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Here again, the Space Cadets demonstrate that they are at their
best as a comeback team, rather than as frontrunners. Nevertheless,
this was a most enjoyable match -- and none of the kibitzers
wanted their money back!
The comments that you see between the hands are intended for
Kaltica's students. Please ignore them as you enjoy these
records of the decisive hands in this match.
|
19:09 Pacific time, June 5, 1997
Results of Team Play
List of Participants
---- -- ------------
Name Email Address
---- -------------
larryc lardon1@borg.com
ensoutha ensoutha@eastnet.educ.ecu.edu "LATE ENTRY"
gmchenry vmchenry@ix.netcom.com (them)
ironman hoag@inetnebr.com
Kaltica cpw@escape.ca
ksired ksired@escape.ca "SPACE CADETS"
Memory memoryh@mindspring.com (us)
rbrough rbrough@escape.ca
Summary of Results - 1st Half - Boards 1 - 12
------- -- ------- --- ---- ------ - --
Board ensoutha's team Memory's team Score
----- ---------------------- ---------------------- -----
TB.IMP 1 4S (W) 5 = -450, 5S (W) 5 = -450, 0 IMPS
TN.IMP 2 5D (E) -1 = 50, 4D (E) 4 = -130, 5 IMPS
TN.IMP 3 4H (W) 4 = -620, 5D-X (N) -4 = -800, 5 IMPS
TN.IMP 4 3NT (N) 6 = 690, 3NT (N) 5 = 660, 1 IMPS
TN.IMP 5 3C (N) 4 = 130, 3C (N) 4 = 130, 0 IMPS
TN.IMP 6 6D (W) 6 = -1370, 7H (E) -1 = 100, -16 IMPS
TN.IMP 7 3S (W) 4 = -170, 4S-X (E) 4 = -790, 12 IMPS
TN.IMP 8 4S (W) -2 = 100, 4S (W) -2 = 100, 0 IMPS
TN.IMP 9 2S (S) 2 = 110, 3S (S) 3 = 140, -1 IMPS
TN.IMP 10 3NT (W) 4 = -630, 5D (E) -2 = 200, -13 IMPS
TN.IMP 11 5H-X (S) -1 = -100, 5D (W) 5 = -400, 7 IMPS
TN.IMP 12 3C (N) 4 = 130, 3NT (S) 6 = 690, -11 IMPS
Total ensoutha 30 IMPS, Memory 41 IMPS
These first 12 boards got us out to a brisk 11 IMP lead,
based largely on Kenny's brilliant performance. As we
will see in the 2nd half, the Space Cadets are not great
front-runners. :(
One of the themes central to this set of hands is
that of "cheap insurance". The opponents have bid a
contract which you think has a decent chance of making.
You feel in your bones that bidding on will result in
your side going down one. Should you go for it? The
answer at IMPs is YES. Granted, you may be spitting up
-100 rather than collecting +100, but think of the
potential GAIN. If they MAKE their contract they will
be collecting more than that. In the case of a game
or slam contract, MUCH MORE THAN THAT. So you don't
even have to be right 50% of the time. Against
game contracts, 1-in-3 would be fine! And, of course,
partner MAY have the golden hand that allows YOUR SIDE
to make it's contract. Bidding "one more for the road"
in close competitive auctions gives us the expression
"Down one is good bridge!"
Remember, though, that this does not apply to balancing
when the opponents have stopped just SHORT of game
(i.e. 2NT, 3H, 3S, 4C or 4D). In those cases, PASS is
right 95% of the time.
Play records follow.
==========================================================================
IMPs north TN.IMP Board 2
Dlr: East ensoutha
Vul: N-S S AKJ754 west north east south
H 983 ksired ensoutha Kaltica larryc
D 8
C QJ6 1D pass
west east 1H 1S 2H 3S
ksired Kaltica pass 4S 5D (all p)
S Q2 S
H J52 H AKQ4 Opening Lead: CK
D K52 D QJT743 Result: -1
C AT432 C 975 Score: 50, IMPs: 5.00
south Playing time: 4:21
larryc
S T9863 1 2 3 4
H T76 W A-D2 2 2
D A96 N 6 8 J-SA
C K8 E 5 T 9 D3
S CK A-C8 3
Although this hand turned out badly for us, it illustrates
a number of things done RIGHT. Applying the Law of Total
Tricks (i.e. that when pre-empting you should bid the
number of trumps your side has), South should bid 4S, not
3S. South's 5 Spades, added to the 5 he could expect from
partner for the 1S overcall, adds up to 10. Hence, "4S!"
That said, this is NOT a pre-emptive hand for South. The
D-A and C-K may take TWO tricks and that is at least one
too many for a 4S bid. While many experts would disagree,
I think his 3S bid was CORRECT and, had E-W not competed,
might have stolen the hand for +140.
With a 6th Spade and very little defence, North bids 4S.
This stampeded me into 5D, one trick beyond our depth.
But 5D, -50, is "cheap insurance" for us against a 4S
contract which AT THE TIME I thought might make based
on a Black-suit double fit.
Notice, too, the 5D bid rather than 5H. Partner has
already heard that I have 4 Hearts. Why not tell him
something NEW with 5D? That is, that I have 5+ Diamonds?
