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Fireside Chat
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FIRESIDE CHAT JUNE 2005
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome and Announcements
Believer's FireSide Kindling
Bidding with Bridgboy
Special Treats
Hand of the Month
Dealing With Dann
Bridge For the Club Player
Moogal's FireSide Log
Treble's Table Talk
And Finally Kaltica
=======================================
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Welcome to the June, 2005 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 sarastobbe@aol.com or Moogal
at moocake@bellsouth.net.
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! :-)
You can find current and past issues of this "FireSide
Chat" newsletter posted 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
sarastobbe@aol.com to be removed from our mailing
list.
===========================================
CURRENT FIRESIDE SCHEDULE
Day Pacific Time Commentator
MON 11:00 A.M. POOKA
MON 5:00 P.M.* BRIDGBOY
TUE 11:00 A.M. BRIDGBOY
TUE 5:30 P.M. WINTAKA
WED 11:00 A.M. FREDW3
WED 5:30 P.M. DIANEW
THU 11:00 A.M. POOKA
THU 5:30 P.M. WISHTRIK/FIFEE
FRI 11:00 A.M. BLUEBEE
FRI 5:30 P.M. KALTICA
Commentators may change without notice,
according to their availability.
(*starts 1/2 hour earlier on Monday night)
*******************
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 who attend. For information about how to
become a supporting member, please contact Kaltica at
kaltica@mts.net, Moogal at moocake@bellsouth.net,
or Believer at sarastobbe@aol.com.
Thanks to all of you for supporting the FireSide sessions
in all the many different ways you have of doing so.
We want to thank our commentators for their dedication
and caring. Please, think of them when you are thinking
of taking private lessons, paying a professional to play
tourneys with you, getting involved in a group session
mentoring program... most, if not all, of our commentators
and contributors to this newsletter are available for those
services. Just think how much easier it is to learn
from someone who's already a friend!
*******************
All articles herein (c) 2005 by FireSide Chat.
All rights reserved.
===============================================
BELIEVER'S FIRESIDE KINDLING
============================
Hi :)
Well, summer's here and, as always, we are going to be
some busy Firesiders for the next couple of months.
Janice and I discussed the fact that we both have busy
summers planned, and that I am going to be traveling
somewhere in each of the next three months...and we
decided that we are taking the summer off from publishing
the newsletter.
Well, I don't know that I can take a complete break, so
I think what I'll do is put together some of my favorite
columns from past issues and send out "reruns" from our
archives for July and August.
We should be back on schedule for September with new
columns and we'll try to catch up on any news we missed over
the summer. Keep sending us your news -- I may be able to
include a few announcements/notices in the 'reruns' I'll be
sending out.
Any articles or "special treats" submissions you send us
will be used in later issues. We keep everything! So if
you have an idea for an article, go ahead and write it up
and send it to me or Jan -- we'll take good care of anything
we receive :)
And keep the "giggle break" jokes coming in! I always have
a need for new material for our giggle breaks :)
Have a great, safe, and happy summer! See you at Fireside!
Sara
********************
You can write to Believer (Sara Stobbe) at:
sarastobbe@aol.com or bb@wowway.com
===============================================
GIGGLE BREAK
Thanks to Luc (and several others who sent this to me!) for this
giggle:
With more churches than casinos in Las Vegas, many worshipers put
betting chips into the collection plate instead of cash. Because
there are so many different casinos, the Catholic churches send
the chips into the dioceses for sorting.
Once these tokens are sorted, a junior priest hits the casinos,
changing the chips into cash.
What do they call this priest?
The chip monk.
===============================================================
BIDDING WITH BRIDGBOY
=====================
Sometimes bidding is about making the best choice from among many
good ones. Here is a great example to illustrate this key fact.
We pick up this hand:
S AQJ109
H AJ42
D 4
C 832
This is a nice minimum opening bid which we would certainly open
1S, planning on a 2H rebid. Partner interrupts our thinking by
opening 1H himself! Now what is our thinking and what should we
bid? We have several nice features in our hand -- opening
strength, primary support for hearts, the key singleton diamond,
and the source of tricks in the side suit. Which of these should
we show first - what are our choices? I can certainly bid 1S
planning on showing hearts later. I could make a forcing raise in
hearts by bidding Jacoby 2NT, which would show opening strength
and four card support. I could splinter into 4D showing 4 card
support and a stiff diamond, as well as opening strength. I
certainly could make a strong case for any of these choices.
Is there another option I may have missed? Let us try and see the
potential of this hand. Give partner the king and queen of hearts
and the ace of clubs and we are on a finesse for a slam depending
on the spade suit. We know partner has more than that to open the
bidding so game is easy but slam is possible! We do not want to
jeopardize our game but we still want to somehow let partner in
on how much we like our hand! So is there a better bid available?
The answer is yes -- I think the best bid is to make a strong
jump shift of 2S with this hand. I know it does not meet the
traditional requirement of 19 HCP but it does fit quite well with
modern jump shift thinking, namely any time I have primary
support for partner's first bid suit and I want to flash the slam
signal to partner, I should jump shift. That does not mean we
always have to get to slam whenever we jump shift, only that the
potential is there and now both players will know it. If I can
get partner to appreciate the king of spades in his hand, he will
know that one high card is like having two aces, fitting nicely
in my hand and allowing my suit to run for 5 winners. In fact,
opposite the right 12 HCP we have a cold slam -- the king of
spades, king-queen of hearts, and ace of clubs. Is that asking
too much from partner to have what I need? Those 12 across from
12 leads to a lay-down small slam at least.
Now, if partner does not have that king of spades he may still
get interested in slam if his hand has extra values given our
jump shift that flashed the signal of interest the first round.
