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Fireside Chat
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FIRESIDE CHAT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome and Announcements
Believer's FireSide Kindling
Special Treat #1
Bidding with Bridgboy
Winning With Wishtrik
Hand of the Month
Brush Up Your Bridge
FireSide Log
Special Treat #2
BridgeHands eMag Newsletter
Treble's Table Talk
And Finally Kaltica
=======================================
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
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, Moogal
at moocake@bellsouth.net, Or Neophyte at
jane@tmarvin.fsnet.co.uk.
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. KALTICA/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
FRI 11:00 A.M. DIANEW/WISHTRIK
FRI 5:30 P.M. WINTAKA/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) 2006 by FireSide Chat.
All rights reserved.
===============================================
BELIEVER'S FIRESIDE KINDLING
============================
Hello All,
As I am having some difficulty in the mailing of the Newsletter,
(Some of your servers wont recognize mine!)..Sara is going to be
doing the mailing for us.
We don't want you to miss anything!
Now I am quickly running short of Giggle Breaks!
So do what you can!
This month... We have not one but two treats for you!
We have an article each from Fredw3 AND Tony "Tuna"Reus!
So sit back relax.and
Enjoy!
Jane (Neophyte)
=====================================================
SPECIAL TREAT #1
We have TWO "Special Treats" articles for you this month. Our
first article is from our own OKbridge club manager, Tuna! We're
very happy to be able to include this article in this month's
newsletter :) Thanks, Tuna!
********************
TUNA'S DISH OF THE MONTH
Double Double, Takeout & Trouble
Warning: Not SAYC!
With experience we notice that there are other meanings for
Double besides penalty - i.e. takeout, negative, responsive,
maximal, etc. If you follow these rules, you will be playing most
of them. The names are not important.
The ability to compete at matchpoints is crucial. Doubling for
penalty at low levels tends to be unproductive compared to
doubling as a way to compete (as the popularity of negative
doubles has proved). If you have just started to play, the
methods I suggest might be a little complex, save them for next
year and WARNING!, use them with a partner who is familiar with
them also (pass it around!), as it is not STRICTLY standard.
We'll call it Tuna World Standard.
GENERAL PRINCIPLES:
DOUBLES OF GAME BIDS ARE ALWAYS PENALTY (cards?values?)
DOUBLES OF NOTRUMP BIDS ARE PENALTY
DOUBLES OF PARTSCORE BIDS ARE TAKEOUT*
* Hold on, it's not going to be that easy, here are the
exceptions. If you find the exceptions too difficult at this
time, put them on the back burner until a later date.
DOUBLES OF PARTSCORE SUIT BIDS THAT ARE PENALTY:
OPPONENTS INTERFERE IN OUR FORCING AUCTION.
THE DOUBLER HAS TAKEN 2 PREVIOUS BIDS (no passes count).
THE DOUBLERS' PARTNER HAS PREEMPTED.
THEY BID AFTER WE HAVE SIGNED OFF (dead auction).
THEY BID OUR SUIT(S).
THEY MAKE AN ARTIFICIAL BID (like a Transfer, Splinter, Cue-bid,
etc.)
A TOUGH ONE (so, optional): WHEN WE HAVE FOUND A GOLDEN FIT (8+
card fit) AND THERE IS ROOM FOR A GAME TRY.
DOUBLES OF PARTSCORE SUIT BIDS THAT ARE GAME-TRIES:
THE TOUGHEST ONE (so, optional): WHEN WE HAVE FOUND A GOLDEN FIT
AND THERE IS NOT ROOM FOR A GAME TRY.
EXAMPLES:
AUCTION EXPLANATION A POSSIBLE HAND
N E S W
Spades/Hearts/Diamonds/Clubs
1) 1D - 1S - X TAKE OUT x,Kxxx,Qxxx,Kxxx
or
xx,KQJxxx,xx,xxx
(too weak to bid 2H)
2) 1D - P - 1H - 1S
X TAKE OUT x,Kxx,KJxxx,AQxx
3) 1D - P - 1H - 1S
P - P - X TAKE OUT x,KJxxx,Qxx,Qxxx
4) 1D - 1S - X - 2S
X TAKE OUT x,Kxx,KJxxx,AQxx
5) 1D - 3S - X TAKE OUT x,KJxx,Kxxx,Kxxx
6) 1D - 4S - X PENALTY, Axx,Kxx,Qxxx,Qxx
CARDS(values)
(looks like it's our hand)
7) 1D - P - 1H - 1S
2H - 2S - P - P
3H - 3S - P - P
X PENALTY QJTx,Axxx,Axxx,x
8) 1N - P - P - 2D AQxx,AKxx,xx,Kxx
X TAKE OUT (if this was facing
xxx,Qxxx,xxx,Axx Nice 2h
contract)
or
1N - 2D - P - P
X (if facing
xxx,xx,KJxxx,Qxx XMAS!)
9) 1N - 2D - X Qxxx,Kxxx,xx,Qxx
or TAKE OUT
1N - P - P - 2D
P - P - X
10) 1N - 4D - X TAKE OUT Qxxx,Kxxx,Qx,Kxx
11) 1N - 4S - X PENALTY(cards) xx,Qxx,Kxx,Jxxxx
12) 1N - P - 2D*- P
2H - P - P - X TAKE OUT Kxxx,x,Kxxx,Axxx
13) 1S - X - 2S - X TAKE OUT xxx,xx,KJxx,Kxxx
(don't pick h's, please!)
14) 1D - X - 4D - X TAKE OUT KQxx,QJxx,xxx,Ax
(don't pick c's, please!)
15) 1D - P - 1S - 1N PENALTY Axxx,Qxx,Kx,xxxx
P - P - X (remember,all NT's!)
16) 1S - 2C - P - 3C TAKE OUT KQJxxx,Axxx,KQx,---
X
17) 1S - 2C - P - 3C TAKE OUT xx,Qxxxx,Jxxxx,x
P - P - X (a bit weak to DBL the 1st time)
18) 4S - X PENALTY(cards) Axx,AKx,KQx,Qxxx
(you're stealing from me, aren't you?)
