Keeping up with Conventions Slam Bidding — by David Lindop
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Slam Bidding Lesson
Slam Bidding and Modified Scroll Bids By Neil H. Timm In this Bridge Bit, I explore more fully Slam bidding techniques, some old and some perhaps new. To reach a small slam, the partnership should have roughly thirty-three Bergen points. In addition to a trump fit and count, slams require controls (aces, kings, voids, and singletons). The more controls between the partners, the easier the slam. To evaluate whether or not the partnership has the required controls, one uses cuebids with perhaps the 5NT trump ask bid (Grand Slam Force), and Blackwood Conventions. Blackwood Conventions reveal how many aces and kings, while cuebidding or control showing bids reveal where they reside. To make a slam, one usually requires first-round control in three suits and second round control in the fourth suit. It is possible to make a slam missing two aces, provided the missing ace is opposite a void, and the second missing ace is replaced by or is opposite a second-round control (a king or a singleton). When looking for a possible slam, one often asks the following questions. 1. What cards should my partner have to be able to make a slam? 2. How may I obtain the required information? 3. Are there any bidding techniques or conventions that I can use to obtain the required information? 4. If my partner does not have the required cards for a slam, can I stop short of slam, and if not is the risk of going down worth it? We shall review techniques to help the partnership find the required information for making a slam! However, with some hands one needs only to count points to reach a slam. -
Acol Bidding Notes
SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION The following notes are designed to help your understanding of the Acol system of bidding and should be used in conjunction with Crib Sheets 1 to 5 and the Glossary of Terms The crib sheets summarise the bidding in tabular form, whereas these notes provide a fuller explanation of the reasons for making particular bids and bidding strategy. These notes consist of a number of short chapters that have been structured in a logical order to build on the things learnt in the earlier chapters. However, each chapter can be viewed as a mini-lesson on a specific area which can be read in isolation rather than trying to absorb too much information in one go. It should be noted that there is not a single set of definitive Acol ‘rules’. The modern Acol bidding style has developed over the years and different bridge experts recommend slightly different variations based on their personal preferences and playing experience. These notes are based on the methods described in the book The Right Way to Play Bridge by Paul Mendelson, which is available at all good bookshops (and some rubbish ones as well). They feature a ‘Weak No Trump’ throughout and ‘Strong Two’ openings. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ INDEX Section 1 Introduction Chapter 1 Bidding objectives & scoring Chapter 2 Evaluating the strength of your hand Chapter 3 Evaluating the shape of your hand . Section 2 Balanced Hands Chapter 21 1NT opening bid & No Trumps responses Chapter 22 1NT opening bid & suit responses Chapter 23 Opening bids with stronger balanced hands Chapter 24 Supporting responder’s major suit Chapter 25 2NT opening bid & responses Chapter 26 2 Clubs opening bid & responses Chapter 27 No Trumps responses after an opening suit bid Chapter 28 Summary of bidding with Balanced Hands . -
Xywrite 4-- C:\Xw\Bfe\SPING17.TXT Job 2162689
