Bridge Lessons

BIL 080814

2008-08-15T11:54:00.001+12:00

This is how GIB bid and played the hands. I have added a few comments of my own ...

Board 1
North Deals
None Vul

♠ Q 5 3
♥ 8 7 6 4 3
♦ 4 3
♣ A 10 8

♠ K 10 7 6 4
♥ A Q 9
♦ A J
♣ 6 5 3

	N
W		E
	S

♠ A
♥ J 10 2
♦ Q 10 6 5 2
♣ K Q J 7

♠ J 9 8 2
♥ K 5
♦ K 9 8 7
♣ 9 4 2

West	North	East	South
	Pass	1 ♦	Pass
1 ♠	Pass	2 ♣	Pass
2 ♥¹	Pass	3 ♥	Pass
3 NT	All pass

Fourth suit forcing -- 4+ S; 13+ points; forcing to 3N

3 NT by West

Trick	Lead	2nd	3rd	4th
1. N	♥ 4	2	K	A
2. W	♣ 3	A	7	9
3. N	♠ 3	A	9	4
4. E	♦ 2	8	J	3
5. W	♣ 5	10	K	4
6. E	♦ 6	9	A	4
7. W	♣ 6	8	Q	2
8. E	♣ J	♦ 7	♠ 6	♥ 8
9. E	♦ Q	K	♠ 7	♥ 3
10. S	♠ 2	K	Q	♥ 10
11. W	♥ 9	7	J	5
12. E	♦ 10	♠ 8	♠ 10	♠ 5
13. E	♦ 5	♠ J	♥ Q	♥ 6

Made 5 — N/S -460

In the lesson I just rebid 3NT as west and did not bother to find out whether or not we had a heart fit. With such a good heart stopper I thought the simple approach was better. In practice you might be more inclined to bid fourth suit forcing if partner is not very likely to raise to 2♠ with three trumps. 3NT mayl not be so successful if partner is 3=1=5=4 and you have to lose the lead twice to establish nine tricks.

Board 2
East Deals
N-S Vul

♠ A 7 2
♥ 5 4 2
♦ J 7
♣ K Q 6 4 3

♠ Q 8 4
♥ K 8 6 3
♦ 6 4 3
♣ J 7 5

	N
W		E
	S

♠ K J 5 3
♥ A Q 10
♦ K Q 10 5 2
♣ A

♠ 10 9 6
♥ J 9 7
♦ A 9 8
♣ 10 9 8 2

West	North	East	South
		1 ♦	All pass

1 ♦ by East

Trick	Lead	2nd	3rd	4th
1. S	♣ 10	5	6	A
2. E	♦ K	A	3	7
3. S	♣ 9	7	Q	♦ 2
4. E	♠ J	6	4	A
5. N	♦ J	Q	8	4
6. E	♦ 10	9	6	♥ 2
7. E	♥ Q	7	3	5
8. E	♠ 5	10	Q	2
9. W	♥ 8	4	A	9
10. E	♥ 10	J	K	♣ 3
11. W	♥ 6	♠ 7	♠ 3	♣ 8
12. W	♠ 8	♣ 4	K	9
13. E	♦ 5	♣ 2	♣ J	♣ K

Made 5 — N/S -150

I would always respond with 6 hcp. Game is a little fortuitous so maybe there is something to GIB's pass.

Board 3
South Deals
E-W Vul

♠ K 10 8 4 3
♥ 8 7 3
♦ K 6 5 3
♣ 7

♠ —
♥ A J 10 4
♦ A Q J 10 8
♣ 10 8 5 4

	N
W		E
	S

♠ J 9 5 2
♥ K Q 2
♦ 7
♣ A K J 6 3

♠ A Q 7 6
♥ 9 6 5
♦ 9 4 2
♣ Q 9 2

West	North	East	South
			Pass
1 ♦	Pass	2 ♣	Pass
3 ♣	Pass	4 ♦¹	Pass
4 ♥	Pass	4 NT	Pass
5 NT	Pass	6 ♣	All pass