19) 1H - 1S - P - 2H TAKE OUT x,KJxxx,KQx,AJxx
P - 2S - P - P (not rule B, I passed once)
X
NOW FOR SOME EXCEPTION EXAMPLES:
20) 2H - 2S - X PENALTY(rule C) AJxxx,x,Axxx,Kxx
21) 1D - P - 2D - 2S PENALTY(rule G) AJxx,Axxx,KQxx,x
X
22) 1N - P - 2D*- P PENALTY(rule D) Kx,Txxxx,xxx,Axx
2H - P - P - 3C (partner can remove if desires)
P - P - X
23) 2S - P - 3S - P PENALTY(rule C&D) Qxx,AKx,Axx,Qxxx
P - 4C - X (feels like our hand)
24) 1S - P - 2S - P PENALTY(rule D) Axx,Kxx,Kxx,xxxx
P - 3H - X (maximum, want to compete, pass or
repeat your s's if you have 6
or 7 card suit)
25) 1S - P - 2S - 3H GAME TRY (rule H) KQJxx,Ax,AJxx,xx
X (I would bid 3S with 6
or or 7 card suit just to compete)
1S - P - 2S - 4C
X
26) 1S - P - 2S - 4C PENALTY(rule D) Axx,Kxx,xxx,Jxxx
P - P - X
27) 1S - P - 4C*- X PENALTY(rule F) xx,xx,xx,AKJxxxx
(I would like to suggest a 5c sacrifice)
28) 1H - 1S - P - 2H PENALTY(rule E) xx,AKJxx,Qxx,Qxx
X (suggesting a lead)
29) 1S - P - 2D - 2H PENALTY(rule A) AQxxx,KJxx,x,Kxx
X
30) 1S - 2H - P - P PENALTY(rule B) AKxxxx,Axx,Ax,Kx
2S - P - P - 3H
X
=======================================================
GIGGLE BREAK
Thx to LUC for this:-
Michelangelo and a politician arrive at the Pearly Gates. St.
Peter proclaims, "He's here! He's here!" and ushers the
politician inside as trumpets sound and angels sing.
As Michelangelo follows, the gates slam shut in his face.
Shaken, he knocks. St. Peter appears.
"I don't understand," Michelangelo says, "I have served God all
my life through my work, and I arrive here and am completely
ignored in the midst of the tremendous welcome for, of all
people, a politician!"
"I'm sorry," says St. Peter. "We have many artists and religious
people in heaven, But this is our first politician!"
------------------------------------------
BIDDING WITH BRIDGBOY
=====================
The power of distribution can negate lots of missing high card
points.
We just have to close our eyes and see the unseen hands to
anticipate the power of the fit
S AXXX H AKQXXX D XX C J.
this is a solid minimum opener with lots of potential. We will
open and rebid our hearts, except in the rare case where partner
shows four spades
OK, here we go!
1ht-p-2cl-dbl partner has gone to the 2 level
initially showing 10+ points!
We like that,,,, and rebid our hearts minimally - this does
promise six or more hearts and at least a hand of this strength.
We could have passed knowing partner would bid again but this is
a perfect time to show our good heart suit. Over our 2 heart
rebid LHO, competes with 2 spades, and partner bids 3 diamonds.
This implies partner has a good hand of course, but the potential
for a misfit is still there.
We can now bid 3NT with our stopper, or rebid 3 hearts -awaiting
partners next move.
Partner now bids 4 hearts, and it is time to close our eyes and
see partners hand.
I know partner has shortness in spades! RHO doubled for spades.
LHO responded two spades. I am staring at four spades - that
leaves partner with no more than 1, or even zero spades!
So, no spade losers here. I can ruff them on the dummy.
No heart losers in my hand either.
My partner did bid rather strongly... is it too much to expect or
ask him to cover two of my three other losers in the minors?
I think we can safely jump to six hearts.. but we had better use
Blackwood to make sure we are not off two cashing aces.
I suppose if he has 1 ace I can confidently bid 6 hearts, knowing
he will give me the shortness in the spade suit that will enable
me to claim twelve winners.
Partner's hand, by the way, was this:-
S 2 H J93 D AK53 C KQ10932.
Maybe in retrospect the opponents bid too many spades, so I was
able to envision partners stiff spade.
If you do not have much, maybe a quiet pass is better. The
opponents will still outbid you and your noise will alert them to
something they may not have known .
********************
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 Bezel for this:
Dear John letter sent to Mary:
Dear Mary: I can no longer continue our relationship. The
distance between us is just too great. I must admit that I have
cheated on you twice, since you've been gone, and it's not fair
to either of us. I'm sorry. Please return the picture of me that
I sent to you. Love, John
Mary, with hurt feelings, asked her colleagues for any snapshots
they could spare of their boyfriends, brothers, ex-boyfriends,
uncles, cousins etc. In addition to the picture of John, Mary
included all the other pictures of the handsome lads she had
collected from her buds. There were 57 photos in that envelope...
along with this note:
Dear John, I'm so sorry, but I can't quite remember who you are.
Please take your picture from the pile, and send the rest back to
me.
Take Care, Mary
======================================================
WINNING WITH WISHTRIK
=====================
ROMAN KEYCARD BLACKWOOD (RKC)
WHY DO WE PLAY RKC ?
RKCB is a very important convention, in fact it may be the most
important convention that you play.
There is nothing more embarrassing than arriving in slam to find
that you are missing 2 aces. It is also a losing proposition to
bid a slam depending on finesse.
When playing slam in a suit contract the king of trumps is just
as important as an ace which is why almost everyone has
incorporated RKCB into their system.
The king of trumps is so important that it is actually upgraded
to a 5th ace. What does this mean? Before keycard slams were
investigated and bid only if the partnership owned 3 of the 4
aces but now a slam depends upon holding 4 of the 5 aces.
What are the responses to 4NT?
The following are the responses to RKCB
The Ace ask
There are five aces in RKCB - the four regular aces plus the king
of trumps.
5C = 0 or 3 keycards
5D = 1 or 4 keycards
5H = 2 or 5 keycards, no trump queen
5S = 2 or 5 keycards, with trump
queen
The King ask
A very important thing to remember is that the king of trumps has
been counted in the ace asking response so you DO NOT count it as
one of your kings. There are only 3 possible kings.