It will take all the pressure off the partnership when both
players know immediately that game is assured and slam possible.
Finally, knowing you have this good spade suit will enable
partner to upgrade himself and lead to the successful bidding of
a cold grand slam in hearts which would be impossible if you had
never revealed the good side suit along the way.
In my order of preference, 2S is best, 1S is not bad, 2NT next
and 4D last (it takes away so much room). Interesting hand,
indeed.
********************
You can find Bridgboy (Bob Lavin) doing his FireSide
sessions on Monday evenings at 5:00 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 Pringle for this one:
"We all get heavier as we get older because there's a lot more
information in our heads."
That's my story and I'm sticking to it!
===========================================================
SPECIAL TREATS
==============
We got a question from a reader that we passed on to
several of our commentators/writers. We thought it
would be fun to share the question and the responses
we received with you :)
The question:
Are you familiar with "Trash Stayman?" I cannot find this
convention in any of my bridge books. It is my impression that
Trash Stayman handles responder's hand with 4spades, 4hearts and
less than game invitational points. The auction is:
one no trump -- 2clubs -- 2diamonds -- 2hearts. The 2heart bid
says pass or correct to 2spades.
If responder has 5 hearts and 4 spades and game invitational
values -- the auction is: 1nt:2d:2h:2s:the opener than places the
final contract.
If responder has 5 spades and four hearts and game invitational
values -- the auction is: 1nt:2c:2d:2s:the opener than places the
final contract.
********************
The responses:
>From Guido:
Trash Stayman (aka Garbage Stayman) is merely a treatment for one
specific sequence:
1N - 2C
2D - 2H
There are three treatments in fairly common use here. A treatment
is a natural call with specific information on the length of the
suit and/or the strength of the hand. (1H-3H as 1H-3H as a game
forcing raise is a treatment; 1H-3H as a preemptive raise is a
treatment.)
Forcing: not much seen anymore. The use of Jacoby makes this less
useful than in the bad (good?) old days before transfers became
common. In this style, 2H shows five hearts and is a one round
force.
Invitational: 2H shows five hearts and is invitational, but not
forcing
Garbage or Junk: 2H shows 4+H and 4+S. Opener passes with three
hearts and corrects to 2S with only two hearts.
One can extend this approach:
1N - 2C
2D - 2S
can be used to show four spades and both minors. Opener passes or
picks a minor.
Other extensions are possible.
Assessment: If you are playing a strong NT, I think it is better
to use sequences to better describe invitational and game forcing
hands and not worry too much about escaping.
If you are wise and well read then you will be using a weak 1NT.
In this case, there is more use for escape sequences.
===================
>From Wishtrik:
This is used to show a bad hand with both majors after partner
has opened 1nt. The most common use of it is to start with 2c and
then follow a 2d response with 2h. You can be 5-4 either way with
the majors and you have 0-7 points.
Some people like to do this with only 8 cards in the majors, and
this is definitely not the correct bid. If you have a hand with
4-4 in the majors and a stiff you could choose to use garbage
Stayman, but NEVER do this with any 4-4-3-2 pattern.
Some people also play a 2c bid followed by 2s is also garbage
Stayman with 5 spades and 4 hearts, but this is very unusual.
If you are playing this convention it is important to discuss
how to show your invitational hand with 9 cards in the majors.
You will lose one of your invitational hands and that is when
your shape is 5 hearts and 4 spades. With this shape you can
either choose to Stayman and then bid 2nt, which will find the
4-4 spade fit but lose the 5-3 heart fit, or you can transfer
to hearts and then bid 2nt which will find the 5-3 heart fit
but lose the 4-4 spade fit. I choose my bid according to the
quality of the 2 suits.
Hope this helps.
=====================
>From Pooka
A quick explanation from someone who loves trash/Garbage
Stayman. We use it by agreement with partner, and we do lose
the 2H showing 5h/4s invitational call after
1NT - 2C-
2D - 2H
if playing garbage stayman says pass or correct to spades,
whichever the NT opener's longest major is. The question states
4-4, but we do not have to be 4-4; we should have at least 4 in
each 4-5/5-4/5-5 is fine.
One of the advantages of trash/garbage Stayman is instead of
transferring with a weak hand (5-5/5-4)and passing pard's
super- accept, we get to pass at the 2 level. Also, any weak
5-5 we are insured of getting to a fit instead of picking a suit
to transfer to and hoping pard has 3 or 4 and no super accept,
or picking pards doublton missing a 5-4 in the other major
(Smolen fans will realize we need to play Smolen at the 3 level
and both are fine to play.)
In my opinion, trash/garbage Stayman is a great addition to our
goodie bag.
==================
And finally, a summary of the Stayman convention from Nightowl:
Stayman Summary
Remember the basic rule: with 4-card majors we use Stayman,
with longer majors we transfer. The exceptions are...
With "bad" hands
The key to using Stayman with bad hands is that you are pretty
much guaranteed to improve the contract. Don't use it if your
hand is suitable for 1NT-- this is why there is no specific
point-range attached to the adjective "bad". You will NOT have a
five-card major unless you have at least four of the other major.
1NT - 2C - 2D/2H/2S - PASS
Use Stayman, intending to pass any bid by partner, with a bad
hand with one of the following shapes:
3-4-5-1, 4-3-5-1, 4-4-5-0, 3-3-6-1,
4-4-4-1 (a bit risky), 3-4-6-0, 4-3-6-0
1NT - 2C - 2D - 2S
Use Stayman, planning to either pass 2H or bid 2S over 2D with
a bad hand with 5 spades and 4 hearts. You would have
transferred to spades but you checked for a 4-4 heart fit first.