1- D; biddable C; 15+ points

6 ♣ by East

Trick	Lead	2nd	3rd	4th
1. S	♠ A	♣ 5	3	9
2. W	♣ 10	7	A	9
3. E	♣ K	2	4	♥ 3
4. E	♥ K	5	4	7
5. E	♦ 7	2	A	6
6. W	♦ 8	K	♣ 6	4
7. E	♥ 2	6	J	8
8. W	♦ Q	5	♠ 2	9
9. W	♦ J	3	♠ 5	♠ 6
10. W	♥ 10	♠ 4	Q	9
11. E	♠ J	7	♣ 8	10
12. W	♦ 10	♠ 8	♣ J	♣ Q
13. S	♠ Q	♥ A	K	♣ 3

Made 6 — N/S -1370

It looks like GIB splintered into 4♦. I gave an alternative auction that would get to slam:
1♦ 2♣
3♣ 3NT
4♣ 4♥
4♠ 4NT
5♥ 6♣

Board 4
West Deals
Both Vul

♠ A 10 9 7 5
♥ —
♦ K 7 6
♣ A Q J 10 3

♠ 6 3
♥ K 8 7 6 5 2
♦ 10
♣ 9 8 4 2

	N
W		E
	S

♠ Q J 8
♥ Q 10 9 4
♦ 8 5 4 3
♣ K 7

♠ K 4 2
♥ A J 3
♦ A Q J 9 2
♣ 6 5

West	North	East	South
Pass	1 ♠	Pass	2 ♦
Pass	3 ♣	Pass	3 ♠
Pass	4 ♣	Pass	5 ♠
Pass	6 ♠	All pass

6 ♠ by North

Trick	Lead	2nd	3rd	4th
1. E	♥ 10	A	8	♣ 3
2. S	♦ Q	10	7	8
3. S	♠ K	6	5	8
4. S	♠ 2	3	9	Q
5. E	♥ 9	3	2	♠ 10
6. N	♠ A	J	4	♣ 4
7. N	♦ 6	3	2	♥ 7
8. N	♦ K	4	A	♣ 8
9. S	♦ J	♣ 9	♣ 10	5
10. S	♣ 6	2	Q	K
11. E	♥ 4	J	K	♠ 7
12. N	♣ A	7	5	♥ 6
13. N	♣ J	♥ Q	♦ 9	♥ 5

Down 1 — N/S -100

While 6♠ fails 6♦ will make here (on a non-club lead). On GIB's auction I might be inclined to offer a choice with 6♦ over 5♠ since I can easily imagine slam making if either clubs or spades come in as a source of tricks whereas 6♠ requires the spades to behave.

Board 5
North Deals
N-S Vul

♠ K J 10 6
♥ 9 8 3
♦ 6 4 2
♣ A 5 2

♠ Q
♥ K Q 7
♦ A 10 9 7
♣ K J 9 4 3

	N
W		E
	S

♠ 9 8 5 4
♥ A 6 5
♦ Q J
♣ Q 10 8 7

♠ A 7 3 2
♥ J 10 4 2
♦ K 8 5 3
♣ 6

West	North	East	South
	Pass	Pass	Pass
1 ♣	Pass	1 ♠	Pass
2 ♣	Pass	Pass	Dbl
Pass	2 ♥	3 ♣	Pass
3 ♦	Pass	3 ♥	Pass
4 ♣	All pass

4 ♣ by West

Trick	Lead	2nd	3rd	4th
1. N	♣ 2	8	6	4
2. E	♣ 10	♠ 7	9	A
3. N	♣ 5	7	♥ 4	3
4. E	♦ Q	5	7	2
5. E	♦ J	K	A	6
6. W	♦ 9	4	♥ 5	8
7. W	♥ 7	3	A	2
8. E	♠ 5	3	Q	K
9. N	♥ 8	6	10	K
10. W	♦ 10	♠ 6	♠ 4	3
11. W	♥ Q	9	♠ 8	J
12. W	♣ J	♠ J	Q	♠ 2
13. E	♠ 9	A	♣ K	10

Made 5 — N/S -150

I thought that west might be inclined to rebid 1NT - I would. In that case that is likely to become the final contract.