6C = 0 kings
6D = 1 kings
6H = 2 kings
6S = 3 kings
The Queen ask
When you respond 5C or 5D, partner does not know whether you have
the trump queen or not. He can find out by bidding the next
highest suit, presuming that suit is not trumps (if it is, his
five-level bid is a sign-off - but remember your obligations with
three or four keycards). Here is an example:
1S 2NT
4NT 5C (0 or 3)
5D - asks for trump Q
Responses to the queen ask are as follows:
If you do not have the trump queen, sign off in your trump suit
at the 5 level. If you have the trump queen jump to six of your
trump suit
If we have bid more than 1 suit which suit is partner keycarding
for?
There are two rules to tell you what suit is RKCB when you are
unsure. If we have shown a double fit, the first suit bid and
raised is the keycard suit. If we have not bid and raised any
suits, 4NT is RKCB for the last naturally bid suit.
********************
Wishtrik (Lynn Deas) presides at our Thursday evening Fireside
sessions, starting at 5:30 pm OKbridge time, and every other
Friday morning at 11:00 am.
For lesson information contact Lynn at: lynn@lynndeas.com
===========================================================
GIGGLE BREAK
THX LUCY!
kids in school think quick
TEACHER: Maria, go to the map and find North America.
MARIA: Here it is!
TEACHER: Correct. Now class, who discovered America?
CLASS: Maria!
___________________________________________________________
TEACHER: Why are you late, Frank?
FRANK: Because of the sign.
TEACHER: What sign?
FRANK: The one that says, "School Ahead, Go Slow."
__________________________________________________________
TEACHER: John, why are you doing your math multiplication on the
floor?
JOHN: You told me to do it without using tables!
___________________________________________________________
TEACHER: Glenn, how do you spell "crocodile?"
GLENN: K-R-O-K-O-D-A-I-L"
TEACHER: No, that's wrong
GLENN: Maybe it s wrong, but you asked me how I spell it!
___________________________________________________________
TEACHER: Donald, what is the chemical formula for water?
DONALD: H I J K L M N O!!
TEACHER: What are you talking about?
DONALD: Yesterday you said it's H to O!
___________________________________________________________
TEACHER: Winnie, name one important thing we have today that we
didn't have ten years ago.
WINNIE: Me!
_______________________________________
TEACHER: Goss, why do you always get so dirty?
GOSS: Well, I'm a lot closer to the ground than you are.
___________________________________________________________
TEACHER: Millie, give me a sentence starting with "I."
MILLIE: I is...
TEACHER: No, Millie..... Always say, "I am."
MILLIE: All right.. ."I am the ninth letter of the alphabet."
___________________________________________________________
TEACHER: Can anybody give an example of COINCIDENCE?
TINO: Sir, my Mother and Father got married on the same day,
same time."
___________________________________________________________
TEACHER: George Washington not only chopped down his father's
cherry tree, but also admitted doing it.
Now, Louie, do you know why his father didn't punish him?"
LOUIS: Because George still had the ax in his hand.
___________________________________________________________
TEACHER: Now, Simon, tell me frankly, do you say prayers before
eating?
SIMON: No sir, I don't have to, my Mom is a good cook.
___________________________________________________________
TEACHER: Clyde, your composition on "My Dog" is exactly the same
as your brother's. Did you copy his?
CLYDE: No, teacher, it's the same dog!;
__________________________________________________________
TEACHER: Harold, what do you call a person who keeps on talking
when people are no longer interested?
HAROLD: A teacher.
=========================================================
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.
Taken from The 2006 Daily Bridge Calendar. For more information
call 1-888-453-1976, or email: calendar@interlog.com
********************
Vul: N/S North
Dlr: S S AJ98
H K74
D 732
C JT4
East
S K76
H Q92
D Q964
C Q98
West North East South
1NT*
P 2C P 2D
P 2NT P 3NT
*15-17 HCP
Opening Lead H3
South opens a strong notrump (15-17 HCP) and North bids 2C,
Stayman, asking for a major suit. South says he does not have
one and North returns to 2NT. South accepts the invitation and
goes on to game.
West leads the H3 to dummy's H4, your queen, and declarer's ace.
South leads the SQ to your king. You return the H9, winning, and
continue a heart to dummy's king. Here comes the CJ. What do
you do?
****************************************
S AJ98
H K74
D 732
C JT4
S 543 S K76
H JT63 H Q92
D JT5 D Q964
C K76 C Q98
S QT2
H A85
D AK8
C A532
Contract: 3NT Lead: H3
********************
What do you think of North's bidding? I am not sure I like it
myself. North has a balanced hand and that means that notrump
rates to be acceptable. Worse, North's 2C bid got the opponents
to tell you that South did not have a major suit, information you
may be able to use in the defense. But this is a defense hand,
not a bidding hand. Back to the situation at hand.
Do not cover the CJ. You can see that covering will lose a trick
for you. South will take your queen and lead toward dummy's CT.
That will set up a trick for the CT and that will be trick number
nine for South.
You should realize that if South has the ace and king, it does
not matter what you do. You have to hope that West has one of
the honors. If he does, you wish for him to win the CJ, which
will leave you with the CQ9 sitting over dummy's ten. The
standard way to describe this situation is that if dummy has two
honors, you should not cover the first one but should cover the
second. This is an important hand because so much is at stake
and because this theme is a common one. Know when to cover and
when to duck. It's important.
****************************
Hand and analysis by Michael Lawrence courtesy of the Daily
Bridge Calendar, published by Ashlar House Inc., Brampton, ON,
Canada. Reprinted with permission. (Special thanks to Lee
Daugherty and Dann Kramer.)
============================================================
GIGGLE BREAK
================
Thanks to Tarsh for this giggle:
One for The Seniors
The strong young man at the construction site was bragging that
he could out do anyone in a feat of strength. He made a special
case of making fun of one of the older workmen.
After several minutes, the older worker had had enough. "Why
don't you put your money where your mouth is," he said.