-------------------------------------------
IMPs north TN.IMP Board 2
Dlr: East Memory
Vul: N-S S AKJ754 west north east south
H 983 gmchenry Memory ironman rbrough
D 8
C QJ6 1D pass
west east 1NT 2S 3D 3S
gmchenry ironman 4D (all pass)
S Q2 S
H J52 H AKQ4 Opening Lead: ST
D K52 D QJT743 Result: +4
C AT432 C 975 Score: -130, IMPs: -5.00
south Playing time: 3:59
rbrough
S T9863 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
H T76 W 2 K-D2 Q 5 2 J-H5
D A96 N 7 8 S5 K H3 8 9 S4
C K8 E D3-D4 J D7-DQ-HA-H4 K
S ST 6 A-S3 9 6 7 T
RBrough correctly passes 4D here, worried that 4S might push
them into a 5-level contract that makes! Remember: don't
pre-empt in the passout seat! :)
===================================================================
IMPs north TN.IMP Board 3
Dlr: South ensoutha
Vul: E-W S Q875 west north east south
H Q42 ksired ensoutha Kaltica larryc
D AQJ84
C 4 pass
west east pass 1D X pass
ksired Kaltica 1H pass 2H pass
S T63 S AKJ 4H (all pass)
H AT3 H K987
D 953 D T7 Opening Lead: C4
C KQ62 C AJ97 Result: +4
south Score: -620, IMPs: 5.00
larryc Playing time: 4:16
S 942
H J65 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
D K62 W K-HA-HT 3 6 2 6 Q-S3
C T853 N C4 4 2 Q-S5 D4 D8 S7 8
E 9 7 K-H8 A-CA-CJ-C7 J
S T 5 6 J 9 3 5 8 2
This hand makes a number of points. Foremost is: KSired is
the GREASIEST (i.e. luckiest) bridge player alive. Secondly,
don't try to recover from one "creative" bid by making an
outright bad bid. His parter has raised his 3-card Heart
"suit". This is NOT the time to show Clubs, since partner
will simply take that as a try for 4H. The question to him
was direct: "Pass or 4H, Kenny?" Of course, any HUMAN
BEING would pass 2H in a flash, but Space Cadet Sired stuck
to his phasers and bid the 18% 4H, requiring a 36% 3-3
Heart split AND a 50% Spade finesse. As the Spanish say,
"fortuna favorece a los audaces". :)
-------------------------------------------
IMPs north TN.IMP Board 3
Dlr: South Memory
Vul: E-W S Q875 west north east south
H Q42 gmchenry Memory ironman rbrough
D AQJ84
C 4 pass
west east pass 2D X 5D
gmchenry ironman X (all pass)
S T63 S AKJ
H AT3 H K987 Opening Lead: SA
D 953 D T7 Result: -4
C KQ62 C AJ97 Score: -800, IMPs: -5.00
south Playing time: 4:54
rbrough
S 942 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
H J65 W 3 3 Q-D5 2 A-D9 6 6 T 3 CK T
D K62 N 5 8-C4 4 DJ-H2 A-S7 DQ-S8 Q-SQ-H4
C T853 E SA-D7 7 T 9 7 CJ J-CA K-H8 H9 K
S 2 2 T K-C3 J 6 4 5 9 5 C8 6
Memory's weak 2D should show: 6+ Diamonds, 6-9 HCPs, no 4-card
major and no defence against a major suit contract. Her hand
scores a perfect 0-for-4 on these criteria. Her hand's great
trick-taking potential proved the most fatal lie here. South,
looking at NO tricks opposite a weak 2D, panicked. Certain
that the opponents had a likely slam (unless BOTH had D-xx),
he bid 5D--even though he is one or two Diamonds short. Bear
in mind, RBrough thinks he is sacrificing against a SLAM, not
just a game. -800 didn't bother him at all.
I would NOT have bid 5D with RBrough's hand, though, since
bidding 5D tells the opponent with 3+card Diamond length
that their partner has shortness. In other words, 5D may
cause the opponents to bid the very slam RBrough fears!
Here, though, both opponents had "death" holdings in Diamonds,
so they doubled and collected 800. Imagine Kenny's surprise
when he learned that his +620 for 4H actually LOST IMPs !
Remember: it's alright to open weak 2s LIGHT, but NEVER
HEAVY (except in FOURTH seat). Memory should open 1D here.
==========================================================================
IMPs north TN.IMP Board 5
Dlr: North Memory
Vul: N-S S K52 west north east south
H AK4 gmchenry Memory ironman rbrough
D K7432
C QJ 1NT pass 2S!
west east pass 3C (all pass)
gmchenry ironman
S A763 S QJ4 Opening Lead: DJ
H QJ96 H T832 Result: +4
D QT85 D J9 Score: 130, IMPs: 0.00
C 2 C A643 Playing time: 5:10
south
rbrough
S T98 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
H 75 W 8 2 A-HQ S3 S6 H6 5 7
D A6 N K-CQ 2 A-CJ H4 D2 3 5
C KT9875 E DJ A-SQ 2 3 4 6 9 J-H3
S 6 5 8 5 K-CT-C9-DA-S9
-------------------------------------------
IMPs north TN.IMP Board 5
Dlr: North ensoutha
Vul: N-S S K52 west north east south
H AK4 ksired ensoutha Kaltica larryc
D K7432
C QJ 1NT! pass 2S
west east pass 3C (all pass)
ksired Kaltica
S A763 S QJ4 Opening Lead: H3
H QJ96 H T832 Result: +4
D QT85 D J9 Score: 130, IMPs: 0.00
C 2 C A643 Playing time: 4:47
south
larryc
S T98 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
H 75 W J 2 S3 H9 Q 5 S6 8 T 7 Q A-H6
D A6 N A-CJ-CQ S2 K-D2 H4 K-D3 K-D4 5 D7
C KT9875 E H3 4 3 A-H2 9 6 J H8 4 HT J SQ
S 5 5 K-C7 7 A-C8-D6 C9-ST CT-S8 S9
When you have 7 HCPs, a 6+card minor and an outside entry
opposite a 1NT opening bid, jump to 3NT. Don't make partner
guess whether or not you have six tricks!
========================================================================
IMPs north TN.IMP Board 6
Dlr: East Memory
Vul: E-W S JT93 west north east south
H 2 gmchenry Memory ironman rbrough
D 952
C Q8654 1H pass
west east 2D pass 2H pass
gmchenry ironman 4NT pass 5H pass
S K764 S A 5NT pass 6D pass
H Q95 H AJT863 7H (all pass)
D AKJT6 D Q83
C A C K73 Opening Lead: CJ
south Result: -1
rbrough Score: 100, IMPs: 16.00
S Q852 Playing time: 4:12
H K74
D 74 1 2 3
C JT92 W A-HQ-H5
N 4 2 C6
E 3 3
S CJ 4
At first, the 7H bid doesn't look that bad. 50%. Yes, but
West bid it NOT KNOWING that East had the H-Jack! Hence,
7H is AT BEST 50%. I assume that the opponents were NOT
playing Roman Key Card Blackwood, in which case West might
be bidding it off the Ace of Trump!
I can only surmise that West figured he was behind in the
match and needed a lucky swing in his favour. Still, it is
FAR TOO EARLY in the match for such panic.
-------------------------------------------
IMPs north TN.IMP Board 6
Dlr: East ensoutha
Vul: E-W S JT93 west north east south
H 2 ksired ensoutha Kaltica larryc
D 952
C Q8654 1H pass
west east 2D pass 3D pass
ksired Kaltica 3H pass 3S pass
S K764 S A 4C pass 4S pass
H Q95 H AJT863 4NT pass 5H pass
D AKJT6 D Q83 6D (all pass)
C A C K73
south Opening Lead: SJ
larryc Result: +6
S Q852 Score: -1370, IMPs: -16.00
H K74 Playing time: 6:10
D 74
C JT92 1 2 3 4 5 6
W 6 6 A-DK-H9
N SJ 5 2 9 2
E A-DQ-D3 8 3
S 5 4 7 S2 K-CJ
A simple, crisp auction. Settle trumps, cuebid for a while,
then Blackwood for confirmation. At Matchpoints I would
correct 6D to 6H, of course.