Board 6
East Deals
E-W Vul

♠ J 3
♥ A 6 5 4
♦ 4
♣ K J 6 4 3 2

♠ A K 7 4
♥ K 10
♦ K Q 9 7 6 5
♣ 8

	N
W		E
	S

♠ Q 9 2
♥ Q 9 7 2
♦ J 8 3
♣ 10 7 5

♠ 10 8 6 5
♥ J 8 3
♦ A 10 2
♣ A Q 9

West	North	East	South
		Pass	1 ♣
1 ♦	1 ♥	Pass	2 ♥
Dbl	Rdbl	3 ♦	Dbl
Pass	4 ♣	Pass	Pass
Dbl	All pass

4 ♣ x by South

Trick	Lead	2nd	3rd	4th
1. W	♦ K	4	3	A
2. S	♦ 10	5	♠ 3	J
3. E	♣ 5	Q	8	2
4. S	♦ 2	7	♠ J	8
5. E	♣ 7	9	♠ 7	6
6. S	♥ 3	10	4	Q
7. E	♣ 10	A	♠ 4	K
8. S	♠ 8	A	♣ J	2
9. N	♥ 6	2	8	K
10. W	♦ Q	♣ 4	♠ 9	♠ 5
11. N	♥ 5	9	J	♦ 9
12. S	♠ 10	K	♣ 3	Q
13. N	♥ A	7	♠ 6	♦ 6

Down 1 — N/S -100

We had an auction where west ended in 3♦.

West	North	East	South
		Pass	Pass
1 ♦	3 ♣	Pass	Pass
3 ♦	Pass	Pass	Pass

I commented that south might raise to 4♣ and that I certainly would with a little distribution.

I am surprised that GIB is opening the south hand with only 11 hcp and 4-3-3-3 distribution.

11/01/07 Hand Six

2007-01-12T19:52:00.000+13:00

Private Bridge Lessons
email wjburrows@gmail.com

Brd 6 ♠ AJT East ♥ KJT5 EW ♦ 9653 ♣ J2 cascade ♠ 532 ♠ KQ874 ♥ A82 ♥ 74 ♦ KQ8 ♦ A ♣ KQ97 ♣ T8654 cascade cascade ♠ 96 ♥ Q963 ♦ JT742 ♣ A3 cascade	West	North	East	South
			Pass	Pass
	1♣	Pass	1♠	Pass
	1NT	Pass	2♣	Pass
	Pass	Pass

cascade: =Board Six=
cascade: but 3♦ is certainly not wrong
cascade: I don't mind raising spades on this auction with three spades only
cascade: but with xxx and 4-3-3-3 distribution i will make the normal 1NT rebid
cascade: East's hand is marginal
cascade: if there is a fit the hand could play well
cascade: the hand is nearly invitational
cascade: but most actions over a 1NT rebid are weak or strong
cascade: and the hand is not suited for an inviational 2NT
cascade: 2♣ shows a weakish hand with clubs
cascade: (unless you play checkback Stayman)
cascade: and is likely to end the auction
cascade: 4♠ will make i think
cascade: but it needs the ♠A onside and the spades breaking
cascade: so is only marginal in the bidding
cascade: it probably needs clubs breaking too
cascade: so that there is no club ruff
cascade: any questions?
cascade: ===========
peterb370c: 4♠ is cold, isn't it?
cascade: it will make
cascade: but nearly half of the time with the EW cards there will be a club ruff
cascade: half of the rest the ♠A will be wrong
cascade: and 1/3 of the rest spades will not break
cascade: which makes it around 15-20% contract
peterb370c: lol not the best game ever
cascade: so i am happy not being there
cascade: ==============================================
cascade: Thanks everyone for coming
MikeJ: Thank you very much for your time Wayne!
Fazza: many thanks Wayne:):):)
peterb370c: thnx wayne excellent as usual!
cascade: i will publish these hands and comments at www.bridgelessons.blogspot.com
cascade: take a look and review the interesting ones
cascade: feedback will be appreciated
cdt: thanks Wayne for your time and efforts for us :)
onoway: thanks Wayne
cascade: you can comment on the hands there
cascade: thanks to the BIL for hosting these sessions
rq4mulae: and thanky you very much for doing them, Wayne!
cascade: I will not be here for the next two weeks
cascade: I am playing a tournament in Canberra
onoway: best of luck!!
Fazza: good luck:)