1NT -2C - 2D - 2H
Use Stayman, planning to pass a 2S bid or bid 2H over 2D with
EITHER 5-5 shape OR 4-5 shape (with longer hearts). Partner will
either "pass or correct" by bidding 2S ONLY with 3 spades and 2
hearts.
With "invitational" hands
With four hearts (only): Bid Stayman, followed by 3H over 2H or
2NT over 2S/2D.
With four spades (only): Bid Stayman, followed by 2S over 2H,
2NT over 2D, or 3S over 2S. (The reason for bidding 2S over 2H
is because opener might have a minimum with four spades also.
Why commit to the three level?)
With four of each major: Bid Stayman, then bid 2NT over 2D or
raise opener's major to the three-level.
Without a four-card major: Bidding Stayman followed by 2NT
(alertable) over any bid by partner is the method used by
partnerships who use a direct bid of 2NT over 1NT as a transfer
(or other artificial) bid. This becomes the only way to invite
3NT.
With game-going hands
With four hearts (only): Use Stayman, then raise 2H to four, or
bid 3NT over 2D or 2S
With four spades (only): Use Stayman, then raise 2S to four, or
bid 3NT over 2D or 2H. (Partner will know you have four spades
after the 3NT bid because you must have used Stayman for a
reason, and will "correct" 3NT to 4S if he has four of each
major.)
With four-four in the majors: Raise to game if a fit is found,
otherwise bid 3NT over 2D.
With slam-invitational hands
If a four-four fit IS NOT FOUND: Use 4NT as a quantitative
raise, showing 16 points. ((This is NOT any form of Blackwood.
In order to use Blackwood, you must first "set the trump suit" by
bidding three of the other major. More on this later.))
If a four-four fit IS FOUND: Use 4D (!) as an artificial bid
showing about 16 points AND a 4-4 fit. This is a classic use of
an otherwise unused bid to handle an otherwise awkward hand.
With slam-going hands
If a four-four fit IS NOT FOUND: 4C is Gerber, asking for Aces.
If a four-four fit IS FOUND: Bidding three of the other major
(which is otherwise impossible), is an artificial bid that "sets
the trump suit." In essence, it says "Great! We have a
four-four fit. Now let's investigate for slam in that suit."
When NOT to use Stayman
Some of us were taught not to use Stayman with 4-3-3-3 hands.
This is a controversial subject. I prefer to play in the 4-4 fit
if we have one. Even at matchpoints. But there are many experts
on both sides of this fence.
With stronger hands, it may not pay to play in a suit (which
often depends on a normal trump split) if you can make notrump on
power alone. My personal demarcation line is 29 points. If our
side has 29-31/32 points, I would prefer to play NT even with a
4-4 (or 5-3) fit in a major. These are the hands that are likely
to make as many (or more) tricks in notrump rather than playing
in a major suit.
===================
Thanks to those who responded. We really appreciate the time
and caring that you put into these responses!
********************
If you have a "Special Treats" story you'd like to share
with us, we'd love to include it in one of our future
issues! Just send it to Sara at sarastobbe@aol.com or
to Janice at moocake@bellsouth.net. Don't worry about it
being "perfect" -- we'll fix it! Just type it up and send it :)
================================================================
GIGGLE BREAK
Thanks to Pooka for these:
Bridge Daffynitions
Bath Coup - getting to use the tub before your roommate.
Doubleton - 4,000 pounds.
Dummy - (see below).
Partner - (see above).
Free Bid - all of them, once you pay your entry fee.
Gerber Convention - annual meeting of baby-food manufacturers.
Key-Card Blackwood - an ingenious convention that allows you to
get to a grand slam off the ace of trumps.
Reverse Bid - an opening like "Club One."
Roman Discards - Caesar's trash.
Short Club - a private organization for midgets.
Splinter Bid - the only known way to become declarer with a
singleton trump in each hand.
Texas Transfer - relocation to a branch office in Dallas.
Trump Coup - triumph of Ivana's attorneys in securing a huge
alimony.
Trump Echo - a brand new casino in Atlantic City.
Wolff Sign-off - the ending of Little Red Riding Hood.
================================================================
HAND OF THE MONTH
=================
This month we are pleased to present our 'Hand of the Month'
feature, with a big "thank you" to Gail Wix for formatting
it for us.
From The 2003 Daily Bridge Calendar. For more information
call 1-888-453-1976, or email: calendar@interlog.com
********************
Vul: None North
Dlr: N S AK6
H 8753
D K86
C K62
South
S QJ754
H Q
D 92
C A9875
West North East South
1C P 1S
P 1NT P 3C
P 3S P 4S
All pass
Opening Lead: H4
THE SECRET IS TIMING
Many years ago bridge experts contributed their favorite
hands to the Bol's Bridge Tip Competition. This was the
offering of P.P. (Pedro Paulo) Assumpcao of Brazil.
West leads the H4. East wins the HA and returns the H2.
What is your plan?
*****************************************
S AK6
H 8753
D K86
C K62
S T83 S 92
H KT64 H AJ92
D AJ43 D QT75
C Q4 C JT3
S QJ754
H Q
D 92
C A9875
Contract: 4S Lead: H4
********************
When you are in a touchy (read: desperate) contract, think
positively. In this case you *only* need to fine the DA with
West, *and* both black suits divided 3-2. Even then you have to
be careful as the opponents will be forcing you with hearts each
time they get the lead.
Since you can't afford to draw trump at this point (you will
remain with only one trump and still have to let them in twice),
Start by ducking a club and ruffing the heart return (the best
defense. Now a diamond towards the king. If West has the DA, he
does best to jump up and play a fourth heart reducing you to the
SQJ. Now finally you can draw trump and run the clubs.