=====================================================================
IMPs north TN.IMP Board 7
Dlr: South ensoutha
Vul: Both S 42 west north east south
H J753 ksired ensoutha Kaltica larryc
D A2
C Q7643 1D
west east 1S X! 1NT 2C
ksired Kaltica pass pass 2S pass
S AK87 S QJT653 pass 3C 3S (all p)
H A864 H QT
D 8753 D K9 Opening Lead: DA
C 5 C J92 Result: +4
south Score: -170, IMPs: 12.00
larryc Playing time: 7:13
S 9
H K92 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
D QJT64 W 5 5 7 SA-S7 SK-S8 A-H4
C AKT8 N DA-C3 2 4 2 6 4 3 J
E 9 J K-C2 Q-C9 T-HQ T
S 4 K-D6 A 9 8 CT K 2
Not all operations are successful. Here we see East (me) trying
to bamboozle the opponents. Looking at my hand the opponents
MUST be cold for SOME game after my partner's 1S overcall! So
I began trying to bamboozle them, faking strength and hiding
our Spade fit with a 1NT free bid. I was delighted to pick up
+170 until I realized that 5C could NOT make (Spades broke
down the center and my D-King was NOT finessable).
-------------------------------------------
IMPs north TN.IMP Board 7
Dlr: South Memory
Vul: Both S 42 west north east south
H J753 gmchenry Memory ironman rbrough
D A2
C Q7643 1D
west east pass 1H 2S 3C
gmchenry ironman 4S X (all pass)
S AK87 S QJT653
H A864 H QT Opening Lead: CA
D 8753 D K9 Result: +4
C 5 C J92 Score: -790, IMPs: -12.00
south Playing time: 6:38
rbrough
S 9 1 2 3 4 5 6
H K92 W 5 A-H4 6 K-HA
D QJT64 N 3 2 3 5 4 7
C AKT8 E 2 3 T Q-S5 D9
S CA-S9 K-H9 DQ 2
With 6 of her 7 points in partner's minor suits and FIVE
card support for South's Clubs, Memory should be bidding
5C as a 2-way bid (i.e. "If it ain't making, it's likely
cheap insurance" against the chance of 4S making) here.
Alternatively, Memory could PASS the decision around to
RBrough. South would then bid 4NT, showing secondary
Heart support and insisting that partner make a 5-level
choice. North's double in direct seat precludes this
action.
=======================================================================
IMPs north TN.IMP Board 8
Dlr: West Memory
Vul: None S Q76 west north east south
H T863 gmchenry Memory ironman rbrough
D Q6
C QJ43 1S pass 2C pass
west east 2S pass 4S (all p)
gmchenry ironman
S AKT94 S J85 Opening Lead: H6
H J7 H A542 Result: -2
D KT2 D A97 Score: 100, IMPs: 0.00
C T98 C A52 Playing time: 5:54
south
rbrough
S 32 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
H KQ9 W 7 A-SK-HJ S4-CT 9 C8 9 2
D J8543 N H6 7 6 3 8 J-SQ-HT-C3 Q-CQ
C K76 E 2 5 8 A-H4 2 J 5 A-D9
S Q-S2 3 9 K 7 D3 D4 6 5
This is an extremely "impatient" auction/action by West. With
a 5-2-3-3 hand, why not jump to 3NT rather than 4S? East would
certainly be HAPPY to pass 3NT. While 3NT will require some
work, it's chances are never worse than those of 4S !
-------------------------------------------
IMPs north TN.IMP Board 8
Dlr: West ensoutha
Vul: None S Q76 west north east south
H T863 ksired ensoutha Kaltica larryc
D Q6
C QJ43 1S pass 2C pass
west east 2D pass 2H pass
ksired Kaltica 2S pass 3S pass
S AKT94 S J85 4S (all pass)
H J7 H A542
D KT2 D A97 Opening Lead: C3
C T98 C A52 Result: -2
south Score: 100, IMPs: 0.00
larryc Playing time: 5:38
S 32
H KQ9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
D J8543 W 9 7 J 4 8 SA-S9 T ST-SK-DK-D2 T
C K76 N C3 6 3 Q-CQ 8 6 J-HT 7 6 Q C4
E 2 4 A-S8 A-H2 J-C5 5 5 7 A-D9
S K-HK-HQ 2 6 9 3 7 D3 D4 5 8 J
Looking at 3 Aces I used a 4th suit force before raising
partner to 3S. While this usually suggests a stronger hand,
I wanted to give partner the option of bidding game in 3NT
or 4S or cuebid towards a slam. Kenny inexplicably guessed
wrong here. Again, 3NT is no picnic, but it has chances and
it IS the most accurate bid with Kenny's flat hand.
=======================================================================
IMPs north TN.IMP Board 10
Dlr: East Memory
Vul: Both S 952 west north east south
H Q852 gmchenry Memory ironman rbrough
D 875
C 975 1D 1S
west east 2H pass 3D pass
gmchenry ironman 3S pass 4D pass
S AT8 S J3 5D (all pass)
H AKJ94 H T7
D 64 D AKQJT2 Opening Lead: CA
C JT4 C Q62 Result: -2
south Score: 200, IMPs: 13.00
rbrough Playing time: 4:20
S KQ764
H 63 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
D 93 W 4 A-D4 6 CT 4 8 J
C AK83 N 5 2 5 7 8 Q-S5 7
E 2 J A-DK-DQ-HT 3 6
S CA-SK 3 9 S4 6 Q-CK
-------------------------------------------
IMPs north TN.IMP Board 10
Dlr: East ensoutha
Vul: Both S 952 west north east south
H Q852 ksired ensoutha Kaltica larryc
D 875
C 975 1D 1S
west east 2H pass 3D pass
ksired Kaltica 3NT (all pass)
S AT8 S J3
H AKJ94 H T7 Opening Lead: S9
D 64 D AKQJT2 Result: +4
C JT4 C Q62 Score: -630, IMPs: -13.00
south Playing time: 4:21
larryc
S KQ764 1 2 3 4 5 6
H 63 W A-D4 4 8 4 A
D 93 N S9 5 Q-S2 5 2
C AK83 E 3 A-HT J 2 7
S K 3 6 Q-CK-H3
"Ask partner for what you're looking FOR. Don't ask partner
for what you're looking AT."
At the other table, WEST asked EAST for a Spade guard. At
this table, West looked at his hand and said to himself:
"Hey, *I* have Spades guarded. I think I'll bid 3NT!"
Easy game, bridge. Keep it that way. :)
======================================================================
IMPs north TN.IMP Board 11
Dlr: South ensoutha
Vul: None S K9873 west north east south
H AQ8 ksired ensoutha Kaltica larryc
D Q
C J952 pass
west east 1D X 2C 4H
ksired Kaltica pass pass 5D pass
S T52 S A pass 5H X (all pass)
H T2 H 94
D AKJ64 D 97532 Opening Lead: DA
C K84 C AQ763 Result: -1
south Score: -100, IMPs: 7.00
larryc Playing time: 5:12
S QJ64
H KJ7653 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
D T8 W DA-C4 8 2 T K J 2
C T N Q 2 5 A-HQ-CJ H8-S3
E 9 A-C7 4 9 3 2 A-CQ
S 8 T HJ-H3 5 H6-DT 4
We could have beaten this THREE on a Spade lead, but that
is asking a lot from West.