The 2017 Spingold Final by Phillip Alder The Summer North American Championships took place in Toronto last month. The premier event was the Spingold Knockout Teams. There were 104 entries, which were reduced to 64 on the first day. Then there were six days of 60-board knockout matches to decide the winner. Before we get to the final match, here are some problems for you to try and see if you ought to enter the Spingold next year – or, saving time, the Reisinger Board-a-Match teams at the Fall Nationals in San Diego. 1. With only your side vulnerable, you are dealt: ‰ K 10 3 Š K Q 9 2 ‹ K 9 7 Œ 8 5 3 It goes three passes to you. Would you pass out the deal or open something? 2. North Dlr: East ‰ K 10 3 Vul: N-S Š K Q 9 2 ‹ K 9 7 Œ 8 5 3 West ‰ A Q J 2 Š 10 5 ‹ J 8 6 Œ Q 10 9 6 West North East South You Dummy Partner Declarer Pass Pass Pass 1‹ 1‰ 2Š 3Š (a) Pass 3‰ 4Œ Pass 4Š Dble All Pass (a) Strong spade raise You lead the spade ace: three, eight (upside down count and attitude), nine. What would you do now? 3a. With both sides vulnerable, you pick up: ‰ Q J 9 8 Š Q 9 8 ‹ A 10 9 3 2 Œ 2 It goes pass on your left, partner opens one club, and righty jumps to four hearts. What would you do, if anything? 1 3b. -
Roman Keycard Blackwood (Part 1) by Fred Gitelman
Roman Keycard Blackwood (Part 1) By Fred Gitelman The Blackwood convention was developed about 60 years ago by Easley Blackwood of Indianapolis, one of the great Bridge players and theorists of his time. The purpose of the Blackwood convention is to find out how many Aces and Kings your partner holds in order to make slam bidding more accurate. Here's how it works: In most auctions a bid of 4NT is the Blackwood convention and carries the message, “I am interested in slam, partner, how many Aces do you have?” The responses are: 5 Clubs = I have either zero Aces or all four Aces 5 Diamonds = I have one Ace 5 Hearts = I have two Aces 5 Spades = I have three Aces Subsequently the 4NT bidder can bid 5NT to give this message, “We have all four Aces between our two hands, partner. I think we might have a grand slam, however, so please tell me how many Kings you have!” The responses are similar: 6 Clubs = I have either zero Kings or all four Kings 6 Diamonds = I have one King 6 Hearts = I have two Kings 6 Spades = I have three Kings Over the years, Blackwood has gradually become accepted as part of “standard” bidding. Experts eventually developed ways for showing voids (which can be just as important as Aces) in response to Blackwood, and for responding to Blackwood when the opponents interfere over the 4NT inquiry. Several variations of Blackwood were also developed in which the responder was able to show the specific Aces that he held. -
Introduction to the 2 Over 1 Game Force System – Part 1 This Is the First of Two Articles Introducing the Basic Principles of the 2 Over 1 Game Force Bidding System
Introduction To The 2 Over 1 Game Force System – Part 1 This is the first of two articles introducing the basic principles of the 2 Over 1 Game Force bidding system. In this article, I will discuss auctions when responder wishes to force to game. In the second article, I will discuss auctions when responder has less than game forcing values. In this article, I will also describe the “Fourth Suit Forcing” convention. Although not strictly part of the 2 Over 1 system, it shares some of the same principles. When I refer to “Standard American” in these articles, this is the same system as SAYC. SAYC stands for “Standard American Yellow Card”, so named because the ACBL has developed a yellow convention card which describes their recommended version of Standard American. In both articles, I assume no interference by the opponents. When the opponents interfere, 2 Over 1 and Standard American are identical. Basic Principles The 2 Over 1 system is actually very similar to the Standard American system. Auctions beginning with one of a minor or 1NT are identical. Many auctions beginning with one of a major are also identical. The only real difference between the two systems is when responder bids at the 2 level over an opening bid of 1H or 1S. In the 2 Over 1 Game Force system, this establishes a game forcing auction. The partnership may not pass until a game contract is reached. This is the main principle upon which the system is based. The only problem that occurs is when responder has an invitational but not game forcing hand (around 10 or 11 points). -