THE BOTTOM LINE
When a contract looks bleak (partner's fault, of course), assume
the missing honors are where you need them and the suits break
evenly. When a contract looks good (your bidding, of course),
think about protecting against possible bad breaks.
When the opponents are playing the forcing game against your 5-3
trump fit and you have to let them in a couple of times to set up
tricks, it is usually right to set up those tricks before drawing
trump.
And what was P.P.'s tip? Check the title of the hand.
********************
Hand and analysis by Eddie Kantar, courtesy of the Daily
Bridge Calendar, published by Ashlar House Inc., Brampton, ON,
Canada. Reprinted with permission. (Special thanks to Lee
Daugharty and Dann Kramer.)
===========================================================
GIGGLE BREAK
Some more bridge fun from Pooka:
Bridge Songs?
Bridge Over Troubled Water - Travel-with-Goren cruise that stops
in Havana, Tripoli and Basra.
It's Not Unusual - partner's scream after you misinterpret his 2
NT bid.
Monday, Monday - what you wish for after single-handedly blowing
the Swiss Teams on Sunday.
The Second Time Around - the usual occasion when your aces get
trumped.
Somethin' Stupid - whichever line of play you decide to take.
'Til the End of Time - normal duration before admitting your
bridge mistakes.
=============================================================
DEALING WITH DANN
=================
Ok sports fans, doing another request.
Responding to a Strong Artificial Forcing (SAF) 2 Club opening
(my way!-ask for it you get my style!)
2 Diamonds - waiting - promising an Ace or King and creating a
game force (don't get goofy with SAF 2C openers!)
2 Hearts - direct NEGATIVE - NO ACE or King, non forcing -
tends to be maxed at 7hcp's in Q's and J's.
2 Spades - Positive and natural - Promises 2 of top 3 in the
suit and 5 cards(or longer).
2 NT - Positive and showing Hearts (5 plus) - again promises 2
of top 3 honours.
3 Clubs - Positive - showing as before 2 of top 3 and 5+ in
length - ALSO!! promises an outside King or Ace.
3 Diamonds - same as 3 Clubs.
The reason we promise extra controls for 3 of a minor - we
have preempted our own auction to show this hand. To take the
extra level away from our side, we need to get a good picture
across to partner and not worry about perhaps getting too high
before we can stop in NT or some playable spot like 2 Clubs -
3 Clubs or Diamonds has taken a whole level of bidding away
from our side.
The most common 2 Club openers are either strong, Balanced or
a major suit oriented hand, so we need to let pard normally
show why he opened 2 Clubs! And we wait with 2 Diamonds
unless we can show a specific hand to pard pretty fast.
This leads to 3 Hearts or Spades; A weak jump shift - we
promise 6-7 in our bid suit in length and also we show an
immediate negative response - no ace/king for this call just a
long suit and pard can then place the contract.
Now for the "but what do we do with 8 - 12 points and no Ace
/King?" We respond 3NT!!
We normally don't like jumping in response to take space away,
but assuming pard is balanced then no real wrong side to play
the contract from, and if pard is strong and suited they
simply place the contract over 3 NT.
A few examples to fully develop the idea!
We hold:
S- AQ8732
H- 632
D- 8
C- Q43
If pard was kind enough to open 2C, we respond a cheery 2
spades! (note if the suit was hearts we would have a positive
also, but if a minor we would start with the waiting 2D.)
Now again pard is kind enough to open 2C:
S- 32
H- KQ974
D- 432
C- 432
Again its a positive - worst holding we can have but damn the
torpedos!! 2NT is our response! (Note if the suit was either
minor we start with a waiting 2 Diamonds - since no outside
Ace or King - so as to save space for our auction.)
Also with:
S-A42
H-AKQ98743
D-4
C-Q2
We start with 2NT planning on 7NT later (most likely spot if
pard has a 2c opener!) (Note if our suit was a minor instead
of hearts this would still qualify as a positive.)
Now for our more likely holdings:
S-Q543 S-J8 S-QJ53
H-1093 H-7653 H J42
D-J93 D-108643 D-QJ8
C-Q92 C-97 C-975
All of the above qualify as DIRECT and IMMEDIATE NEGATIVE
2 Heart bids!
A 2d waiting hand is:
S-K432 S-32 S-KJ10 S-643
H-Q92 H-K96 H-KJ9863 H-Q8
D-97643 D-108753 D-5 D-A863
C-5 C-532 C-Q42 C-KQJ5
As long as the hand contains an ace or king and doesn't fit
the criteria set out for our other responses it's 2d, getting
out of partner's way to describe their hand!
Hopefully this helps to remove any confusion (note that all
responses are alertable!)
********************
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: pspeard@telusplanet.net
============================================================
GIGGLE BREAK
Yet more bridge fun from Pooka :)
Bridge Movies?
Bridge On the River Kwai - one of the first Goren cruises.
A real blowout!
Double Indemnity - removing all the redouble cards from your
opponents' bidding boxes.
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea - the source of the ACBL's new
motto, "Let's not be number 20,001."
West Side Story - what the appeals committee would not buy as
they ruled for North-South.
===============================================================
BRIDGE FOR THE CLUB PLAYER
==========================
THE FORCING NOTRUMP
Opener begins with one heart or one spade. If responder has a
game-forcing hand (a good twelve or more points), they simply bid
their longest suit. But suppose responder has a responding (but
non-raising) hand that is not worth a two-over-one response? If
they have four spades and partner has opened a heart, they can
bid one spade. But with ANY OTHER HAND, they must bid 1NT. This
bid is forcing for one round*.
As the opener, you will announce "forcing" to the opponents, and
then describe your hand further:
Opener shows "good" hands immediately...