-------------------------------------------
IMPs north TN.IMP Board 11
Dlr: South Memory
Vul: None S K9873 west north east south
H AQ8 gmchenry Memory ironman rbrough
D Q
C J952 pass
west east 1D X 2C 2D
gmchenry ironman pass 2S 3D 3S
S T52 S A pass pass 4D 4H
H T2 H 94 pass 4S 5D (all pass)
D AKJ64 D 97532
C K84 C AQ763 Opening Lead: S3
south Result: +5
rbrough Score: -400, IMPs: -7.00
S QJ64 Playing time: 5:12
H KJ7653
D T8 1 2 3 4 5 6
C T W 2 A-DK-C4 K-C8
N S3 Q S9 2 5 9
E A-D2 3 Q-C3 A
S Q 8 T T H7 H3
With a fit in BOTH majors N-S simply HAVE to take the cheap
insurance in 5H here.
=========================================================================
IMPs north TN.IMP Board 12
Dlr: West Memory
Vul: N-S S T west north east south
H K5 gmchenry Memory ironman rbrough
D T4
C AKJ96532 1H 2C pass 2S
west east X 3C pass 3NT
gmchenry ironman (all pass)
S KQ64 S J87
H AQ963 H 42 Opening Lead: CQ
D KQ6 D J9752 Result: +6
C Q C T74 Score: 690, IMPs: 11.00
south Playing time: 8:10
rbrough
S A9532 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
H JT87 W CQ S6 H6 DK H3 H9 S4 D6 Q A-HQ
D A83 N A-CK-CJ-C9-C2-C3-C5-C6-D4 5 K
C 8 E 4 7 T D2 D5 D7 H2 S7 9 4 S8
S 8 S2 S3 D3 S5 S9 D8 H8 A-H7 T
Here we return to the theme of a long minor and an outside
guard (Hearts). It would have made much more sense if MEMORY
had bid 3NT, though. :)
But then, these two seem to have set a pattern of bidding
each other's hands, so who can complain? Worked like a
charm here. :)
Myself, I find it much easier to bid the one I AM looking at. :)
-------------------------------------------
IMPs north TN.IMP Board 12
Dlr: West ensoutha
Vul: N-S S T west north east south
H K5 ksired ensoutha Kaltica larryc
D T4
C AKJ96532 1H 2C pass 2S
west east pass 3C (all pass)
ksired Kaltica
S KQ64 S J87 Opening Lead: H4
H AQ963 H 42 Result: +4
D KQ6 D J9752 Score: 130, IMPs: -11.00
C Q C T74 Playing time: 4:58
south
larryc
S A9532 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
H JT87 W A-H3 Q H6 S6 D6 S4 DQ SK K 9 HQ SQ
D A83 N 5 K-CA-CK-CJ-C9-C6-C5-C3-D4 C2-DT ST
C 8 E H4 2 7 4 T D2 D5 S7 S8 7 SJ J-D9
S J 7 8 S2 S3 D3 S5 D8 S9 A-H8 HT SA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
List of Participants
---- -- ------------
Name Email Address Half-Time
---- ------------- Score
larryc lardon1@borg.com
ensoutha ensoutha@eastnet.educ.ecu.edu "LATE ENTRY" 30
ironman hoag@inetnebr.com (them)
Jillin jillin@concentric.net
Kaltica cpw@escape.ca
Memory memoryh@mindspring.com "SPACE CADETS" 41
rbrough rbrough@escape.ca (us)
Wintaka btreble@escape.ca
Summary of Results - 2nd Half Boards 13-24
------- -- ------- --- ---- ------ -- --
Board Memory's team ensoutha's team Score
----- ---------------------- ---------------------- -----
TB.IMP 1 4S (E) 5 = -450, 5S (E) 5 = -450, 0 IMPS
TN.IMP 2 5C (E) 5 = -400, 5C (E) 5 = -400, 0 IMPS
TN.IMP 3 4H (N) -3 = -150, 3H (N) 3 = 140, -7 IMPS
TN.IMP 4 3H-X (S) -2 = -500, 2S (N) 2 = 110, -12 IMPS
TN.IMP 5 3NT (W) 4 = -430, 3H (W) 3 = -140, -7 IMPS
TN.IMP 6 4S (W) -1 = 100, 3NT (E) -2 = 200, -3 IMPS
TN.IMP 7 3NT (S) -1 = -100, 1NT (S) 1 = 90, -5 IMPS
TN.IMP 8 5H-X (W) -3 = 500, 5H-X (W) -2 = 300, 5 IMPS
TN.IMP 9 4S (E) 5 = -650, 6S (E) -1 = 100, -13 IMPS
TN.IMP 10 4S (S) 5 = 650, 4S (S) 5 = 650, 0 IMPS
TN.IMP 11 2H (S) -3 = -150, 2D (N) -2 = -100, -2 IMPS
TN.IMP 12 3S (W) 5 = -200, 4S (E) 4 = -420, 6 IMPS
Total Memory 11 IMPS, ensoutha 49 IMPS
This predictable result stemmed directly from the departure
of our star player, Kenny Sired. So why did we sit him out?
Because he asked to sit out. But a little history...
Kenny & Wintaka were playing in the finals of our area's '97
Team Championship to see who would represent us in the
National Team Championship. Kenny staked his team to a
convincing lead and then ASKED TO SIT OUT THE LAST ROUND,
complaining of fatigue.
"No, we need you," said his captain. Kenny sat down at the
table and single-handedly eliminated his team. :(
From this I learned that when a very competitive player
like Kenny asks NOT to play, as he did after our first
half session here, HE SITS OUT !
So I really don't think that twisting his arm to get him
to play would have helped our cause. :(
Disastrous play records follow.
======================================================================
IMPs north TB.IMP Board 1
Dlr: North Memory
Vul: None S 853 west north east south
H 97 Jillin Memory ironman Kaltica
D T864
C Q985 pass 1NT 2C!
west east X 2D 2S 2NT
Jillin ironman X 3C pass 3D
S AQ4 S KT962 pass pass 3S pass
H A542 H K3 4S (all pass)
D J7 D A95
C T742 C AJ6 Opening Lead: HQ
south Result: +5
Kaltica Score: -450, IMPs: 0.00
S J7 Playing time: 8:28
H QJT86
D KQ32 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
C K3 W 2 7 A-CT 4 J S4-SA-SQ-C2
N 9 4 7 5 S8 6 T 3 5 8
E K-D5 3 6 S9-DA-D9 2 6 J
S HQ Q-HJ K-HT 2 3 7 J 3
-------------------------------------------
IMPs north TB.IMP Board 1
Dlr: North ensoutha
Vul: None S 853 west north east south
H 97 Wintaka ensoutha rbrough larryc
D T864
C Q985 pass 1S 2H
west east 3H! pass 4C pass
Wintaka rbrough 4H pass 5D X
S AQ4 S KT962 5S (all pass)
H A542 H K3
D J7 D A95 Opening Lead: HQ
C T742 C AJ6 Result: +5
south Score: -450, IMPs: 0.00
larryc Playing time: 9:56
S J7
H QJT86 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
D KQ32 W 2 7 A-DJ S4-CT A-SQ-C2 4
C K3 N 9 6 7 4 8 Q 3 5 8 S8
E K-D5 3 A-D9 A-S2 6 6 SK
S HQ Q-HJ 2 3 3 7 J K-HT
We were VERY LUCKY to push this board. West "double-pumped"
East with the 4H cuebid, virtually INSISTING on a slam with
this ratty 11-count. How RBrough managed to stop in 5S with
FIFTEEN HCPs and control in ALL the suits I'll never know.
