you have a strong hand, and therefore can suspect that
partner may not have an entry.
4. When declarer will be able to draw trumps before your
partner can get in. Ie: if you don't have a natural
trump entry such as the ace or king.
5. When the contract will be defeated anyway if partner has a
trick. For example, if you are on lead against a small slam
and have an Ace, a singleton lead seems poor since if partner
has a trump entry, or the ace of the singleton, you are going
to defeat it anyway and leading the singleton may expose
partners holding.
Leading doubletons have the same drawbacks, with less chance of
success, since you need to lead it twice and have the trump
entries, etc.
Summing up, the singleton is not always such a cut and dried
card to lead. As in all defensive situations, plan the defense
in your mind, and try to visualize if it has a reasonable chance
to succeed. If it does, go ahead. Since most players lead a
singleton too often, just paying attention to the above should
slow you down just enough to be just right.
PS. Remember when giving partner a ruff , the size of
the card you return for them to ruff is a suit preference
signal. Low, for the lowest ranking outside suit. High, for
the highest ranking outside suit. And middle for no
preference. It is not always easy for partner to read these
however, but usually they can.
Thanks, Allan
********************
You can email Bob at bobmcphee@hotmail.com
=================================================
GIGGLE BREAK
Thanks to JustJill for this giggle:
Things that make you go hmmmm:
* Butterflies taste with their feet.
* A duck's quack doesn't echo, and no one knows why.
* In 10 minutes, a hurricane releases more energy than all of
the world's nuclear weapons combined.
* On average, 100 people choke to death on ball-point pens
every year.
* On average people fear spiders more than they do death.
* Ninety percent of New York City cabbies are recently arrived
immigrants.
* Thirty-five percent of the people who use personal ads for
dating are already married.
* Elephants are the only animals that can't jump.
* Only one person in two billion will live to be 116 or older.
* It's possible to lead a cow upstairs... but not downstairs.
* Women blink nearly twice as much as men.
* It's physically impossible for you to lick your elbow.
* The Main Library at Indiana University sinks over an inch
every year because when it was built, engineers failed to take
into account the weight of all the books that would occupy the
building.
* A snail can sleep for three years.
* No word in the English language rhymes with "MONTH."
* Average life span of a major league baseball: 7 pitches.
* Our eyes are always the same size from birth, but our nose
and ears never stop growing. - SCARY!!!
* The electric chair was invented by a dentist.
* All polar bears are left-handed.
* In ancient Egypt, priests plucked EVERY hair from their
bodies, including their eyebrows and eyelashes.
* An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain.
* TYPEWRITER is the longest word that can be made using the
letters only on one row of the keyboard.
* "Go," is the shortest complete sentence in the English
language.
* If Barbie were life-size, her measurements would be 39-23-33.
She would stand seven feet, two inches tall.
* The cigarette lighter was invented before the match.
* Americans on average eat 18 acres of pizza every day.
* Almost everyone who reads this email will try to lick their
elbow.
Don't forget to pass these weird facts on to everyone you know.
They will get a kick out of it !!!
(You tried to lick your elbow, didn't you?)
=================================================
TREBLE'S TABLE TALK
==================
Brainwrackers
One of the truisms of bridge is that several times during an
evening's play, you'll come to a fork in the road that offers
two or three paths to travel along. It could either happen
during the bidding, or in the course of playing the hand out.
The choices you have may seem equally attractive at first
blush, and in some instances it may be an actual coin toss.
In others, however, both options may seem quite sensible, but
one is actually fool's gold whereas the alternative is the one
which glitters with the real lustre of a precious metal. In
a sectional last week in Regina, we had several hands that
presented a challenge where a good decision could swing a lot
of matchpoints or IMPs our way.
On the first hand, you occupy the East chair and pick up
a nice looking hand for a change:
S A104
H K95
D A985
C KQ9
With both sides vulnerable, LHO and partner pass, and RHO
opens 1C. With a balanced 16 points, you decide to overcall
1NT with this hand. That bid meets with a gruesome fate,
as LHO now doubles, the entire hand being:
North
S J52
H AJ7
D Q3
West C A6542 East
S 8753 S A104
H 86432 H K95
D 102 D A985
C 107 South C KQ9
S KQ6
H Q10
D KJ752
C J83
South West North East
pass pass 1C 1NT
dbl 2H* dbl 2S
dbl pass pass pass
West's 2H was DONT, showing the majors and a weak hand,
doubled by North and corrected to 2S by East, which met with
an expression of doubt by South. When the smoke had cleared,
E-W were -800. 2H might have been a trick better, but -500
was the BEST result they could achieve after the 1NT overcall.