"I will bet a week's wages that I can haul something in a
wheelbarrow over to that building that you won't be able to wheel
back."
You're on, old man," the braggart replied. "Let's see what you
got."
The old man reached out and grabbed the wheelbarrow by the
handles. Then, nodded at the young man and said......
"All right, dumbbell! Get in."
=========================================
BRUSH UP YOUR BRIDGE
====================
By Marcia West @ Fifth Chair Foundation
Marcia/Tarsh
Responses to Opening Bids
A. REMINDER:
With 12-14 Points, open 1 of a suit
With 15-17 High Card Points, balanced, open 1NT
With 18-19 High Card Points, open 1 in suit - rebid 2NT
With 20-21 High card points, balanced, open 2NT
With 22 and more points, open 2C - The Only Strong Bid
B. SUMMARY OF RESPONSES TO OPENING BIDS OF ONE IN A SUIT
Responder has one of 5 types of hands:
0-5 Weak hand, pass
6-10 Minimum count/simple response - make a bid at the one level
11-12 Medium hand: Enough points to bid a suit at the 2 level,if
you lack room to bid it at the one level. (NOT forcing to game)
13-16 Game hand, bid until game is reached.
17+ Possible Slam hands - Small Slam hands are hands in which
declarer agrees to take his book, PLUS at least 6 more tricks.
Grand Slam hands are hands in which declarer agrees to take ALL
the tricks.
If partner opens the bidding with one in a major, what do you
know about his hand? His point count?___
His distribution?_____
C. Priorities When Responding with 6-10 Points and Partner has
Opened One of a Major
a) Raise partner's major suit to the two level. (must have 3
trumps)
b) Bid a new suit at the one level, if no fit with partner.
c) Bid one no trump, if no fit with partner and no 4 card suit
you can bid at one level.
Note: DUMMY POINTS ARE ONLY COUNTED WHEN YOU HAVE
a) At least 3 cards in partner's major suit opening OR
b) At least 5 cards in partner's minor suit opening.
(Partner's
minor suit may only have 3 cards.)
Dummy Points are counted as follows: a) doubleton=1 b)
Singleton=3 c) Void=5
1) Partner has opened 1 heart, what is your response?
QJ10 52 K876 J943 _____
2) Partner has opened 1 heart, what is your response?
Your hand: QJ109 (void) K8765 J432 _____
3) Partner opens one spade, what is your response?
QJ109 void K8765 J432 _____
4) Partner has opened 1 spade, what is your response?
QJ109 5 K876 J432 ____
5) Partner has opened 1 spade, what is your response?
QJ109 52 K876 J43 _____
6) Partner opens the bidding with 1 heart - answer the following
questions:
a) 3 b) J1076 c) K32 d) KQ863
QJ10 Q3 J10 void
Q8762 KQ874 QJ964 A942
J1098 96 532 753
HCP_____ HCP_____ HCP_____ HCP_____
DIST.PTS___ DIST.PTS___ DIST.PTS___ DIST.PTS _____
TOTAL PTS___ TOTAL PTS___ TOTAL PTS___ TOTAL PTS___
Response___ Response____ Response ___ Response___
7. Which of the above hands can you NOT count dummy points?____
D. Priorities when Responding to One of a Minor with 6-10 points
The aim of the partnership is to find a major suit, GOLDEN FIT.
Minor suit fits are not as important because the contract may be
played in no trump. Responder thinks about this when responding
to a minor suit opening bid.
The priorities for responding with 6-10 points to partner's 1C
or 1D opening are:
a) Bid one of a Major, provided the major has at least 4 cards.
(If you have 2 four card majors bid hearts. If you have two five
card majors bid spades. If you have a 5 and a 4 card major bid
the longer major.)
b) Bid one diamond over 1 club, if no 4 card major, and you have
at least 4 diamonds.
c) Raise partner's minor with 5 cards in his suit (Count dummy
points)
d) Bid 1NT if no higher ranking suit and less than 5 cards in
partners suit
8. Partner opens the bidding with 1D. Answer the following
questions:
a) 9842 b) J10 c) 953 d) A9
Q87 J43 QJ1087 KQJ75
KJ43 Q98 Q6 9854
J3 K9753 J53 64
HCP____ HCP____ HCP____ HCP_____
DIST.PTS_____ DIST.PTS____ DIST.PTS__ DIST.PTS____
TOTAL PTS____ TOTAL PTS___ TOTAL PTS___ TOTAL PTS____
Response__ Response____ Response____ Response___
E. Responding to One of a Major with 11-12 points (Medium Hand)
Here are your priorities:
a) With 11-12 points and at least 3 trump, raise partner's
suit to 3 level (Use dummy points) You have a limit raise.
b) Bid your own suit, if you lack support for partner (When
you bid a suit at the 2 level it is forcing and opener will need
to bid again.)
9) What would responder bid after one spade?
a) J9 b) J984 c) 8 d) 852
KQJ65 KQ J63 KJ74
K4 J6 QJ1086 A7
8643 K10753 AQJ9 QJ107
HCP______ HCP___ HCP___ HCP___
DIST.PTS____ DIST.PTS___ DIST.PTS____DIST.PTS___
TOTAL PTS___ TOTAL PTS___TOTAL PTS___TOTAL PTS___
Response____ Response____Response____Response____
F. Responding to One of a Minor with 11-12 points (Medium Hand)
Your priorities are as follows:
a) Bid One of a major with a major 4 cards or longer (With 2
four card majors bid Hearts; With two five card majors bid
spades; With a 5 and a 4 card major bid the longer major)
b) Raise to 3 level with 5 card or longer support for partner's
minor and no 4 card major
c) If you cannot bid a 4 card major or support partner's minor
suit, bid your 4 card or longer minor suit. (But, see note under
H.)*
G. Responding with 13 or more points to a Major Suit Opening -
(Game Forcing Hand)
a) With a balanced hand, bid 2NT.
b) Bid your longest suit, other than partner's suit, even
with support for partner's suit. Responder can show support
later, with his/her rebid.