11/01/07 Hand Five

2007-01-12T19:51:00.000+13:00

Private Bridge Lessons
wjburrows@gmail.com

Brd 5 ♠ J9 North ♥ Q9432 NS ♦ K982 ♣ AQ cascade ♠ T72 ♠ 63 ♥ T75 ♥ 86 ♦ QJ3 ♦ AT764 ♣ 8654 ♣ KJT3 cascade cascade ♠ AKQ854 ♥ AKJ ♦ 5 ♣ 972 cascade	West	North	East	South
		1♥	Pass	2♠
	Pass	2NT	Pass	3♥
	Pass	4♣	Pass	4NT
	Pass	5♦	Pass	6♥
	Pass	Pass	Pass

cascade: =Board Five=
cascade: The beauty of bridge is that there is always something more to learn ;-)
analisals: goodo point about the switch being a hint of singleton, hope to remember that
cascade: South is ideal for a strong jump shift
cascade: a great suit with support for partner on the side
cascade: 2♠ is GF (and slam interest) usually about 17-18 or more
cascade: North can rebid 2NT or 3♦
peterb370c: this board was our only negative missed the slam
cascade: for me 2♠ will not have a second suit so I would rebid 2NT without a good second suit or lots of distribution
cascade: South can now safely show the heart support
cascade: since 2♠ established a GF
cascade: and now North can cue-bid
cascade: when South sees the club cue-bid he can ask for aces (key-cards)
cascade: and bid slam
cascade: this hand is slightly better if you play 1430 responses to RKCB
cascade: since then there is room to ask for the ♥Q
cascade: any questions
cascade: ===========
rq4mulae: in 2/1, using weak j-s's by responder, 2♠ still effective?
cascade: definitely not if you play weak jump shifts
rq4mulae: then artificial 2♣, yes?
cascade: 1♥ 1♠ if i do not play strong jump shifts
WSue601: unclear on the 2NT...why not 2 dia?
WSue601: 3 dia...
cascade: 3♦ is ok too
cascade: either - i think i said there was a choice
cascade: for me when my partnership bids 2♠ we won't have a second suit (expect if it is support for partner)
cascade: so there is no point bidding a poorish four-card suit
WSue601: oh...thanks

11/01/07 Hand Four

2007-01-12T19:50:00.000+13:00

Private Bridge Lessons
wjburrows@gmail.com

Brd 4 ♠ T7 West ♥ J All ♦ AQ652 ♣ AQ863 cascade ♠ AQJ98 ♠ K43 ♥ KT32 ♥ 975 ♦ 987 ♦ 43 ♣ 7 ♣ KJT52 cascade cascade ♠ 652 ♥ AQ864 ♦ KJT ♣ 94 cascade	West	North	East	South
	Pass	1♦	Pass	1♥
	1♠	2♣	2♠	3♦
	Pass	Pass	Pass