Note, by the way, that had South fallen victim to the malaise
of opening ragged aceless 12-counts as so many people do, the
likely result would have been 3NT down one. With the sensible
pass, our side was now in a position to collect a plus instead
of a minus, especially when the auction unfolded as it did.
So was this simply a case of bad luck for East-West?
Maybe to a certain extent, but a piece of advice that I picked up
from noted Winnipeg expert Sekhar would have enabled me to avoid
this grisly result. His suggestion was that if our side is
vulnerable, a 1NT overcall has a 15+ to 18 range, but IF we are
in the 15-16 point range, it's best to have a source of easily
developed tricks, such as a concentration of high cards or a
long suit. With 15-16 and little trick-taking potential, we
should either be overcalling or making a takeout double. If
advancer can take a progressive move, THEN we'd contemplate
bidding game, often in notrump. Also, with partner having
passed originally here, a makeable game will be somewhat rare,
so the objective is to reach a decent partscore contract.
East doesn't have the classic distribution for a takeout double
here, but does have three-card or longer support for all unbid
suits, extra strength and mostly "hard" values (aces and kings).
After a takeout double, South would redouble, West bids 1H, and
North with a minimum opening and only three hearts will likely
pass. Now East-West are off the hook as South lacks the hand
to double and will probably bid on.
Note that I am NOT recommending a takeout double with this
hand generally, and if we are NOT vulnerable, then I WOULD bid
1NT over RHO's opening bid. There's still a downside when
partner is broke, but the minus won't be quite as huge. Being
able to immediately describe the shape and point-count of the
hand will allow partner to bid accurately to the right contract
and compensate for the times when you are doubled and get into
trouble.
When you are VULNERABLE, the price for getting doubled and
going down two or three in whatever contract you wind up in is
going to be fairly steep. And if partner has already passed,
the chances of game your way have decreased somewhat if you
have 15-16 points and a balanced hand. So you might find that
a takeout double will fare considerably better with the actual
hand than a 1NT overcall. Your side can still reach game IF
partner jumps in response to a takeout double. If partner
DOESN'T jump, you will settle in what is likely to be a
reasonable fit and the suit contract may play far better than
1NT.
After the game, about five of us were going over the hands,
and I expressed my views on what is needed for a 1NT overcall
when your side is vulnerable. It resulted in an amusing
postscript that we'll come to later.
The companion hand from this pair of boards was just as
interesting. As North, I picked up a less than thrilling hand
of:
S J2
H Q108632
D K6
C J104
The auction went:
South North
1D 1H
4C* ? * = 19+ points, 4-card heart
raise, shortness in clubs
Despite having a minimum response, I knew we had a ten-card
heart fit, and felt that the King of partner's suit might be a
working value. After some thought, I decided to cuebid 4D.
Now, while this is an aggressive bid, IS it a sensible one?
Let's use Kaltica's four-point principle to determine the
answer. Since we are allowed to count one "dream card" for
every 4 points partner has shown in the bidding, we can assume
FIVE "goodies" in opener's hand, since hi has shown enough
values to play game opposite a six-count in my hand.
Regardless of WHERE you place those five cards, slam is
certainly possible, and you shouldn't be in jeopardy even if
partner asks for keycards and has to sign off at the five-
level. Partner's actual hand is:
S AQ
H AKJ7
D AJ9854
C 8
6H is a great contract, cold if diamonds 3-2 or even 4-1,
and has the spade finesse as an extra chance even if we get a
horrendous split in diamonds. Give opener an extra spade and one
less diamond and 6H is STILL a fair money contract. Any time
opener has five or more diamonds, slam will have fair chances.
The only distribution he might have that is less than ideal for
slam purposes is exactly 4-4-4-1. So let's give opener one of
those, and change hir hand to:
S AJxx
H AKxx
D AQxx
C x
Even opposite this bare 18-count, slam is virtually cold
if trumps break 2-1. Toss a spade from your hand on dummy's Q
of diamonds, then crossruff. Again, five goodies in opener's
hand. Flip the diamonds and spades and 6H is STILL 50% on a
spade lead, better than that if the opponents don't lead spades
on the go (you have time to test diamonds before falling back on
the spade finesse). No one else got to slam in our event because
responder was a slave to point-count and signed off in game after
the splinter raise. The four-point principle is useful here in
that it allows us to envision a possible slam opposite five
working cards in partner's hand, and thus makes a "courtesy" 4D
cuebid a reasonable choice here just in case that is what opener
needs to hear.