Bernard Magee's Acol Bidding Quiz
Number One Hundred and Fifty June 2015 Bernard Magee’s Acol Bidding Quiz BRIDGEYou are West in the auctions below, playing ‘Standard Acol’ with a weak no-trump (12-14 points) and 4-card majors. 1. Dealer West. Love All. 4. Dealer East. Game All. 7. Dealer North. E/W Game. 10. Dealer East. Love All. ♠ A K 7 6 4 3 2 ♠ 7 6 ♠ A 8 7 ♠ K Q 10 4 3 ♥ 6 N ♥ K 10 3 N ♥ 7 6 5 4 N ♥ 7 6 N W E ♦ K 2 W E ♦ J 5 4 ♦ Q 10 8 6 W E ♦ 5 4 W E S ♣ 7 6 5 S ♣ A Q 7 6 3 ♣ 4 2 S ♣ Q J 10 7 S West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South ? 1♠ 1NT 1NT Dbl 2♦ 1♥ Pass ? ? 1♠ Pass 1NT Pass ? 2. Dealer East. E/W Game. 5. Dealer East. Game All. 8. Dealer West. E/W Game. 11. Dealer East. Love All. ♠ Q J 3 ♠ 7 6 ♠ A 8 5 3 ♠ 9 8 2 ♥ 7 N ♥ K 10 3 N ♥ A 9 8 7 N ♥ Q J 10 N W E W E W E W E ♦ A K 8 7 6 5 4 ♦ 5 4 ♦ K 6 4 ♦ 8 3 S S S S ♣ A 8 ♣ Q J 7 6 4 3 ♣ A 2 ♣ A 9 6 4 3 West North East South West North East South West North East South West North East South 3♠ Pass 1♠ 1NT 1♥ 1♠ Pass Pass 1♣ Pass ? ? ? 2♣ Pass 2♦ Pass ? 3. -
CONTEMPORARY BIDDING SERIES Section 1 - Fridays at 9:00 AM Section 2 – Mondays at 4:00 PM Each Session Is Approximately 90 Minutes in Length
CONTEMPORARY BIDDING SERIES Section 1 - Fridays at 9:00 AM Section 2 – Mondays at 4:00 PM Each session is approximately 90 minutes in length Understanding Contemporary Bidding (12 weeks) Background Bidding as Language Recognizing Your Philosophy and Your Style Captaincy Considering the Type of Scoring Basic Hand Evaluation and Recognizing Situations Underlying Concepts Offensive and Defensive Hands Bidding with a Passed Partner Bidding in the Real World Vulnerability Considerations Cue Bids and Doubles as Questions Free Bids Searching for Stoppers What Bids Show Stoppers and What Bids Ask? Notrump Openings: Beyond Simple Stayman Determining When (and Why) to Open Notrump When to use Stayman and When to Avoid "Garbage" Stayman Crawling Stayman Puppet Stayman Smolen Gambling 3NT What, When, How Notrump Openings: Beyond Basic Transfers Jacoby Transfer Accepting the transfer Without interference Super-acceptance After interference After you transfer Showing extra trumps Second suit Splinter Texas Transfer: When and Why? Reverses Opener’s Reverse Expected Values and Shape The “High Level” Reverse Responder’s Options Lebensohl Responder’s Reverse Expected Values and Shape Opener’s Options Common Low Level Doubles Takeout Doubles Responding to Partner’s Takeout Double Negative Doubles When and Why? Continuing Sequences More Low Level Doubles Responsive Doubles Support Doubles When to Suppress Support Doubles of Pre-Emptive Bids “Stolen Bid” or “Shadow” Doubles Balancing Why Balance? How to Balance When to Balance (and When Not) Minor Suit Openings -
Bolish Club Contents