With 18-19 balanced points, bid 2NT.
With 19+ unbalanced points, jump-shift into a new suit. This
forces to game.
With 17+ points, it is OK to "reverse" to 2 spades after opening
1 heart with four or more spades and longer hearts. (With 6-5
shape, some partnerships will "reverse" even with lighter point
counts. This is simply a style.)
With a GOOD 16-18 points and a self-sufficient major, jump to
three of your major. This is NOT forcing. (ex: AKJTxx, x, KQx,
Axx)
With an unusually good (and distributional) hand, you might even
jump to four of your major.
(This is an optional style) Jump to 3NT with a SOLID six-card
major with a balanced hand of 15-18 points.
With minimum (up to 15 HCP) hands AND above-minimum hands (hands
above 15 that are unable to make a "good" bid), opener starts
with a simple rebid. Above-minimum hands MAY bid again later --
the "third bid".
With four hearts (after opening one spade), bid 2H.
With six of your major, rebid it.
Bid your longer minor, even if "only" three cards long.* With
equal length, bid clubs. (With 4-5-2-2 shape and not enough
points to reverse, you will fearlessly bid 2 clubs.)
*Some players play a "semi-forcing" 1NT. This is just a style,
allowing partner to pass with a 5-3-3-2 minimum.
Responder's second bid after 1NT forcing
There are a couple of general principles to absorb here:
1) Keep the bidding open if you can -- partner (the opener) may
still have as many as 17-18 points!
2) A 5-2 major suit fit on the two level IS a desirable contract!
++++++++++++++++++
NOW is when you want to show your invitational (11-12 point)
hands:
With a limit raise for partner's original major, JUMP in his
major now. Example sequences:
1S - 1NT! - 2C/D/H - 3S
1S - 1NT! - 2S - 4S (Partner has a sixth spade, so go for it!)
1H - 1NT! - 2C/D - 3H
1S - 1NT! - 3C/D/H - 4S and 1H - 1NT! - 3C/D - 4H (This jump to
four distinguishes between a "real" raise and a "stuck for a bid"
preference. Slam is still a distinct possibility, of course.)
1S - 1NT! - 2NT (18-19 balanced) - 3S and 1H - 1NT! - 2NT
(ditto) - 3H (Partner will know this shows 10+ to 12 and three
trump, otherwise you would have bid 3NT).
With a (relatively) balanced 11-12 points, bid 2NT.
Jump in a new suit.
Raise partner's minor.
+++++++++++++++++++
Normal hands (6-10), in order of priority:
With a five-card (or longer) heart suit, bid it. (Partner opened
1S.)
Take a preference to partner's major with a doubleton (unless you
have found a 4-4 heart fit).
With five (or more) diamonds, bid 2D.
With SIX or more clubs and no tolerance for either of opener's
suits, bid 3C (over 2H or 2D)
Pass ONLY with 6-7 points and strong support for partner's second
suit.
This bid may very well end the auction. Partner will only take a
"third bid" with either a strong (17-18 point) hand OR a lack of
tolerance for responder's heart or diamond suit.
Happy Bidding!
Jack Brawner
(Trojanowl@AOL.com)
********************
Jack welcomes students of all levels for lessons.
Contact him for information at trojanowl@aol.com
============================================================
GIGGLE BREAK
Thanks to PamA for these giggles:
MY PHILOSOPHY OF HOUSECLEANING!
I don't do windows because ... I love birds and don't want one
to run into a clean window and get hurt.
I don't wax floors because... I am terrified a guest will slip
and get hurt and then I'll feel terrible (plus they may sue me.)
I don't mind the dust bunnies because... They are very good
company, I have named most of them, and they agree with
everything I say.
I don't disturb cobwebs because... I want every creature to have
a home of their own.
I don't Spring Clean because... I love all the seasons and don't
want the others to get jealous.
I don't pull weeds in the garden because... I don't want to get
in God's way, he is an excellent designer.
I don't put things away because... My husband will never be able
to find them again.
I don't do gourmet meals when I entertain because... I don't
want my guests to stress out over what to make when they invite
me over for dinner.
I don't iron because... I choose to believe them when they say
"Permanent Press".
I don't stress much on anything because... "A Type"
personalities die young and I want to stick around and become
a wrinkled up crusty ol' woman!
===========================================================
MOOGAL'S FIRESIDE LOG
=====================
Fireside News
Colin has the Kaleidoscope Series link up and running,
so be sure to check it out! The link is:
http://www.firesides.net/kaleidoscope.htm
For more information check the paragraph at the end of
this column regarding Rainbow, Spectrum, and Kaleidoscope
lessons.
***********************************************
OKB Tourneys
Well done to all our Fireside friends who excelled in
the tourneys this past month!!