Later on in the same game, I picked up a rather nice
assortment of baubles:
S AK9
H Q10765
D void
C AKQ109
The bidding started with a 1D bid on my right. I made a
takeout double, LHO passed and partner jumped to 2S, showing
about 9-11 HCP. RHO passed, and I reflexed a 3H bid, showing
the five-card suit, but something didn't quite feel right. IF
partner has a reasonable five-card spade suit and a heart
value (but not three-card support), we might have a possible
slam our way. Most people DID bid 3H with my hand, and
partner bids 3NT. At this point, some passed 3NT, some bid 4C
or 4D, others (including myself) went back to 4S. When
partner bid 3NT, I immediately realized what I SHOULD have
done with this hand. In retrospect, 3C is a standout bid with
this hand. The only heart fit you MIGHT lose is a 5-3, as
partner will rebid 3H if hi has four of them. As it turns
out, partner still bids 3NT, but NOW you can cuebid 4D. Look
at what you've been able to show now! 3C showed the long,
strong club suit, and 4D now shows the support for partner's
suit AND a control in the enemy suit. In short, you've been
able to describe ALL the features of your hand AND leave
partner room for only one cuebid, 4H, in the suit you NEED
help in to even consider moving towards slam. Partner would
indeed have bid 4H, and now you have a fair chance of reaching
6S opposite hir:
S QJxxx
H Ax
D Q109x
C Jx
Five spades, a diamond ruff, Ace of hearts and five clubs for
twelve winners and what turns out to be a cold top if you find
a way of reaching slam. With the actual 3H bid made at the
table, even if you remove 3NT and partner now bids 4H, his
hand could easily be a preference with:
S Q10xx
H Kx
D KJxx
C Jxx
in which case the five-level will NOT be safe if you take any
further action. I'm a great believer in endplaying partner
into making the bid I want to hear in the auction. Bidding
3C, which is also consistent with the Maxi-Flex principle
(making the cheaper of two equally attractive bids) and THEN
cuebidding 4D places us in EXACTLY the position I want, one in
which partner is obliged to show a heart value if hi has one.
Finally, in the Swiss teams on Sunday, I picked up THIS
hand, not vul against vulnerable opponents:
S 104
H QJ98
D KQJ9x
C xx
Partner opened 1S in first seat, and RHO overcalled 1NT.
Normally, I probably would have considered making a penalty
double, since I have 9 points opposite a first seat opener
and a standout lead. However, I was somewhat concerned about
the club suit, and the lack of a sure entry to my hand.
Moreover, RHO was there the night before when I expressed my
opinion on vulnerable 1NT overcalls.
I decided to bid 2D, and this was the entire hand:
North
S xxxx
H Axxx
D xx
West(me) C Jxx East
S 10x S AQJxx
H QJ98 H 10x
D KQJ9x D xxx
C xx South C Axx
S Kx
H Kxx
D Axx
C KQ109x
As you see, my RHO took my advice to heart and DID have
a source of tricks for her 1NT overcall. The result is that
regardless of WHICH pointed suit I lead, declarer will come to
eight tricks, four clubs, a diamond, two hearts and a spade.
The player at the other table elected to double 1NT with my hand
and went -380. Meanwhile, 2D our way has 8 tricks for +90 and
a gain of 10 IMPs for our side. After the match was over and the
comparisons were done, Donna walked over to me and groused a bit
about my non-double of 1NT. I said "Hey, I was paying you a
COMPLIMENT of having listened to me the night before and actually
having full values for your 1NT bid!" She replied "Yeah, but
usually a compliment is a GOOD thing, not a lousy result. I
should have pretended to be asleep when you gave your advice,
maybe you would have doubled 1NT then." I couldn't resist the
chance to use one of my favourite expressions. "Perhaps, Donna,
but only the Shadow knows." Perhaps verbal exchanges like that
might explain why I'm still single and have never found my way
to the altar. :)
********************
You can write to Wintaka (Bill Treble) at: bbtreble@mts.net
You will find Bill doing his FireSide sessions on Saturdays
at 11:00 A.M. OKbridge time.