This is the kind of board that raises people's eyebrows, BTW. :(
======================================================================
IMPs north TN.IMP Board 2
Dlr: East ensoutha
Vul: N-S S J8764 west north east south
H QJ96 Wintaka ensoutha rbrough larryc
D 3
C T95 pass 1H
west east X 3H pass pass
Wintaka rbrough X pass 5C (all p)
S AKT9 S 5
H 8 H 543 Opening Lead: HA
D AQ876 D T954 Result: +5
C Q86 C AKJ43 Score: -400, IMPs: 0.00
south Playing time: 6:38
larryc
S Q32 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
H AKT72 W 8 A-C6 C8-CQ D6 A-SK-S9 7
D KJ2 N 6 4 5 9 9 T 3 6 7 S8
C 72 E 3 5 A-H4 K-CJ-D4 H5 C3-DT
S HA-S3 2 7 7 H2 2 2 Q K
ANOTHER strange auction from E-W. RBrough tortures his partner
with a pass of 3H (rather than the obvious 4C). Somehow, West
finds a 2nd double (I wouldn't have) and THEN RBrough leaps to
game in Clubs. Such "catching up" does not always work so well!
Remember: Bid your hand aggressively but accurately the FIRST
time and you won't have to do so again.
-------------------------------------------
IMPs north TN.IMP Board 2
Dlr: East Memory
Vul: N-S S J8764 west north east south
H QJ96 Jillin Memory ironman Kaltica
D 3
C T95 pass 1H
west east X 2H 3C 3H
Jillin ironman 5C (all pass)
S AKT9 S 5
H 8 H 543 Opening Lead: HA
D AQ876 D T954 Result: +5
C Q86 C AKJ43 Score: -400, IMPs: 0.00
south Playing time: 3:38
Kaltica
S Q32 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
H AKT72 W 8 A-SK-CQ-C6 C8-DA-S9 ST 6
D KJ2 N 9 4 6 5 9 6 3 7 T HJ
C 72 E 3 5 H4 3 A-H5 4 CJ-CK-D9
S HA-S3 2 2 7 2 2 Q H7 K-HK
========================================================================
IMPs north TN.IMP Board 3
Dlr: South ensoutha
Vul: E-W S Q3 west north east south
H AKT63 Wintaka ensoutha rbrough larryc
D AKJ93
C 9 pass
west east pass 1H pass 1NT
Wintaka rbrough pass 3D pass 3H
S AJ854 S T76 (all pass)
H 4 H J952
D T752 D Q8 Opening Lead: CA
C T82 C AKQ5 Result: +3
south Score: 140, IMPs: 7.00
larryc Playing time: 7:02
S K92
H Q87 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
D 64 W 2 T 4 5 2 7 S4 A-C8 J T S5 S8
C J7643 N 9 H3-HA-DA-DK-D3 6 3 SQ HT-DJ K-D9
E CA-CK 2 8 Q S6 5 7 Q-ST H9-HJ C5
S 3 4 7 4 6 H8-HQ-SK 6 2 C7 S9 CJ
A very disciplined pass by North. Well done.
-------------------------------------------
IMPs north TN.IMP Board 3
Dlr: South Memory
Vul: E-W S Q3 west north east south
H AKT63 Jillin Memory ironman Kaltica
D AKJ93
C 9 pass
west east pass 1H pass 2H
Jillin ironman pass 4H (all pass)
S AJ854 S T76
H 4 H J952 Opening Lead: CA
D T752 D Q8 Result: -3
C T82 C AKQ5 Score: -150, IMPs: -7.00
south Playing time: 4:19
Kaltica
S K92 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
H Q87 W 2 8 4 S4 5 A-SJ C8 2 7 T T-S5
D 64 N 9 Q-HA-H3 J 3 H6-HK-DA-DK HT-D9 D3
C J7643 E CA-ST 2 9 Q-S7 6 5 8 HJ-CK C5 CQ
S 3 2 7 Q-D4 K 9 8 6 C4 6 C7 CJ
Looking at two Black suit losers, North should GET THOSE
DIAMONDS ESTABLISHED before drawing a second trump. D-AK,
intending to ruff a Diamond if necessary, works whenever
Diamonds are 3-3 (36%) OR the D-Q falls doubleton (about
23%) or singleton (just less than 1%). Indeed, it works
virtually anytime West has 4 Diamonds AND anytime East
has 4-4 in the red suits. This makes it overwhelmingly
better than to finesse in Diamonds (50%). And, of course,
even if the opponents can over-ruff a Diamond, one might
still make if trumps behave.
A very instructive play hand!
======================================================================
IMPs north TN.IMP Board 4
Dlr: West ensoutha
Vul: Both S JT986 west north east south
H K43 Wintaka ensoutha rbrough larryc
D K93
C T7 1D pass 1NT pass
west east pass 2S (all pass)
Wintaka rbrough
S AK42 S 75 Opening Lead: CA
H QJ6 H 85 Result: +2
D AT872 D 654 Score: 110, IMPs: 12.00
C 8 C AKJ965 Playing time: 4:43
south
larryc
S Q3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
H AT972 W 8 A-D7 2 D2 J K-D8 A-DT 4
D QJ N 7 3 9 J-CT K-S6 K-S8 S9-ST
C Q432 E CA-D4 5 5 K-H8 7 6 C5 C6 C9
S 2 J Q-S3 3 9 Q C4 H2 H7 HT
-------------------------------------------
IMPs north TN.IMP Board 4
Dlr: West Memory
Vul: Both S JT986 west north east south
H K43 Jillin Memory ironman Kaltica
D K93
C T7 1D pass 1NT 2H
west east pass pass 3C pass
Jillin ironman 3D 3H pass pass
S AK42 S 75 X (all pass)
H QJ6 H 85
D AT872 D 654 Opening Lead: SA
C 8 C AKJ965 Result: -2
south Score: -500, IMPs: -12.00
Kaltica Playing time: 5:59
S Q3
H AT972 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
D QJ W SA-C8 D7 K-S4 S2 6 J HQ-DA-D2
C Q432 N 6 7 T 8 9 H3-H4 K-ST 3
E 7 K-CA-S5 H8 5 5 C6 D4 5
S 3 4 2 Q H9-C3 A-H2 DQ J
Lest you thought aggressive competing ALWAYS works, look at this
hand! -500 against a measly -110. So would I bid 2H again? In
a New York minute! West was very fortunate that her partner
had the Club Ace instead of, say, C-KQJ965. With the Club Ace,
I would have plenty of time to establish Spades, draw trump and
claim +730. :(
=======================================================================
IMPs north TN.IMP Board 5
Dlr: North ensoutha
Vul: N-S S AK6 west north east south
H T95 Wintaka ensoutha rbrough larryc
D 9865
C 964 pass pass pass
west east 1H pass 2C pass
Wintaka rbrough 2NT pass 3H (all p)
S JT8 S Q94
H AKJ6 H Q83 Opening Lead: SA
D KQ7 D T3 Result: +3
C T72 C AK853 Score: -140, IMPs: 7.00
south Playing time: 8:03
larryc
S 7532 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
H 742 W T 2 J-H6 K-CT 7 8
D AJ42 N SA-C4 5 9 T 6 5 K
C QJ E 4 A-H3 Q-H8 3 3
S 3 Q 2 4 7 J-DA-S2
As is often the case in bridge, good bidding is not always
rewarded. E-W stopped "on the dime" in 3H. Notice the C-10
lead at trick 6. This guarantees 4 Club tricks anytime
North follows to this second round of Clubs. Had North
played the JACK on this I could have DUCKED it so that my
3rd Club will ALWAYS be an entry to dummy's good Clubs.