Sun May 1 06:00 AM
1 arikan/riggin 71.28
Sun May 1 05:30 PM
1 imogene/jkm 2.68
Tue May 3 04:00 PM
1 pringle/Unicorn 2.46
Wed May 4 04:00 PM
1 cod/tuna 73.44
Sat May 7 11:00 AM
1 Harmon/tuna 2.53
Sun May 8 04:00 PM
1 nantica/pamela 2.65
Sun May 8 05:30 PM
1 pringle/Unicorn 4.07
Mon May 9 05:30 PM
1 sannick/snag 68.75
Sat May 14 11:00 AM
1 Kaltica/ulrika 68.10
Mon May 16 11:00 AM
1 helena/pringle 3.09
Fri May 20 07:00 PM
3 potts/Shade 2.56
Sat May 21 04:00 PM
1 Brigitta/pamela 3.60
Sat May 28 05:30 PM
1 hawes/skipw 68.25
Tue May 31 04:30 PM
1 lucinha/wheels 3.57
Our Flight B/C tourney stars:
Dslt, Redlips, Frank-1, Pollye, Neophyte, Imogene, Desiree,
AlbertB, Kitkat, Dloye, Frodo, Benson, Lsscott, Riggin, Julie,
Potts, Hawes, Knyee, Todd, Garyi, Grahamg, Jayne, Jim, Ask1,
Lee-1, Birdie, Flee, Tcbm, Helen477, Gmeier, Arrow, Elgringo,
Marys, Macavity, Jw7, Toddy, Shade, Badboy, Taxlady, Baol
********************
We encourage you to change your flight to B or C so that you
are competing on an appropriate level -- you can do this on
the OKB website home page. Look for "Change my flight" in the
box where your icon appears. This is OKB's way of letting
everyone have a chance to get some pond points. And, as more
and more of you change your flights, the flighted results will
be more realistic. And, remember, if you do place in the
overalls, you are still eligible for the higher awards!
**********************************************************
FIRESIDE'S TEAM GAME
Our May winners are:
05-01-2005 TEAM BIRDIE Birdie, AndyH, Judydee & Woohoo
05-22-2005 TEAM LM1976 LM1976, KF, Oink, Dotdal & Roslyn
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 us at firesider@aol.com
- all welcome!
**********************************************************
Congratulations to Martha (RCOOP) who has become a Life Master.
She went over the top at the Bridge on Sheridan club in Chicago
where she lives. We're so proud of her, as is her teacher
Bridgboy! Martha particularly wants to thank Bob, as he was so
supportive and helpful as she pursued her goal. Well done,
Martha!
**********************************************************
Everything you wanted to know about playing cards: Ever
wondered why the Ace of spades bigger and fancier than
the other Aces, or why some Jacks have only one eye? Visit
http://www.cs.man.ac.uk/playing-cards/
for the answers to these questions and more interesting
bits of playing card trivia.
**********************************************************
Have you discovered the fun of visiting Mike Lawrence's site
every day:
www.bridgeclues.com
There is new bidding and play quiz hand daily,
you can give your answers as you go from panel to
panel, and the questions are nicely aimed at an
intermediate level. Just takes a few minutes to learn
something and enjoy the questions. Free, fun and
educational, what more could you ask for!
**********************************************************
I've written before about Albert (ALBERTB), a charming tourney
friend who recently celebrated his 90th birthday! In his honor,
he was named the Angelfish for May.
Here's what Tuna wrote in the Spectator:
Albert "Albertb" Brockelman of Menomonie WI USA is our Angelfish
for May. In fact, he is that city's "Distinguished Citizen of the
Year" as well! Can I pick a winner??
Besides still traveling to compete in tournaments, Albert plays
and scores well quite regularly in our Mini's. He is close to
achieving "Fish" status in our PondPoint rating system, at which
point he will select a fish name. Maybe I'll suggest Brock Trout,
nyuck nyuck.
Jake's nomination:
"Dear Tuna,
"Albertb is very kind and willing to play with all levels of
players. He never gets flustered and is always ready to praise
his tablemates. He turned 90 last month and he is living proof
that bridge improves our senior years by keeping our wits sharp
and developing new friendships. A long life of being well
mannered and supportive has made him quite popular!"
Congrats Albert! It's always a pleasure to meet up with you at
the table and it was wonderful to see you wearing the beautiful
fish logo!
Well done also to our Sara who was a nominee in May.
**********************************************************
It's my pleasure to offer another congratulations -- this one to
Nancy (NANCOR), whose granddaughter Kayla is graduating from
Woodbridge High School in Virginia this June and has received
formal acceptance to the Savannah College of Arts and Design.
**********************************************************
Par for the Course by Richard Pavlicek
Are you playing in the U.S. Open at Pinehurst? Probably
not, so check out this course and see if your game is up
to par. As declarer, simply select your play from the
choices offered on six problems. Try it! It's fun.
http://www.rpbridge.net/8x33.htm
Results of the May poll "Stolen Crown Blinds Union" will
be posted June 4, 2005 at 21:00 GMT. For these, and
everything related to the monthly events, go to:
http://www.rpbridge.net/rppc.htm
**********************************************************
Dear friends, as Sara mentioned we are taking a short break
this summer, due to travel and other committments. But please
continue to send me your news and we'll get them in here in
our next issue this fall. Love you all....Jan
**************************************************************
While we list the lessons offered by the commentators who
write for The Chat, we want to note that some of our other
commentators and newsletter contributors also give lessons
in most shapes and sizes....mentoring games, tourney play,
partnership coaching, just about whatever type of lesson
you could envision.
Please feel free to contact any of them for lessons:
Colin/Kaltica kaltica@mts.net
Bill/Wintaka btreble@shaw.ca
Lynn/Wishtrik lynn@lynndeas.com
Dann/Pooka pspeard@telusplanet.net
Bob/Bridgboy bridgboy@charter.net
Diane/DianeW diane@walkersweb.org
Bernard/Bluebee Bernardh@btinternet.com
Fred/FredW3 Please msg on OKB
Patricia/Fifee andersonscorner@atlanticbb.net
Nightowl/Jack trojanowl@aol.com
The lessons can be more affordable than you might
think, especially mentoring games. We think our
commentators give you your money's worth when you
choose private lessons, and they really value your
business. Maybe you can hint to a loved one what
you would like for your next birthday!
***********************************************************
Kaleidoscope, Rainbow, and Spectrum Series Online!
The Kaleidoscope series is now online! You can take the
six lessons, answering the questions as you go along, and then
having your score and the lesson text emailed to you.