10) What would responder bid after one spade?
a) AQ83 b) J7 c) 8 d) KJ8
A5 KQ10 K53 AQ74
QJ106 AJ84 AQ1086 8642
764 KJ63 KJ96 A5
HCP_____ HCP_____ HCP_____ HCP___
DIST.PTS ___ DIST.PTS___ DIST.PTS___DIST.PTS____
TOTAL PTS___ TOTAL PTS___ TOTAL PTS__TOTAL PTS___
H. Responding with 13 or more points to a Minor Suit Opening
Priorities in responding to a minor suit opening with 13 or more
points are as follows:
a) Bid your 4 card or longer major suit
b) With a balanced hand and stoppers in each of the majors bid
2NT*
c) Bid your own suit
* Note: Some partnerships permit a responder to respond 2NT to 1
of a minor with no 4 card or longer major, a balanced hand,
stoppers in both majors and 11-12 High Card Points. They
therefore use the response of 3NT to show 13-15 HCP, a balanced
hand, stoppers in the unbid suits and no 4 card major.
11.What do you respond to a 1C opening:
KQJxx Kxxx Axx x ___
12.What do you respond to a 1C opening:
KQJx Axxx Kxx xx ___
13.What do you respond to a 1C opening:
KQJx Kx xx KQxxx___
14.What do you respond to a 1D opening:
Kxx Axx KJxxx Ax ___
15.What do you respond to a 1D opening:
Ax xxx Qxx AKJxx ___
====================================
Answers to Responses to Opening Suit Bids
1. 1NT
2. 1S
3. 2S
4. 2S
5. 2S
6a) 6 HCP, 4 Distribution Points, 9 bad total points,
respond 2H
b) 8 HCP, 1 Distribution Points, 9 total points, respond 1S
c) 7 HCP, 1 Distribution Points, 8 total points,
respond 1NT
d) 9 HCP, 1 Distribution Points, 10 total points, respond 1S
7) b, c, and d since in each of these you have less than 3
hearts
8a) 7 HCP, 0 Distribution Points, 7 total points,
respond 1S
b) 7 HCP, 1 Distribution Points, 8 total points,
respond 1NT
c) 6 HCP 1 Distribution Points, 7 total points,
respond 1H
d) 10 HCP 1 Distribution Points, 11 total points, respond 1H
9 a) 10 HCP, 1 Distribution Points, 11 total points, respond
1NT you do have enough to bid 2 hearts, however with misfit,
little spades, under rather than overbid
b) 10 HCP, 2 Distribution Points, 12 total points,
respond 3S
c) 11 HCP, 0 Distribution Points, 11 total points,
respond 2D
d) 11 HCP 1 Distribution Points, 12 total points,
respond 3S
10) a) 13 HCP, 1 Distribution Points, 14 total points,
respond 2D
b) 15 HCP, 0 Distribution Points, 15 total points,
respond 3NT
c) 13 HCP, 0 Distribution Points, 13 total points,
respond 2D
d) 14 HCP, 1 Distribution Points, 15 total points,
respond 2D need 5 hearts to bid hearts
11) 1S (Spades are longer than hearts)
12) 1H (With 2 four card majors respond in hearts)
13 1S (Try to find your 4 card major fit)
14 3NT (Although you have a diamond fit, you are balanced and
have all suits stopped.)
15 2C (Your hearts are not stopped)
Marcia/Tarsh
Fifth Chair Foundation, founded by volunteers,
to teach bridge on the internet. Contributions
help us defray the costs of our site.
Please send your check to:
Fifth Chair Foundation
3055 80th Ave SE Suite 102
Mercer Island WA 98040-2954
********************
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, 9.30 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
===========================================================
FIRESIDE LOG
============
FIRESIDE'S TEAM GAME
Congratulations to our August winners:
1st Team Believer Eva-1, Moe_007 & Eds
2nd Team Flobabe Pinky003, JFokch, Frodo & J21
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!
**NOTE**
The Team Game is now being played once a month, on the first
Sunday of each month. If that happens to be a holiday weekend,
it will likely be played on the second Sunday. Join us this month
on September 3.
**********************************************************
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
Fred/FredW3 FredW3@burntmail.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!
********************
Rainbow and Spectrum Series Online!
The popular Rainbow (SAYC and play) and Spectrum (2/1-GF) series
have been automated for your convenience. You can take any of
the lessons at your leisure simply by clicking on either of these
links:
http://www.firesides.net/rainbows.htm
http://www.firesides.net/spectrums.htm
Enjoy!
********************
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.
*****************************************************
Events: (All times Pacific)
=================================
FIRESIDE MENTOR CUP TEAM GAME:
==============================
First Sunday of each month, at 5:00 P.M.
See www.firesides.net/mtc.htm for info and lists of past winners.
To get on the mailing list for this game, email Moogal at
firesider@aol.com.
DISCUSS LIST
============
OKbridge offers us an email discussion opportunity, the Discuss
List. You can join that list by emailing them at
Discuss-Subscribe@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.
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: Saturday 9.30 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.
=============================================================
SPECIAL TREAT #2
We have another special treat from FredW3 for your learning
enjoyment this month. Thanks so much, Fred :)
********************
Why I hate SAYC
The reason I hate SAYC so much is I think it is an incomplete
system.
It is lacking so many conventions that I think are vital.... here
are some.:-
1) In sayc you can make a limit raise in a major on 3 card
support.
I say your need 4 the reason sayc says 3 is sayc does not use
1nt forcing.
2) In sayc auctions like 1 minor :- 1 major:- 1nt :-2 of the
other minor
In sayc that isn't forcing .....that just says choose.
Why I don't like it is because we need ways to show
invitational hands with a 5 card major, or to try to find an
unlocated 4/4 major fit:-
Say the auction goes..
1 diam :- 1 spade:- 1nt :-2 clubs......
In sayc that says choose spades or clubs ...but by using new
minor forcing we can a find a 4/4 heart fit if there is one, or
a 5/3 spade fit if there is one and show inv values.
3) In sayc .... sayc uses strong jumps shifts
I think this is a waste of bidding space.
I think weak jump shifts are more practical because you get the
weak jump shift type hands more often than you do the strong jump
shift ones.