-------------------------------------------
IMPs north TN.IMP Board 5
Dlr: North Memory
Vul: N-S S AK6 west north east south
H T95 Jillin Memory ironman Kaltica
D 9865
C 964 pass pass pass
west east 1NT pass 3NT (all p)
Jillin ironman
S JT8 S Q94 Opening Lead: SK
H AKJ6 H Q83 Result: +4
D KQ7 D T3 Score: -430, IMPs: -7.00
C T72 C AK853 Playing time: 8:00
south
Kaltica
S 7532 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
H 742 W 8 T J 2 7 T-H6 D7 DQ A-HK-HJ-DK
D AJ42 N SK-SA-S6 4 6 9 5 D5 D6 9 T D8 9
C QJ E 4 9 Q-CA-CK-C3 Q-C8-C5-H3 8 D3 T
S 5 2 3 Q J H2 4 D4 D2 7 DJ S7 A
3NT requires the doubleton C-QJ to fall. Not a high percentage! :(
=========================================================================
IMPs north TN.IMP Board 7
Dlr: South ensoutha
Vul: Both S QT west north east south
H A954 Wintaka ensoutha rbrough larryc
D K75
C 9754 1C
west east pass 1H pass 1NT
Wintaka rbrough (all pass)
S J63 S A8754
H KT3 H J872 Opening Lead: D4
D AQ84 D 632 Result: +1
C KT3 C J Score: 90, IMPs: 5.00
south Playing time: 7:55
larryc
S K92 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
H Q6 W D4 3 T-DQ K-DA-D8-S3 J H3 S6 T K
D JT9 N 5 4 5 K-C9 7 H4 T Q 7 H5 A-H9
C AQ862 E 2 J S4 3 S5 6 H7 A-S7 S8 H2 J 8
S T-CA-C6 9 2 J S2 9 K-CQ-C8-H6 Q
-------------------------------------------
IMPs north TN.IMP Board 7
Dlr: South Memory
Vul: Both S QT west north east south
H A954 Jillin Memory ironman Kaltica
D K75
C 9754 1C
west east X pass 1S pass
Jillin ironman pass 2S 3H 3NT
S J63 S A8754 (all pass)
H KT3 H J872
D AQ84 D 632 Opening Lead: S3
C KT3 C J Result: -1
south Score: -100, IMPs: -5.00
Kaltica Playing time: 5:39
S K92
H Q6 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
D JT9 W S3 6 K-SJ 3 T-D4 A-D8 DQ H3 T K
C AQ862 N T Q-C4 H4 9 7 5 7 K-C5 H5 A-H9
E A-S5 J 4 H2 D2 6 3 S7 S8 H7 8 J
S 2 9 Q K-CA-C2 9-DJ T 8-C6-H6 Q
Takeout doubles usually show support of the 3 unbid suits with
particular emphasis on the major suits. West's double worked
very well here, since it caused me to think that the Clubs
would be ONSIDE. I leaped off to 3NT, counting on FOUR Club
tricks. Again, a good decision which, on a normal day, would
undoubtedly bear fruit.
========================================================================
IMPs north TN.IMP Board 8
Dlr: West Memory
Vul: None S KJ86 west north east south
H 6 Jillin Memory ironman Kaltica
D 8
C AQJT854 1D 2C pass 2S
west east 3H 4S pass pass
Jillin ironman 5D pass 5H X
S 3 S 975 (all pass)
H AQ82 H T7543
D AKQ9765 D T2 Opening Lead: S8
C 3 C 762 Result: -3
south Score: 500, IMPs: 5.00
Kaltica Playing time: 5:41
S AQT42
H KJ9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
D J43 W 3 H2-C3 H8-DA-DK HQ-DQ-HA-D5 D6
C K9 N S8 6 8 J 8 H6-CA C4 SK C5 CT
E 9 5 2 7 2 T 6 C7 3 H4 5
S A-S4 9-S2 3 4 K J 9 HJ-HK-SQ
Declarer could have held the blood down to -300 simply by playing
the ACE of Hearts and then "diamonds forever". Indeed, she could
try to MAKE 5H by playing for trumps to be 2-2. But, having
been forced to ruff at trick 2, a second round of trumps might
have me draw West's trumps and run off FIVE Black tricks for down
FOUR (-800). Instead, though, she slips a trick by allowing
NORTH to score her singleton trump.
-------------------------------------------
IMPs north TN.IMP Board 8
Dlr: West ensoutha
Vul: None S KJ86 west north east south
H 6 Wintaka ensoutha rbrough larryc
D 8
C AQJT854 1D 2C pass 2S
west east 3H 4S 5H X
Wintaka rbrough (all pass)
S 3 S 975
H AQ82 H T7543 Opening Lead: S6
D AKQ9765 D T2 Result: -2
C 3 C 762 Score: 300, IMPs: -5.00
south Playing time: 6:09
larryc
S AQT42 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
H KJ9 W 3 3 H2-HA-DA-DK-DQ-D9
D J43 N S6 A-CQ 6 8 CJ CT C4
C K9 E 5 2 6 3 2 T C7 S7
S A-CK 9 9 3 4 J HJ-S4
Here West makes the correct play of the Heart Ace at trick 4.