Just go to:
http://www.firesides.net/kaleidoscope.htm
A good idea might be to start with the Rainbow series:
http://www.firesides.net/rainbows.htm
Later, if interested in 2/1-GF, you can check out
the Spectrum series:
http://www.firesides.net/spectrums.htm
***********************************************************
Have a comment you'd like to make about the FireSide program? An
event or announcement you'd like to share with the rest of us? A
question you'd like answered? Here's a great place for us to
visit every day and keep up with each other:
http://www.firesides.net/chatline.htm
********************
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 with PAYPAL! Go to:
www.firesides.net/support.htm
*********************
FIRESIDE UTILITY SITES
http://www.firesides.net/checker.htm
http://www.firesides.net/dealhand.htm
********************
And if you haven't had a chance to check them out yet,
here are some links to some of the 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.
*****************************************************
June Events: (All times Pacific)
===============================
NOVICE/MENTOR TOURNEY:
======================
Thursday, June 9, at 6:00 PM, OKb time.
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.
FIRESIDE MENTOR CUP TEAM GAME:
==============================
Sundays, 5:00 P.M. June 3 and 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 firesider@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, 11:00 a.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.
OKbridge 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.
********************
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@bellsouth.net
=====================================================
GIGGLE BREAK
Thanks to Arrow for this giggle:
In Japan, they have replaced the impersonal and unhelpful
Microsoft error messages with Haiku poetry messages. These are
used to communicate a timeless message, often achieving a
wistful, powerful, insight through extreme brevity. Here are 16
actual error messages from Japan.
The web site you are seeking cannot be located, but countless
more exist.
Chaos reigns within. Reflect, repent, and reboot. Order shall
return.
Program aborting: Close all that you have worked on. You ask far
too much.
Windows NT crashed. I am the Blue Screen of Death. No one hears
your screams.
Yesterday it worked. Today it is not working. Windows is like
that.
Your file was so big. It might be very useful. But now it is
gone.
Stay the patient course. Of little worth is your ire. The network
is down.
A crash reduces your expensive computer to a simple stone.
Three things are certain: Death, taxes, and lost data. Guess
which has occurred.
You step in the stream, but the water has moved on. This page is
not here.
Out of memory. We wish to hold the whole sky, but we never will.
Having been erased, the document you're seeking must now be
retyped.
Serious error. All shortcuts have disappeared. Screen. Mind.
Both are blank.
============================================================
TREBLE'S TABLE TALK
===================
Reverse Drury
Consider the following two limit raise auctions:
i) Pass 1C
3C Pass
ii) Pass 1H
3H Pass
If this turns out to be the typical part score hand where both
sides can make eight tricks how have we done?
We are down one on #i, but the opponents can make 2-of-something.
On #ii, though, we spit up a minus score on a hand where we could
have made a plus at the two level. This is okay if our suit is
Hearts and the opponents have a Spade fit, but what if not? What
if our suit were Spades (e.g. Pass:1S:3S:Pass) or if it were
Hearts and our opponents would have to venture to 3C or 3D, down
one, for their fit?
The bottom line is that we need a way for Opener to show a dead
minimum--or a light opening--after opening in third seat. We
need to stop in 2-of-a-major.
Enter Douglas Drury, a theoretrician from Montreal. He gave us
the Drury 2C response, asking Opener to clarify. Originally, 2D
was Opener's rebid to show a minimum but nowadays people prefer
Reverse Drury, where a rebid of the major shows the weaker
opener.
iii) Pass 1H
2C
iv) Pass 1S
2C
Because Drury is not part of SAYC the artificial 2C response
should be alerted. The response shows 10-12 points and, for now,
suggests 3+ card support for Opener's major. Note the word
"suggests", though. I may be possible that 2C Responder has a
1-suiter with Clubs, so Opener should not see 2C as GUARANTEEING
support for the major.
Rebids by Opener:
Assuming we are playing Reverse Drury, what does Opener rebid if
NOT minimal? Say, with 14+ points.
We don't want to start leaping in a 5-card major; Responder might
have the Clubs-only hand! We should only jump in our major with
great length and strength there, willing to be in that suit even
if Responder is short there. If we have a 4-card Heart suit we
can show it via 2H. If we have Clubs we can raise to 3C if
willing to force game. A non-forcing 2NT rebid should show 14 to
a bad 15 points.
With all other non-minimum hands Opener can make an artificial
"waiting" 2D rebid. This simply shows 14+ points and allows
Responder to clarify. Now we'll see Responder bid:
2-of-the-major = 10-11 points, 3+ card support.
3-of-the-major = 12 points, 3+ card support, game forcing.
3C = Clubs only, no support for Opener's major.
A 2-of-the-major rebid can be passed by a 14-point Opener
(14 + 11 < 26) but 3-of-the-major by Responder is a game force
(14 + 12 = 26).
Question #1: If 2D is an artificial rebid by Opener, what can
Opener do with Diamonds?
Answer: If we do have a major suit fit we might not need to
show the Diamonds at all. Thus, we might rebid 2D for now to see
what Responder is going to do. We can always bid 3D later as
necessary. Nevertheless, with a strong 2-suiter Opener can leap
to 3D, natural and forcing, directly over the 2C response.
iv) Pass 1H
2C 3D = GF. Lots of red cards.
Question #2: Now that a jump to three (i.e. Pass:1H:3H and
Pass:1S:3S) is no longer limit by a passed hand Responder, what
should it be?
Answer: Pre-emptive. 0-5 points, 4 trumps.
Question #3: What does a 2NT rebid by Responder suggest?
v) Pass 1S
2C 2NT = ??