4 ) In sayc ..... sayc does not use splinter bids, which I think
is silly!
The only time sayc uses splinter bids is when it is obvious, like
:-
1 spade:- ( 2 club overcall) :- 4 clubs.
These are the 4 main reasons I don't like SAYC!
If I can think of any other reasons, as I am sure.I will!
I can put them in a future column.
********************
Join FredW3 at his regular Fireside Session on Wednesdays at 11
a.m. Pacific time.
You can contact Fred for information about lessons and mentoring
sessions at:
fredw3@burntmail.com
===========================================================
BridgeHands eMag Newsletter
===========================
Reprinted with permission from Michael Nistler, editor and owner
of BridgeHands eMag Newsletter. Visit his site, and subscribe to
this excellent publication, by going to
http://www.bridgehands.com.
Taken from the September 2006 BridgeHands eMag Newsletter:
********************
The Principle of Bridge Captaincy
Aye-aye, Captain!
Before we begin, let's regress to a bit of nostalgia. Did you
know the term "Aye-aye" originated with the crew pledging
allegiance and devotion to their captain? It seems the Vikings
were a rough bunch who grabbed prisoners and would vote on
whether or not their captive would be allowed to become a
shipmate - always the best option for the prisoner's longevity!
Hopefully, the ayes win! If "invited", the prisoner could then
affirm his oath by pledging to the captain "aye-aye."
Fortunately, our game of Bridge is more civil. Yet once the
partnership agrees on who is the captain during bidding, it's
definitely "mutiny on the bounty" when a shipmate tries to take
charge. Okay, let's get into what this captaincy is all about.
In the beginning there were three types of bids - forcing,
invitational and signoff. As we've learned early in our Bridge
career, most bids in a new suit are forcing, sometimes known as
demand bids. Take note that forcing bids do not involve Notrump
calls or bidding a previous suit. Here are a few basic examples:
1C - 1H;
Responder's strength unlimited (6+ points)
1S - 2C;
Responder's strength unlimited (10+ points)
1H - 1S;
When opener makes a strong jump shift to the 3C 3 level, the bid
is game-forcing (promising 19+ playing points); after all,
responder's bid only promises 6 points with a 1 level bid.
1D - 1H;
1S - 2C;
Opener's 1 level new suit rebid is "almost" forcing, showing up
to 18 points (the opponents are not bidding so it's rare to stop
at the 1 level). When responder wishes to keep the auction
"alive" but not make a draconian bid, bidding the fourth suit is
a convenient way to make a forcing bid. This allows partner the
opportunity to continue the description of the hand.
Invitational bids suggest continued bidding, usually for game,
when partner has extra values not disclosed on a prior bid.
Notice that these bids do use a jump in Notrump or partner's
suit:
1N - 2N;
Our garden variety game invite.
1H - 3H;
Most players prefer to use the jump raise to invite game in
partner's major suit. Many play a similar treatment in the minor
suits.
1D - 2N;
The common treatment for a jump raise from partner's minor suit
opening to 2 Notrump is invitational. Many years ago folks played
both this bid and the above major suit jump as game forcing but
since responder could simply bid game directly, the modern
treatment is to play these calls as inviting game.
1D - 1H;
2C
Hmm, this time it's the opener who bid a new suit. When the rank
of the second suit is lower than the first, it is not forcing.
Instead, the second suit shows a two-suited hand (nice
description, eh?)
Now let's consider signoff bids. Generally, a
player signs off by:
1. Bidding partner's suit at the lowest level
2. Rebidding own suit at the lowest level
3. Bidding Notrump at the lowest level
Let's checkout some signoff bids. A signoff bid signals that the
partner holds minimum values and does not have an interest in
further bidding:
1H - P;
Opener bids 1 Heart and partner passes, showing less than 6
point - definitely a signoff!
1C - 1N;
Responder bids Notrump, wanting to signoff with 6-10 points.
With 16+ points, opener may invite game with an appropriate
rebid, or directly bid game with 19+ points.
1C - 1S;
2C
Opener rebids original suit, a signoff request with 12-15 points
held by opener. Responder should pass with 6-9 points, invite
game with 10-12 points, or force game with 13+ points.
1D - 1H;
1N
Opener's Notrump rebid also shows 12-15 points; With a better
hand, opener would have opened with a 1 Notrump bid. The
responder has the same choices here as the prior hand.
1C - 1S;
2C - 2S;
Opener's 2C rebid is a signoff request, usually with a 6+ card
suit or a 5 card suit with side-suit shortness. Responder
persists bidding 2S, showing a 6+ card suit as well, requesting
signoff.
1S - 1N;
2S
Responder tried to signoff with 1 Notrump but opener rebids own
suit, also a signoff bid. What's going on here? Apparently
opener has a decent 6+ card suit and would rather play in
opener's own suit.
Thus, when either player limits their playing strength by making
the cheapest Notrump or suit rebid, it's up to partner to place
the contract. As we have seen above, the partner has the
following options:
1. With minimum values, pass or rebid own suit with extra length.
2. With extra values yet not enough to promise game, make an
invitational rebid. Invitational rebids include jump rebidding
at the 3 level in either your suit or partners, rebidding 2
Notrump*, or temporizing by making a bid in a new suit.
3. With game-going values (25+ points for partnership), bid game.
Here's a situation where a cliché works well - "the one who
knows, goes!"
* A jump rebid of 2 Notrump by opener is almost game forcing,
showing a hand stronger than a 1 Notrump opener.
1D - 1S;
2N
* However a jump rebid by responder is merely invitational,
showing less than a full opener.
1D - 1H;
1S - 2N
Now let's turn our attention to the "dark side" where a player
ignores the principle of captaincy, perhaps confusing a few basic
tenants. For instance, partner's signoff bid is a request, not a
mandate. When you have extra strength as captain, you can still
make invitational or forcing rebids. In essence, invitational
bids are a "shared captaincy," asking partner to pass with
minimum values, or make a forward-going bid with extra values.
A classic example is:
1N - 2N;
While the 1 Notrump opener promises a nice hand, Notrump opening
bids typically limit the hand to a 3 point range (15-17 points or
16-18 points, depending on partnership agreements). So
responder's call shows invitational values, asking partner to
rebid 3 Notrump with values near the top end of partner's range.