cascade: =Board Four=
analisals: was wrong I was NOrth what would be a good lead there
cascade: sorry forgot to claim
cascade: it makes it easier for me later
cascade: 1♦ the highest of two five-card suits
cascade: West having passed can overcall 1♠
cascade: East should raise
cascade: and this creates a little problem for South
cascade: 3♦ doesnt really show the values of the hand
cascade: without the raise South would jump to 3♦ to invite game
cascade: after 2♠ - 3♦ is just competitive
cascade: 5♦ is a long way off so I am happy being conservative
cascade: any questions?
cascade: ===========
p_orto: ♥
analisals: does it make?
cascade: 5 diamonds, one club and one heart on the top
cascade: you can easily establish a second heart by running the ♥J
cascade: but there might be problems if you play clubs early and suffer a ruff
cascade: especially if the ♣A is ruffed
cascade: GIB says declarer must play the ace here
cascade: so i think in practice 3♦ might fail
cascade: the club switch suggests a singleton
analisals: appreciate your comments thanks, don't know if I will ever learn the play of the hand
amms3: what does he mean by GIB
cascade: but some will take the finesse
cascade: GIB is a button at the bottom right
cascade: it tells if you what you can make if you could see all of the cards
cascade: and what the best plays are

11/01/07 Hand Three

2007-01-12T19:49:00.001+13:00

Private Bridge Lessons
wjburrows@gmail.com

Brd 3 ♠ A872 South ♥ KQ93 EW ♦ K62 ♣ 87 cascade ♠ K5 ♠ J963 ♥ A86542 ♥ JT ♦ 4 ♦ AT953 ♣ AT64 ♣ 93 cascade cascade ♠ QT4 ♥ 7 ♦ QJ87 ♣ KQJ52 cascade	West	North	East	South
				1♣
	1♥	Dbl	Pass	2♣
	Pass	2NT	Pass	Pass
	Pass
	td>

cascade: =Board Three=
cascade: maybe some would pass the south hand
cascade: it is not perfect since there will be rebid problems over 1♥ by partner
cascade: North can make a negative double showing four spades
cascade: East is weak without support for partner's overcall
cascade: and south is forced to rebid the clubs
cascade: for me 2♦ would be a reverse
cybershot2: thanks ive gtg, I'll read the rest on the blog , good sessio
cascade: the negative double said something about spades but nothing about diamonds
cascade: north with 12 points is worth a game invite
cascade: or an optimist would just bid 3NT
cascade: the optimist would be rewarded if he can make 3NT
amms3: ew played nt and went down
cascade: which would need a lot of good guessing
cascade: any questions?
cascade: ===========
analisals: I opened one diamond was that gross?
cascade: no some solve the rebid problem for this sort of hand that way
cascade: if i was to do that i would like better diamonds and worse clubs
cascade: but it could easily be right even with this hand

2007-01-12T19:47:00.000+13:00

Private Bridge Lessons
wjburrows@gmail.com

Brd 2 ♠ 8742 East ♥ A62 NS ♦ J63 ♣ AQ5 cascade ♠ AKT96 ♠ QJ ♥ 7 ♥ Q98543 ♦ AQ8 ♦ T ♣ T984 ♣ K762 cascade cascade ♠ 53 ♥ KJT ♦ K97542 ♣ J3 cascade	West	North	East	South
			2♥	Pass
	Pass	Pass