Wintaka and Kaltica present classes on:
SAYC (Rainbow Series)
2/1 (Spectrum series)
Precision (Prism Series)
and other selected bridge topics (Kaleidoscope series).
They also offer private/group lessons and/or supervised play
sessions. Email Bill (bbtreble@mts.net) or Colin
(kaltica@mts.net) for more information.
================================================
GIGGLE BREAK
Thanks to BobW for this giggle:
Going to a Lecture
The man was in no shape to drive, so he wisely left his car
parked and walked home. As he was walking unsteadily along, he
was stopped by a policeman.
"What are you doing out here at 2 A.M.?" said the officer.
"I'm going to a lecture." The man said.
"And who is going to give a lecture at this hour?" the cop
asked.
"My wife." said the man.
===================================================
AND FINALLY KALTICA
===================
The Internet
Someone asked me what my username, "Kaltica", means.
Like Wintaka and Nantica, it is from a fictional language
described in the online novel, "In the Shade". It means
"a friend I've never met". But it also has another
meaning--one from an actual modern language.
The internet has changed the face of bridge over
this last decade. Even before OKBridge and other
playing venues there were articles, photos and quick
reports from the major events available online. Email
allowed players and clubs to keep in touch and to arrange
games, teams, lodging and tournaments. Some areas have
sites to accommodate this. For example, Germaine Perron
(an ex-Winnipegger now living in Ottawa, Ontario) has
set up a very nice site for Manitobans at:
http://www.bridgemanitoba.org/
The site has virtually everything one could imagine
from a membership angle: personal and partnership
profiles, event announcements, partnership "desk",
message board, etc. Check it out if you'd like to see
an example of what the internet can do in this regard.
On a wider scale, the various "national" organizations
and the World Bridge Federation all have very informative
sites:
http://www.worldbridge.org/
For links to other zones and national organizations
go to:
http://www.worldbridge.org/zones/zones.htm
...where you would find such sites as:
http://www.cbf.ca/
http://www.acbl.org/
http://home.worldcom.ch/~fsb/indexe.html
...and many others. The best single source of
links and general bridge information might be:
http://www.greatbridgelinks.com/gblNEWS/
There are also bridge newslists, such as Shep's
great "Bridgementor.com" service and OKBridge's
"Discuss". One joins (i.e. "subscribes" to) these
free-of-charge discussion groups and receives emails
from the other members on topics of interest. These
newslists are usually targeted at a specific subset
of bridge enthusiasts. There are such newslists for
novices, experts, tournament directors and organizers.
The internet also provides editors with the means
to distribute their newsletters free of cost and, often,
charge. In addition to this Fireside Chat the various
playing sites (e.g. OKBridge's "Spectator") offer some
fine examples of these. Incidentally, Tuna once said
that NONE of these newsletters ranks with the Fireside
Chat. I agree. Jan and Sara do a wonderful job here. :)
In addition to newsletters and newslists there
are newsgroups:
rec.games.bridge
rec.games.bridge.okbridge
...where players can discuss bridge matters in
an open, unmoderated "rough and tumble" forum.
There are many commercial sites for purchasing
bridge products, such as Baron Barclay's:
http://www.baronbarclay.com/
Some sites offer bridge dealing programs either
commercially or as shareware/freeware:
http://www.prairienet.org/bridge/link-sw.htm#deal
The internet has been a bonanza for students of
the game. In addition to the many web sites where
lessons are offered there are the playing venues
themselves. Try to imagine a Fireside in a live,
Face-to-Face (i.e. "F2F") environment and you'll see
what I mean. Ironically, the greatest beneficiaries
of online play and lessons are not the PLAYERS per se,
but the SPECTATORS (who could not be so easily
accommodated in F2F bridge). Indeed, this inability
to handle large groups of spectators in F2F events
spelled the end of Gator tourneys until they were
revived last year (http://www.firesides.net/gator.htm)
Respected people have said that online bridge
"cannot be taken seriously". I could not agree LESS
on this issue! Let us break down the three forms of
bridge play and compare F2F play to online play:
1. Casual "social" bridge
In F2F this would translate to "kitchen" bridge
with your family and friends versus "Club play" online.
The F2F choice enjoys a major advantage in sociability.