Bolish Club A system that has evolved from EHAA+ (my version of EHAA, Every Hand An Adventure), and is now more similar to Polish Club. Other sources of inspiration are Keri by Ron Klinger, Ambra by Benito Garozzo, and Einari Club (a local Blue-team-like system, something of a standard in Turku). BC includes natural or strong 1|, 5-card majors, 2-over-1 game forcing, and responders 2| as relay in most situations. By Jari BÄoling,some based on ideas and discussions with Kurt-Erik HÄaggblom,Jyrki Lahtonen, and Ensio Lehtinen, last updated January 5, 2007 Contents 1 The 1| opening 2 1.1 Interference over 1| ......................................... 8 2 The 1} opening 10 3 Major openings 10 3.1 Choosing response in borderline cases . 12 3.2 The semi-forcing 1NT response . 12 3.3 The 1M-2| relay . 14 3.3.1 After interference . 15 3.3.2 A natural alternative . 15 4 The weak twos 16 4.1 New suit bids ask for stoppers and length . 16 4.2 Jump shifts are control asking bids . 17 4.3 2NT is an invitational or better raise . 17 4.4 The weak 2| opening . 18 4.5 Competition . 18 4.5.1 The McCabe convention . 19 5 The 2| opening as 17{18 balanced 19 6 2} Wilkosz 20 7 2| Multi-Wilkosz 20 8 Semi-balanced 2M 21 9 2} multi 22 10 The 2NT opening 22 BC Opening Bids Opening strength description conventional response frequency 1| a) 11{17 2+ clubs 2|, 2}, 2NT, 3} 8.5(9.7)% b) 18+ any shape (excluding 23-24 bal.) 1}=0{5 hcpts 3.2% 1} 11{17 4+ diamonds 2|, 2}, 2NT, 3| 8.6(9.5)% 1~ 11{17¤ 5+ hearts 2|, 2}, 2NT 6.7% 1Ä 11{17¤ 5+ spades 2|, 2~, 2NT 6.9% 1NT a) -
Bridge for Dummies‰
01_924261 ffirs.qxp 8/17/06 2:49 PM Page i Bridge FOR DUMmIES‰ 2ND EDITION by Eddie Kantar 01_924261 ffirs.qxp 8/17/06 2:49 PM Page iv 01_924261 ffirs.qxp 8/17/06 2:49 PM Page i Bridge FOR DUMmIES‰ 2ND EDITION by Eddie Kantar 01_924261 ffirs.qxp 8/17/06 2:49 PM Page ii Bridge For Dummies®, 2nd Edition Published by Wiley Publishing, Inc. 111 River St. Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774 www.wiley.com Copyright © 2006 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana Published simultaneously in Canada No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise, except as permitted under Sections 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without either the prior written permis- sion of the Publisher, or authorization through payment of the appropriate per-copy fee to the Copyright Clearance Center, 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, 978-750-8400, fax 978-646-8600. Requests to the Publisher for permission should be addressed to the Legal Department, Wiley Publishing, Inc., 10475 Crosspoint Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46256, 317-572-3447, fax 317-572-4355, or online at http://www. wiley.com/go/permissions. Trademarks: Wiley, the Wiley Publishing logo, For Dummies, the Dummies Man logo, A Reference for the Rest of Us!, The Dummies Way, Dummies Daily, The Fun and Easy Way, Dummies.com and related trade dress are trademarks or registered trademarks of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the United States and other countries, and may not be used without written permission. -
Convention Card Ebu20a
OPENING Point Min. CONVENTIONAL SPECIAL BIDS Range Length MEANING RESPONSES SPECIAL USES OF DOUBLES: Double of overcall => indicates would have 1. 10-19 3 Better Minor, denies 5 • Bid 4+ card major first, made the opponents intervening bid card major • Double jump to new suit is 1 10-19 3 weak Otherwise, x of bids up to 2S and pre-empts 1 10-19 5 • Jump promises Fit & 5 cards in bid suit is for take out, promising ability to play in at • Double jump is Splinter - good trump 1 10-19 5 least two of the unbid suits support and singleton/void in bid suit 1NT 12-14 2 in all 2C Stayman, 2D/H/S, 3C all transfers Other doubles for penalties and, if of unnatural bid, can invite lead 2. 21-22 N/A 21-22 or 8PT in a suit 2D denies AK, or 8 points 2 23+ 2H denies AK, or 8 points SLAM Meaning of Response No inter- Over Over Intervening Bid 2 5-10 6 • 2NT - OGUST (1) CONVENTIONS vention Double • Min bid in new suit is Name: RCKB 1430 1 or 4 keycards 5C Pass Pass 2 5-10 6 escape to safer contract 0 or 3 Keycards 5D Double Redouble 2NT 19-20 3C Stayman, 3D/H transfer, 3S (7) 2 Keycards no trump Q 5H 5C Next bid up 2 Keycards + trump Q 5S 5D Next bid up over major, next 3 bids 5-9 7 but 1 bid up over minor Gerber (6) 4 bids 5-8 8 Other Conventions: • Fourth suit forcing – says nothing about bid suit -asking for more information • Trial Bids - bid in new suit following major suit agreement at 2 level = looking for help DEFENSIVE BIDS (shortage or honours) • NT Probe – if minor agreed at 3 level, bid of unbid major shows stopper, inviting NT OVER- Meaning OPPONENTS Defensive Methods • Escape from 1NT doubled – Redouble = Transfer to clubs: 2C, 2D, 2H = transfer to next suit CALLS OPEN • Cue bidding Simple 5+ cards. -