Answer: Clubs in a flattish hand, 10-12 points. In this way,
this auction suggests Diamonds:
vi) Pass 1H
2NT
Of all of the conventions that we might add to SAYC with a new
partner, Drury would be my very first choice.
********************
You will find Bill doing his FireSide sessions on Tuesdays
at 5:30 P.M. OKbridge time.
Bill is available for private/group lessons and/or
supervised play sessions. Email Bill at (btreble@shaw.ca)
for more information.
================================================
GIGGLE BREAK
Thanks to Benson for this giggle:
A distraught senior citizen phoned her doctor's office. "Is it
true," she wanted to know, "that the medication you prescribed
has to be taken for the rest of my life?" "Yes, I'm afraid so,"
the doctor told her. There was a moment of silence before the
senior lady replied, "I'm wondering, then, just how serious is my
condition because this prescription is marked 'NO REFILLS'."
===================================================
AND FINALLY KALTICA
===================
What is a Psych?
The Laws of Duplicate Contract Bridge define a psychic call thus:
"'A deliberate and gross misstatement of honor strength or suit
length.' The key word is 'gross'. If you forget the meaning of a
call, that is not a psych. If you make a call with 12 points when
your partnership agreement calls for a maximum of 11, that is not
a psych - it is not a gross misstatement. If you are playing
five-card majors and open the bidding with one spade on a
four-card holding, that is not a psych. In general your call is a
gross misstatement, and therefore is considered a psych, if the
call varies by at least two points in strength or two cards in
length from your agreement."
So if we open with 9 points in first seat, this is a psych,
right? Not necessarily! If we are playing light openings, such
that opening on 10 points would be considered a "legitimate" bid
in our methods, opening with 9 points would simply be "shaded".
If you do this too often, such that Partner begins to catch on
and make allowances, you must tell your opponents that your
minimum opening bids are now 9+ points.
A psych is always an OVERstatement of values, right? Again, not
necessarily. Look at the example cited: bidding with 12 points
when it promises a maximum of 11. If we held 13 points--TWO more
than "possible" according to our methods--it WOULD be a "gross
misstatement" (i.e. a gross UNDERstatement) and, thus, a psych.
Are all psychs bids? No. Note the careful use of the term
"call". Doubles, redoubles and, yes, even PASSES can be psyched.
Moogal can regale you with a story of her partner, desperate for
a good IMPs result, passing with 14 HCPs, ending in 1NT
redoubled, making two!
Has this definition of a psyche changed over the years? Not
much. If memory serves, THREE HCPs used to be the standard for
defining "gross misstatement" of honour strength. Aside from
that, though, this definition has remained intact since the
earliest days of the game.
What do we do after psyching?
Pass.
What if Partner makes a forcing bid in a new suit?
Pass.
What if Partner Blackwoods?
Pass.
Are there ANY times when we might bid again?
There are two:
1. If Partner cuebids an enemy suit you MIGHT bid again.
2. If Partner penalty doubles below slam you MUST pull.
Those are the fundamentals of psyching. There are also a few
ethical concerns:
1. Never bid or play frivolously. This includes psyching.
2. Do NOT assume that your partner has psyched until Partner
passes a forcing bid. Learn to show your values ONCE and only
once.
Most experts psyche occasionally. Some don't. So if a player or
pair is inclined to NEVER psyche or psyche more often than others
do they have to disclose this tendency to the opponents?
Generally, no, they don't HAVE to; it would be like pre-alerting
the opponents to our tendancy to bid very aggressively or very
conservatively.
But what if, in the interest of full disclosure, the pair WANTS
to tell the opponents that they either never psyche or that they
do so more often than others. Is the pair PERMITTED to tell the
opponents this information?
Remarkably, this is unclear.
Believe it or not, we once had an opponent object to receiving
this information! He called the TD and, to my stark amazement,
the TD ruled that we were not ALLOWED to warn our opponents of
this style quirk. Later, I went to play on another venue and the
TD there insisted that we MUST inform our opponents of such a
tendancy!
This debate on disclosure continues.
**********************
You'll find Kaltica (Colin Ward) doing his FireSide sessions on
Friday evenings at 5:30 P.M. OKbridge time.
Colin is available for private/group lessons and/or supervised
play sessions. Email him at (kaltica@mts.net) for more
information.
********************
Kaleidoscope, Rainbow, and Spectrum Series Online!
The Kaleidoscope series is now online! You can take the
six lessons, answering the questions as you go along, and then
having your score and the lesson text emailed to you.
Just go to:
http://www.firesides.net/kaleidoscope.htm
A good idea might be to start with the Rainbow series:
http://www.firesides.net/rainbows.htm
Later, if interested in 2/1-GF, you can check out
the Spectrum series:
http://www.firesides.net/spectrums.htm
Enjoy!
=====================================================
GIGGLE BREAK
Thanks to Bezel for this giggle:
Simple Pleasures
Too often, we lose sight of life's simple pleasures.
Remember when someone annoys you, it takes 42 muscles in your
face to frown
BUT it only takes 4 muscles to extend your arm and SMACK the
idiot upside the head.
=============================================================
Fireside Chat Issues
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December, 2001
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January, 2002
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February, 2002
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April, 2002
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May, 2002
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June, 2002
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July, 2002
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August, 2002
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December, 2002
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January, 2003
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March, 2003
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April, 2003
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June, 2003
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July, 2003
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November, 2003
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February, 2004
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March, 2004
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April, 2004
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June, 2004
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July, 2004
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October, 2004
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November, 2004
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December, 2004
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January, 2005
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February, 2005
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March, 2005
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April, 2005
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May, 2005
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June, 2005
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July, 2005
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August, 2005
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September, 2005
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October, 2005
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November, 2005
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December, 2005
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