It is limited, though, in that we cannot play with our
aunt in Toronto, our cousin in Newport or with strangers
from around the world. "Social" in the F2F sense, then,
applies only to those who live near enough to come to
our home and play. Think of the many friends that we
have played with--and met--online and we may see that,
even in this area of "sociability", online play has
significant advantages.
2. Club play
"Semi-serious" play at your local club or in a
section, regional or even national open event could be
compared to online tourney play. It is organized with
a schedule, a Tournament Director (i.e. "TD") and a
fixed number of hands. Again, the main advantage to
F2F play is the social aspect. Yes, some F2F players
like the pursuit of Masterpoints, but OKBridge and
other sites offer equivalent ("Pond Points" in the case
of OKBridge) awards. In virtually all other areas the
scales tilt dramatically towards online play:
a) We don't have to dress up and travel there.
b) No revokes, insufficient bids or bids out of turn.
c) More potential partners--the whole world!
d) FAR cheaper...for regular players, at least.
e) No need to deal or duplicate hands.
f) All the amenities of home--duh, we ARE at home!
g) Less UI: private self alerts, no grimacing, etc.
h) Cards don't wear out, fall on the floor, etc.
i) Scoring is automatic and error-free.
j) Boards can be missed without us being shot by TDs.
Indeed, the list is endless. We bear in mind
that, for many, online play may be the only practical
option. This list of people might include shut-ins,
those with domestic or professional responsibilities
and those living in towns too small to have a club.
And, of course, we can play online at ANY time.
3. Serious play
Here we speak of major national and international
CHAMPIONSHIPS. Criticisms pertain especially to this
level of play. But isn't online play IDEAL for such
events? No travelling, plenty of room for UNLIMITED
spectating at ANY table, prepared self alerts, great
record and score keeping...again, the advantages are
innumerable. Cheating? Not a problem; the players
would be monitored by local directors and/or live
audiences. Considering the plethora of advantages
(with travel expenses chief among them) I would go
as far as to say that online is the ONLY place for
serious play.
Ponder this: For the money that the average
player spends going to a national (let alone an
international) championship, one could buy a computer,
a connection from an ISP and an OKBridge subscription.
At the end of the event that player could drop kick the
computer off the nearest cliff and STILL be saving money
over F2F travel and lodging expenses! Suffice it to say
that wasteful F2F championships will soon be a thing
of the past. Some progressive national organizations
are already making plans for this inevitable cost-saving
modernization.
Has online bridge changed the demographics of the
game? If we look at the rising average age of many F2F
sponsoring organizations' memberships we might answer
"no". However, if we compare these to the average age
of online players we will see a disproportionate number
of youngsters playing via computers. Yes, it is still a
very small percentage of the total but it is GROWING in
online play while SHRINKING or STAGNANT (depending on
the country) in most F2F bridge organizations. Future
generations may well play exclusively online (if clubs
cannot find ways to compete). Clearly, then, we online
players are the "mark of tomorrow"...which just happens
to be what "Kaltica" means in Hindi. :)
**********************
You'll find Kaltica (Colin Ward) doing his FireSide
sessions on Friday evenings at 5:30 P.M. OKbridge time.
Kaltica and Wintaka present classes on:
SAYC (Rainbow Series)
2/1 (Spectrum series)
Precision (Prism Series),
and other selected bridge topics (Kaleidoscope series).
They also offer private/group lessons and/or supervised
play sessions. Email Colin (kaltica@mts.net) or
Bill (bbtreble@mts.net) for more information.
=====================================================
GIGGLE BREAK
Thanks to Benson for this giggle:
ACTUAL LETTERS SENT TO LANDLORDS
1. "The toilet is blocked and we cannot bathe the children
until it is cleared."
2. "Will you please send someone to mend our cracked sidewalk.
Yesterday my wife tripped on it and is now pregnant."
3. "I want some repairs done to my stove as it has backfired
and burnt my nob off."
4. "This is to let you know that there is a smell coming from
the man next door."
5. "I am writing on behalf of my sink, which is running away
from the wall."
6. "I request your permission to remove my drawers in the
kitchen."
7. "Our lavatory seat is broken in half and is now in three
pieces."
8. "When the workmen were here they put their tools in my
wife's new drawers and made a mess. Please send men with
clean tools to finish the job and keep my wife happy.
========================================================