Unfortunately, some players either forget or refuse to relinquish
captaincy. At best, such an action does not instill partnership
confidence or trust. Hopefully neither you nor your partner are
guilty of these mutinous bids (opponent bids are in parenthesis):
1H - (P) - 1N - (2S);
P - (P) - 3C - (P);
P - (3S) - 4H !
After partner opened 1 Heart, responder gave up captaincy bidding
1 Notrump signoff denying Heart support and showing a minimum
hand (6-9 points for responder). However, when the opponents
entered the auction finding a Spade fit, the responder ignored
the captaincy principle by making a 4 Heart bid. Certainly the 3
Club bid was reasonable, wanting to compete in responder's long
suit but the 4 Heart bid was completely unwarranted.
In another situation, a weak argument might be made about taking
a sacrifice with favorable vulnerability, but not here. Quite
possibly the opponents have pushed too high by bidding 3 Spades,
particularly since the opener-responder probably have half the
points in the deck and a suit misfit. Secondly, responder is
under no obligation to "save" the contract when partner still has
another opportunity to bid.
Perhaps the opener will bid 4 Clubs or, better yet, Double the
opponents for penalty. Thus, responder's 4 Heart bid at best
shows a misunderstanding of captaincy. Let's look a few
variations involving the often maligned preempt:
3C - 3N;
4C !
When a player makes a preempt bid, they are limiting their hand.
Obviously, they are relinquishing captaincy for partner to place
the contract or guide the ship/bidding in the best direction
based on their hand. So on the first hand, why did the opener
pull responder out of a 3 Notrump contract? The opener has fully
defined their hand - knowing this, responder is at least captain
(if not admiral)! When opener ignores responder's sound bid and
unknown values, partnership trust suffers - to say nothing about
the quality of the final contract.
Note from Ms. Manners: when your opponents make such unsound
bids, try not to smile. Here's another variation:
3C - (P) - P - (3S);
4C ! - (4S) - P - (P);
5C ! - (X)
Have you seen this one before? Hopefully it was the opponents
bidding - you and your partner should refuse to pick up such bad
habits. Again, opener has relinquished captaincy, trusting
partner to steer the contract. Yet apparently opener fell in
love with their hand, pressing onward to 4 Clubs and even 5 Clubs
as if captain! This is a real no-no; save such heavy handed
tactics for solo games.
In summary, remember that a player surrenders captaincy by
rebidding either their own or partner's suit at the lowest level,
or bidding Notrump at the lowest level. After that, it's up to
partner to guide the ship to a safe harbor and final contract
(excepting shared captaincy).
===========================================================
TREBLE'S TABLE TALK
===================
Quiz Time
My wife Sue, often makes the unjust accusation that I'm trying to
write the great American novel with my Fireside submissions! To
prove her wrong, I'm going with a six-pack quiz of bridge hands
this month, questions at the top and the answers at the
conclusion.
That'll show her...
1) Matchpoints,..... none vulnerable
S-AKJx Hxx DK10xx C xxx
RHO opens 1D. Do you bid or pass?
2) Matchpoints,. both vulnerable
S-KJ109xx H x D J109xx C x
1H by LHO, partner passes, 4H by righty. What if anything crosses
your mind?
3) Matchpoints, none vulnerable
S-- AKxxxx H J109xx D x C x
1C on your right. Do you Michaels with 2C or overcall 1S? If you
choose the former, the auction proceeds:
RHO You LHO Partner
1C 2C 2D 4H
pass pass 5C pass
pass ?
4) Teams, both vulnerable
S-- Kxxxx H x D AQJxx C Qx
Do you open this hand and if so, in what suit? If you begin 1S,
you are playing 2/1 and this sequence follows:
You Partner
1S 2H
3D 3H
?
SAYC recommends a 2S rebid with this hand, as 3D would promise a
better hand. A fair number of 2/1 practitioners emphasize bidding
out your shape, however, so we're stuck with the 3D rebid. At any
rate, the news hasn't got any better but partner's 3H is
categorically forcing in 2/1. And now?
5) Both vulnerable, Matchpoints
S-- Axx H-- x D-- AKQJxxx C-Jxx
Bidding commences with:
Partner You
1H 2D
3C ?
Again, 2/1 is your system and any continuation by responder is
forcing.
6) Teams, nonvul against vulnerable
S-- x H-- 10xx D-- Kxx C-- AKJ10xx
Two passes and you're up to bat. Obviously you're bidding
something but what?
ANSWERS
1) S AKJx H xx D K10xx C xxx
Overcall 1S. With a near-opening bid and a decent four-card suit,
it's reasonable to get in quickly.
If you abstain from bidding LHO responds 1NT d around and now
you're faced with a decision of whether or not to come in at a
riskier level.
Worst of all, partner leads a heart against 1NT and they make
exactly seven tricks. 1S will allow your side to play 2S making
or defeat their NT contract
2) S KJ109xx H x D J109xx C x
It seems right to try 4S even with the shortage of points with
the nice distribution. On a good day partner will have enough
values for it to have a play and you expect it to be at worst a
paying sacrifice. Trouble is, LHO forges ahead with 5H and
partner doubles with QJ9x in hearts. Now you are confronted with
the Hobson's choice of passing the double for -850 or retreating
to 5S, doubled for -1100.
3) S AKxxxx H J109xx D x C x
Pass or double is the winning action on this one. Partner has the
Axxxx of hearts and the K of diamonds, so nothing makes.
Overcalling 1S instead of the 2C cuebid is a though because of
the disparity in the quality of the suits.
Even with the actual bidding, however, You should pass with your
two likely cashers in spades. If partner had zilch on defense, he
would have already taken the push to 5H.
4) Kxxxx H x D AQJxx C Qx
First off, and I realize I'm in the minority here, I would have
opened 1D. If partner responds 1H, you can describe the hand
nicely without crowding the auction with 1S and then 2S. If
instead he responds 1NT, bid 2D as you won't have a nine-card
spade fit. A 2C response if the most vexing, but at least your Qx
of clubs will have grown up and now opener can rebid either a
minimum-showing 2D or emphasize the shape with 2S, depending on
style
On the actual bidding, completing the 5-5 description with 4D is
too much on your barebones 12-count. So you have to decide
whether to bid 3NT on your half-stopper in clubs or raise to 4H
on your singleton.
