|
The purpose of bidding is to get to the best contract. In standard bidding, we try to describe our hands until one of us has enough information about points and shape to make a decision for the pair. On this hand, west has a great hand with 24 points and balanced distribution. If we show this hand partner will place the contract. One of the great things about notrump bidding is that partner will have an accurate picture of our strength and distribution. With standard bidding all our notrump openings and rebids show balanced hands and a narrow range of points. The most common is: 12 – 14 open in a suit and then bid notrump at the lowest level 15 – 17 open 1NT 18 – 19 open 1 of a suit and then jump in notrump 20 – 21 open 2NT 22 – 24 open 2C and then bid 2NT 25 – 27 open 3NT In all cases, we know opener’s strength within 1 point (1NT = 16 +/- 1 for example) and that they have balanced distribution. With the west hand then we would open 2C and then rebid 2NT to show a balanced hand of about 23 points. The east player should realize that his hand is probably of no value in notrump but worth at least 2 or 3 tricks if the hand is played in spades. After responding 2D (either waiting or negative depending on your methods) when partner next rebids 2NT, east should place the contract at 4S. Assuming transfers the auction would be 2C, 2D; 2NT, 3H; 3S, 4S. Yes west has a great hand but they have already described that hand to partner so they should accept partner’s decision. When this hand was actually played in Portland on Wednesday afternoon, only 2 pairs got to 4S (for a top and these pairs finished 1st and 2nd for the day). Other contracts were 3NT making once and going down once; 4NT down 3; 6NT!; and 6S. DESCRIBE YOUR HAND AND TRUST YOUR PARTNER! I would be interested in your thoughts. hgower@suscom-maine.net
Bridge Classes
This class will be based on a book by Barbara Seagram (teacher extraordinaire) and David Bird (a well know bridge author) and is called 25 Ways To Take More Tricks As Declarer. The 25 chapters each deals with a separate theme like 11) Playing a Crossruff; 20) Combining 2 Chances; 4) Discarding Losers; or 5) Safety Plays Within 1 Suit. Lots of good techniques to add to your repertoire. The classes will each cover 2 or 3 topics and a copy of the book ($17) will be included in the price. I especially like the way the book focuses on planning the play as opposed to showing all 52 cards. This class is perfect for newcomer and intermediate players. More advanced players will also profit from these basic techniques. Classes will be held at the American Legion Hall in Falmouth from 1 - 3 on Monday afternoons beginning March 10th, 2008 and continuing for 8 weeks. The price of $75 will include a copy of the book. I look forward to presenting this material and hope you can join us. (This class was given back in 2005. If you already have a copy of the book the cost without the book is $65.) Horace Gower 865 4850
|
|||||||||||||||