Applying Case-Based Reasoning to the Game of Bridge
Applying Case-Based Reasoning to the Game of Bridge Jacob Bellamy-McIntyre A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Postgraduate Diploma of Science in Computer Science, University of Auckland, 2008 1 Abstract Bridge provides a challenging problem for Artificial Intelligence research due to the game being stochastic (from the shuffling of the cards), hidden information (from not being able to see opponents cards) and from the general complexities of the game. Research into Computer Bridge is in its relative infancy, with the American Contract Bridge League holding the first World Championships Computer Bridge competition in 1997. With Bridge being a game that is more probabilistic and intuitive than Chess, it may be a better avenue of research for evaluating human-like intelligence. This paper will explore the possibility of applying Case Base Reasoning to the game of Bridge and will discuss the problems that arise from trying to do so, while comparing Case Base Reasoning to other techniques used in Artificial Intelligence. 2 Table of Contents 1. Case-Based Reasoning 1.1 Introduction ……………………………… 5 1.2 The Domain and Adaptation …………….. 8 1.3 The Case and the Case Base …………….. 10 1.4 The Similarity Function …………………. 11 2. Games in AI 2.1 Introduction ………………………………………….14 2.2 Chess ………………………………………………. 15 2.3 Checkers …………………………………………… 17 2.4 Poker ………………………………………………. 19 2.5 Bridge ……………………………………………… 25 2.6 Other Games ……………………………………... 28 3. The Game of Bridge 3.1 Introduction to Bridge ………………………........... 30 3.2 The Bidding Phase …………………………….…… 30 3.3 Play of the Hand …………………………………... 31 3.4 The Value of a Hand ………………………………. -
Slam Bidding Why Bid a Slam? Just Like There Is a Bonus for Being in the Game Level, There Is a Bonus for Being in the Slam Levels
Slam Bidding Why bid a slam? Just like there is a bonus for being in the game level, there is a bonus for being in the slam levels. A small slam is a contract at the 6-level, Bidding and making a small slam is worth 500 bonus points when not vul and 750 bonus points when vul. A grand slam is a contract at the 7-level, Bidding and making a small slam is worth 1000 bonus points when not vul and 1500 bonus points when vul. Decision #1: Do you have enough overall strength? When considering a slam, you have to first decide if your two hands have the power to take 12 or 13 tricks once you get the lead. You can often add your points to the number partner has shown to determine your chances. For "normal", fairly balanced hands, use these guidelines: • To make a small slam (bid of 6) -- you need 33 pts. • To make a grand slam (bid of 7) -- you need 37 pts. You may make a slam with fewer points if your hands have other features to make up for what you lack in high-card strength. These include: • Extra trumps -- you need at least an 8-card fit to bid a suit slam, but stronger fits produce more tricks. You may score an extra trick for each trump you have over 8. • Long, strong side suits -- if you can set up and run a long side suit, the small cards can be as valuable as honors. • Short suits -- once you know you have a trump fit, add in your distribution points to determine your hand's full value.