========================================================================
IMPs north TN.IMP Board 9
Dlr: North ensoutha
Vul: E-W S K5 west north east south
H 642 Wintaka ensoutha rbrough larryc
D AJT53
C 542 pass 1S pass
west east 4D! pass 4H pass
Wintaka rbrough 4S pass 5C pass
S AT42 S Q9873 5D X XX pass
H T3 H AK75 6C pass 6S (all pass)
D KQ6 D 7
C K763 C AT9 Opening Lead: D9
south Result: -1
larryc Score: 100, IMPs: 13.00
S J6 Playing time: 5:39
H QJ98
D 9842 1 2 3 4 5 6
C QJ8 W K Q-H3 2 T A
N A-DJ 2 K-H4 5
E 7 C9 A-SQ K-S3
S D9 2 9 6 8 J
This hand sparked a rather vigorous debate between East and
West. 4D showed a weak slam invitation with good trumps.
East's 4H cuebid showed some slam interest. 4S was a
sign-off, which RBrough could ignore with a very good hand
(not this 13-count). Nevertheless, with control in all
three suits the WORST THAT COULD HAPPEN HERE is that
RBrough bids 4NT, Key Card Blackwood, discovers the two
missing Key Cards and stops in 6S, right? Wrong. 5C
was a total misbid, of course.
Remember: once you have established a trump suit and
confirmed control of all three side-suits, it time for
"Old Black" (i.e. Blackwood) to handle any slam tries.
-------------------------------------------
IMPs north TN.IMP Board 9
Dlr: North Memory
Vul: E-W S K5 west north east south
H 642 Jillin Memory ironman Kaltica
D AJT53
C 542 pass 1S X
west east 2NT! pass 4S (all p)
Jillin ironman
S AT42 S Q9873 Opening Lead: HQ
H T3 H AK75 Result: +5
D KQ6 D 7 Score: -650, IMPs: -13.00
C K763 C AT9 Playing time: 4:21
south
Kaltica
S J6 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
H QJ98 W 3 K T A-DQ-D6 S2-C3 ST C6
D 9842 N 2 A-H4 5 3 T 6 2 SK-DJ
C QJ8 E A-D7 K-S3 C9 S7-H5 A-H7 S9-SQ
S HQ 4 J 6 2 9 8 8 9 8 J
Odd. At the OTHER table BOTH E-W players made a slam try.
Here, NEITHER player made one! 2NT was Jordan (I prefer
NILE, BTW), showing at LEAST a limit raise in Spades. East
accepted this invite to 4S. Despite this show of strength,
West wisely passed. Had East had any marked slam ambitions
he would have cuebid something instead of leaping to 4S.
This is an example of the guess-what's-in-the-box approach that
Standard American and 2/1 adopts. Rather than FIND OUT what
opener has, Responder tries to describe her own hand and,
between the two of them, they divine a final contract.
In the Canadian Club Responder would find out the fact
that Opener has a minimum, 2 Key Cards, 5 Spades to the
Queen and a singleton Diamond. NONE of this is good news
to West, who would quickly sign off in 4S.
Similarly, in Valentines Responder would know about the
minimum and the 5-4-1-3 distribution and stop in 4S.
The point? When playing SAYC or 2/1 you must ACCEPT the
fact that you will miss a LOT of slams while getting too
high on many slammish hands. This is the price of the
"simplicity" and universality of "natural" bidding languages.
Remember: KQ opposite your partner's singleton is BAD news
when investigating a suit slam. They are "wasted" values. :(
=======================================================================
IMPs north TN.IMP Board 10
Dlr: East ensoutha
Vul: Both S KJ843 west north east south
H 62 Wintaka ensoutha rbrough larryc
D K7
C AKJ9 pass 1S
west east pass 2NT! pass 3C!
Wintaka rbrough pass 4C pass 4S
S AT S 6 (all pass)
H AQ97 H T83
D JT42 D 8653 Opening Lead: SA
C 863 C QT754 Result: +5
south Score: 650, IMPs: 0.00
larryc Playing time: 6:45
S Q9752
H KJ54 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
D AQ9 W SA-ST 2 4 T 3 6 Q-C8
C 2 N 4 K-DK-D7 H2 K-CA-H6
E 6 C4 5 3 6 5 7 3
S 2 5 9 A-DQ-C2 H4 J
-------------------------------------------
IMPs north TN.IMP Board 10
Dlr: East Memory
Vul: Both S KJ843 west north east south
H 62 Jillin Memory ironman Kaltica
D K7
C AKJ9 pass 1S
west east X XX 2C pass
Jillin ironman pass 4S (all pass)
S AT S 6
H AQ97 H T83 Opening Lead: SA
D JT42 D 8653 Result: +5
C 863 C QT754 Score: 650, IMPs: 0.00
south Playing time: 4:25
Kaltica
S Q9752 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
H KJ54 W SA-ST 2 4 T 3 A-C6
D AQ9 N 3 J-DK-D7 H2 A-H6
C 2 E 6 D3 5 6 8 4 3
S 2 5 9 Q-DA-C2 K
A redouble followed by a jump to game shows a STRONG balanced
hand with good trump support. It tells partner to NOT
sacrifice against anything the opponents might bid.
An alternative approach is to use the Jordan 2NT bid over
the double and THEN bid 4S. This establishes trumps quickly
and allows Opener to make a slam try via any non-Spade bid
at the 3-level. I would use Jordan with Memory's hand;
South would need very little more to make 6S here.
Remember: When it's YOUR hand and you MIGHT have a slam
TAKE IT SLOWLY and CONSERVE BIDDING SPACE!
=======================================================================
IMPs north TN.IMP Board 11
Dlr: South ensoutha
Vul: None S QT4 west north east south
H AJ3 Wintaka ensoutha rbrough larryc
D K974
C AT6 pass
west east pass 1NT pass 2C
Wintaka rbrough pass 2D (all pass)
S J2 S K765
H QT65 H K9 Opening Lead: DA
D QJ82 D A5 Result: -2
C KQ8 C J9432 Score: -100, IMPs: 2.00
south Playing time: 4:31
larryc
S A983 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
H 8742 W 2 J 2 J D8-DQ-H6 5 T 8-HQ Q K
D T63 N 4 K-S4 Q T 7 3 J-HA-C6 D9-CA-CT
C 75 E DA-D5 6 K-S5 S7 K-H9 C2 3 C4 9 J
S 3 6 A-S3 8 T 2 4 7 5 8 7 S9
This is called "runout" Stayman. South, with a yarborough and
all three non-Club suits, bids 2C opposite 1NT. Then South
PASSES whatever 1NT opener bids. Unfortunately for South,
Opener did not bid a major and South was forced to brazen it
out in a Moysian (i.e. 4-3) Diamond fit.