5) S Axx H x D AKQJxxx C Jxx
Make a keycard request in CLUBS with either 4NT or 4C, depending
on what your agreement is.
Partner will show you three keycards, then the Q of clubs, and
another king as well. Now you can count 13 tricks, seven
diamonds, four clubs and three major-suit tricks. If you set
diamonds as trump with 3D and then ask on your next turn, it's
impossible to determine whether this is a reasonable play for a
grand slam.
6) S x H 10xx D Kxx C AKJ10xx
Open 3C.
True, you have a sound opening bid and 1C goes by the book, but
with zero major-suit length, you'll have to compete to the
three-level to buy the hand in any event, so why not make it
tough for the opponents by putting the question to them at an
uncomfortable level. If LHO bids and doesn't catch his partner
with the right holding, you have enough defense to maybe net +200
your way. Yet it's an offensive hand in some respects as well,
and if partner saves in 5C if they bid a major suit game, it
could still be a good result as your hand contains a mere
half-trick outside your long suit.
So that's my last word. Gee, surprise, it turned out to be just
as long as my other articles. It seems I won't be bragging to Sue
about how can downsize my writing efforts after all.
********************
You will find Bill doing his FireSide sessions on Fridays or
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
Thx again to LUC for this one:-
My friend's grandmother was in the hospital and was fading fast.
When he visited her the next day, he was delighted to find her
alert and on the mend. "You really gave us a scare," he said.
"We thought you were going to buy the farm."
"I'm fine," she reassured him. " I was just checking out the
property!"
============================================================
AND FINALLY KALTICA
===================
Inviting Rescue
Consider the following auction:
RHO You LHO Pard
1S 2C 2S 3H
Dble
If you, as Overcaller, have a few Hearts you have no problem.
Pass.
What if you have 0-1 Heart, though? Should you pass? Correct to
4C with:
S-xxx H- void D- Axx C-KQ10xxxx ?
If you bid 4C you might find that Partner's Club support isn't
much better than your Heart holding. On the other hand, if you
pass and Partner has C-Jx you might find that a run to 4C might
have been worth the rise in level. How can you know what is
right?
The simple answer is that you may not be able to know for sure,
but let's consider an option that Partner eschewed along the way:
RHO You LHO Pard
1S 2C 2S Dble <-- Responsive
(i.e. takeout)
double.
Pass any Pass 3H
Why did Partner double first if the intention was always to rebid
3H?
The answer is that if Partner and you are on the wavelength, you
can use this second sequence to show a hand that CAN stand a
rescue to 4C...
Advancer A: S- xx H-AKxxxx D- Kxx C- Jx
...while a direct 3H, without a prefacing double, DENIES Club
tolerance:
Advancer B: S - xx H- AKJ10xx D- Kxxx C- x
This works well because the doubling Advancer (i.e. Partner) is
able to correct a possible 3D bid to 3H.
RHO You LHO Pard
1S 2C 2S Dble <-- Responsive
(i.e. takeout)
double.
Pass 3D Pass 3H
In other words, it works because Hearts is the highest unbid
suit; your Partner can outbid any simple rebid by you with 3H.
But what if your partner had DIAMONDS? Now a double risks
hearing 3H from you, after which 4D could be dicey. Is there
some way to bid 3D to show a hand that has at least tolerance for
Clubs, in case you need to pull to 4C?
Advancer C: S- xx H- Kx D-AKxxxxx C- Jx
After 1S-2C-2S a free bid of 3D should deny Club tolerance, but a
double risks hearing 3H--ugh!
Consider the utility of 2NT here. The opponents have shown half
the deck (13 + 6, at least) AND have a major suit fit to lead
against any No Trump contract. This being the case, do we really
need 2NT for any natural purpose?
If you and your partner agree that 2NT is unlikely to be useful
as a natural bid, it can become the choice with Diamond length
and Club tolerance. This is fairly intuitive in that you are
bidding 2NT in a somewhat "unusual" situation to show MINOR suit
length. Thus, even if you forget that you are playing 2NT as
"unusual" in this manner it is intuitive enough to figure out at
the table. I won't say that using 2NT in this manner is
"standard", per se, but it is very likely that, even without
prior discussion, Partner will have Diamond length (what else CAN
s/he have?). In any event, 2NT to show Diamond length here is
very useful and well worth discussing with steady partners.
What if Partner has both red suits, though? Isn't that what the
responsive double is for?
Answer: Yes. Partner might well have a "classic" Responsive
double that happens to lack Club tolerance:
Advancer D: S- xxx H- AQxx D- KJ10xx C- x
With such a hand, though, Partner may do well to pass and see if
you can balance with a double. If 2S ends up being the final
contract your shortness in Partner's suit, coupled with your red
suit values, gives you good defensive prospects. Lacking a fit,
2S might be your last possible plus!
Okay, but what if Partner has a hand where s/he really wants to
bid over 2S? Typically, 5-5 or better in the reds:
Advancer E: S- x H- AQxxxx D- KJ10xx C- x
Here, we can use the Responsive double and, over 3C, rebid 3D to
"force" a preference between the red suits. Note that this
cannot be the hand with long Diamonds and Club tolerance since
those would have bid 2NT rather than doubling 2S.
Study these sequences carefully. Once you understand the
underlying principle you and your partner should be able to
reconstruct them out at the table. If not...well...-1100s build
character! :)
********************
You'll find Kaltica (Colin Ward) doing his FireSide sessions on
Tuesday or 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.
********************
Rainbow and Spectrum Series Online!
The popular Rainbow (SAYC and play) and Spectrum (2/1-GF) series
have been automated for your convenience. You can take any of
the lessons at your leisure simply by clicking on either of these
links:
http://www.firesides.net/rainbows.htm
http://www.firesides.net/spectrums.htm
Enjoy!
=============================================================
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