Kenny and I have a rule: "Whenever you hear the opponents pass
the 2D reply to Stayman DO NOT LOOK AT YOUR HAND; JUST BID 3C!" :)
-------------------------------------------
IMPs north TN.IMP Board 11
Dlr: South Memory
Vul: None S QT4 west north east south
H AJ3 Jillin Memory ironman Kaltica
D K974
C AT6 pass
west east pass 1D pass 1H
Jillin ironman pass pass X 1S
S J2 S K765 pass 2H (all pass)
H QT65 H K9
D QJ82 D A5 Opening Lead: CK
C KQ8 C J9432 Result: -3
south Score: -150, IMPs: -2.00
Kaltica Playing time: 5:50
S A983
H 8742 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
D T63 W CK-CQ J-C8 2 2 H5-DQ-DJ-D8 HT 6 Q
C 75 N 6 A-S4 T K T-SQ 4 7 9 HJ-HA-H3
E 4 2 5 J A-S6 7 5 C3 HK-C9 9 SK
S 7 5 8 H2-D3 3 9 6 T SA H8 4 7
2H was a false preference. North should simply PASS 1S here.
==========================================================================
IMPs north TN.IMP Board 12
Dlr: West Memory
Vul: N-S S K52 west north east south
H 842 Jillin Memory ironman Kaltica
D 986
C KT96 pass pass 1NT 2C!
west east 2S pass pass 2NT
Jillin ironman pass 3C 3S (all p)
S J9763 S AQ84
H AJ75 H Q6 Opening Lead: H2
D J D KT74 Result: +5
C 752 C AJ3 Score: -200, IMPs: 6.00
south Playing time: 6:52
Kaltica
S T 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
H KT93 W J-DJ A-H5 C2 5 C7 S3-S6 S7-SJ-S9 H7
D AQ532 N H2 6 4 8 9 K 8 6 5 9 2 K CT
C Q84 E 6 4 Q S4-DK A-DT-C3 Q-CJ 8 A-D7
S 9 Q-HK 3 A-C4 2 8 T Q D3 D5 HT
Here, AGAIN, we see me balancing when I have no business doing
so. Not content with the fact that the opponents have missed
a game, I then risk -500 in order to give them ANOTHER chance
to bid 4S! Save this kind of thing for matchpoints; the gain
at IMPs is simply not worth the dual risk (of being doubled
and going for your life OR of balancing them into game).
My 2C showed EITHER a 5+card Diamond suit OR a major-minor
2-suiter, according to the "HELLO" convention that Memory
and I use (see below). Since I had BOTH, I balanced with
2NT.
Remember: a balancing 2NT by someone who has already
shown a suit (assuming my 2C showed DIAMONDS here) shows
4 cards in the suit just above the previously shown suit.
Hence, 2NT here should show 4 HEARTS.
-------------------------------------------
IMPs north TN.IMP Board 12
Dlr: West ensoutha
Vul: N-S S K52 west north east south
H 842 Wintaka ensoutha rbrough larryc
D 986
C KT96 pass pass 1NT pass
west east 2C pass 2S pass
Wintaka rbrough 4S (all pass)
S J9763 S AQ84
H AJ75 H Q6 Opening Lead: H3
D J D KT74 Result: +4
C 752 C AJ3 Score: -420, IMPs: -6.00
south Playing time: 7:08
larryc
S T 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
H KT93 W 5 3 9 2 J 5 6 C7 J-H7
D AQ532 N 8 2 K-CT 6 9 5 8 2 4
C Q84 E Q-SA-S8 J 4 A-SQ-DK-H6 S4
S H3 T D5 Q-DA-C4 D2 3 9 T
Knowing my partner's tendency to treat all invitations as
forcing, I leapt off to 4S in order to scare away any
doubles. Surprise! It made!
Remember: if you hear an auction go, say, 1NT:2C:2S:3S:4S
feel free to double with good Spade spots and a safe lead.
Similarly, if it goes 1NT:2NT:3NT you should feel free to
double on lead with good MINOR SUIT length and strength
(including minor suit spot cards).
At matchpoints these speculative doubles will result in
tops and bottoms, yes, but more tops than bottoms over the
long run. At IMPs they will send the message to the opponents
that they should NOT be bidding close games against a player
of YOUR calibre! :)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am including an explanation of the NILE and HELLO conventions
for the sake of clarity. I am NOT suggesting that you play them
yet or that others will recognize them when they hear the name.
You may wish to employ them later in your development WHEN YOU
HAVE A STEADY PARTNER! For now, stick to DONT and CRA...sorry,
I mean, CAPP. :)
The NILE Convention
Over a double of partner's opening bid, a jump suit bid supports
Opener's suit and USUALLY asks for a lead of the bid suit.
1D-Dlbe-2S, then, asks for a Spade lead while promising Diamond
support. The one and only exception to this is the step just
below Opener's (e.g. 1H-Dble-3D) suit, which is a limit raise
or better and asks for a lead of Opener's suit. Any jump raise
(e.g. 1S-Dble-3S) is pre-emptive and asks for a lead of Opener's
suit. 2NT, then, asks for a lead of the suit JUST BELOW Opener's.
It may be pre-emptive OR invitational; Opener can clarify this
by bidding the cheapest step (e.g. 1H-Dble-2NT-P-3C = "Inviting?
Preemting?"). To illustrate:
After 1H-Dble:
2S = "Lead a spade." ANY strength.
- Now 2NT can ask about strength, when
3H will show the PRE-EMPTIVE hand.
2NT = "Lead a diamond." Invitational or better.
3C = "Lead a Club." ANY strength.
- Now 3D can ask about strength, when
3H will show the PRE-EMPTIVE hand.
3D = "Lead YOUR HEARTS." Invitational or better.
3H = "Lead YOUR HEARTS." Pre-emptive only.
The HELLO Convention vs 1NT
Against the opponents' 1NT opening bid:
X = Penalty. This is of dubious merit over a strong 1NT. :(
2C = Diamonds OR a major-minor 2-suiter.
- Advancer bids 2D and Overcaller either passes (Diamonds only)
or bids the major (with the major-minor 2-suiter)
2D = Transfer to Hearts.
2H = MAJORS, not excessively strong (else 3H).
2S = Spades, not excessively strong (else 3S).
2NT = Clubs.
3C = Minors, not excessively strong (else 3D).
3D = Minors, very strong.
3H = Majors, very strong.
3S = Spades, very strong.
I LOVED Hello when I first heard about it, and still consider
it the most effective method of overcalling a WEAK 1NT opening. It
has a number of drawbacks against a STRONG 1NT, though: Responder
doesn't know WHICH minor Overcaller has when s/he shows the
major-minor 2-suiter; and, Overcaller cannot show the Diamond
suit quickly enough (2C could be Clubs and a major). I
prefer "Plaus" as being much simpler & better against a STRONG 1NT.
PLAUS vs 1NT
Dble = Clubs OR a very strong hand. Advancer usually bids 2C.
- Doubler may bid a 2nd suit later at the 2 level.
- STRONG Doubler will rebid 2NT or higher.
2C = Diamonds. Doubler may bid a 2nd suit later.
2D = Hearts. Doubler may bid a 2nd suit later.
2H = Majors, not excessively strong (else 2D, then 2S).
2S = Spades, not excessively strong.
2NT = Minors, weakish. With a stronger hand bid 2C, THEN 3C.
3C, 3D or 3H = The bid suit with superior SPADES! 14-18+ HCPs.
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