cascade: =Board Two=
cascade: 2♥ always for me here
cascade: especially at this vul
cascade: but if you have standards you might have to pass on Qxxxxx
cybershot2: lol any standards?
cascade: West doesn't have enough to bid over a weak bid with no fit
cascade: and North has a very dubious takeout double
cascade: i wouldn't vul - there is too much down-side when we can't make anything at the three-level
cascade: any questions?
cascade: ===========
cybershot2: if E passes does South have a weak 2♦?
cascade: If East passed then my standards are that i would not open the south hand at this vul
cascade: vul versus not I am much more cautious
MikeJ: With solid spades, opening points, and favorable colors, West shouldn't say anything?
cascade: and would like a better suit and maybe a better hand
cascade: no
cascade: it is unlikely that EW have a game
cascade: and that East will have a spade fit
cascade: the most likely outcome from bidding 2♠ is that you get to 3♥
MikeJ: ty
cascade: which is one trick harder to make
myrto: our opps bid and made 3nt
cascade: a similar hand - AK AQ with a fit for partner's hearts and I will bid
cascade: 3NT should be defeated
picsou1->Kibitzers: 3nt why not ?
cascade: and that is after two finesses are successful
cascade: i would be happy for my opponents to be in 3NT
analisals: would you double 3 NT?
hoppyjack: I was thinking the lessons said you need 2 of the top 3 for a weak opening.
cascade: no
cascade: i can't see who has a double
cascade: A word of clarification ...
cascade: Standards for your weak twos are good
JAF1935: Hi ♥ I'm late sorry which hand may we see3 all or only one
cascade: an easy standard is 2 out of 3 top honours or 3 of the top five
Laptop: hi
cascade: then your partner will have a good basis for his judgement
cascade: Others like to pre-empt in a less disciplined way
hoppyjack: It seemed to work well, in the lessons. :-)
cascade: Personally my style is less disciplined in terms of suit quality
hoppyjack: tu
cascade: although my partner and I work hard on having a different sort of standard
alexiss: 6bds in 3 runden?
rq4mulae->Club: are you more likely to be undisciplined with minor or major?
cascade: so that we know what to expect
rq4mulae: so that we know what to expect
rq4mulae: are you more likely to be undisciplined with minor or major?
analisals: does that standard change for second or third seat?
cascade: our standard is more based on over-all suit strength
analisals: does that standard change for 2nd or 3rd seat?
cascade: sorry
cascade: over-all hand strength
cascade: and it varies by position and vulnerability
cascade: a summary for all our pre-empts at the 2-3 level
cascade: is
cascade: 1♠t seat agressive
cascade: 2nd seat sounder
cascade: 3rd seat - we don't care but we are not silly
cascade: 4th seat - we don't pre-empt with weak hands
cascade: and by vul
cascade: we use a "rule of..." basis
onoway: I am sorry I was unable to get here earlier..are you going to talk about overcalling preempts or have I missed it?
cascade: which means that our pre-empts are roughly within a certain number of tricks of the contract
cascade: it ranges from about 2 tricks at unfavourable vul (or maybe a little better)
cascade: to within 4 or 5 tricks at favourable vul
->onoway: if it comes up
cybershot2: do you mean 2tricks down at unfavorable vul?
->JAF1935: you should be able to kibitz all hands
cascade: yes or maybe even a bit more cautious
cybershot2: and you will tolerate -4 or 5 at favorable?
cascade: in our own hand
cascade: if i am down 5 and partner contributes nothing i needn't worry too much since the opponents have probably missed slam
cascade: and at favourable vul if doubled that is -1100 vs their 1430 or so
cybershot2: thanks
cascade: where as unfavourable -2 undoubled is a disaster when they have nothing
cascade: next hand

2007-01-12T19:46:00.000+13:00

Private Bridge Lessons
email wjburrows@gmail.com

Brd 1 ♠ J82 North ♥ 8764 None ♦ 843 ♣ AQ2 cascade ♠ T7 ♠ A953 ♥ 9 ♥ AKJ2 ♦ QJT952 ♦ 7 ♣ J986 ♣ 7543 cascade cascade ♠ KQ64 ♥ QT53 ♦ AK6 ♣ KT cascade	West	North	East	South
		Pass	1♣	Dbl
	1♦	Pass	1♥	Pass
	2♣	Pass	Pass	Pass

cascade: Welcome everyone
cascade: I hope you enjoyed the tournament
myrto: we are all ears
analisals: thanks Cascade for having it -
cascade: Please limit public chat to the question time at the end of each hand
myrto: i didnt do well so i didnt
ruder_7: thx for the play
cascade: I have been publishing the hands and text from these lessons on my blog
analisals: I didn't do well but enjoyed it anyway as a learning xperience
cascade: you can review them later here www.bridgelessons.blogspot.com
cascade: =Board One=
rahel1: welcome kibitzer :)
cascade: South has a choice between double and 1NT
cascade: with both majors and only one stopper the hand is more suited for a takeout double
cascade: West has club support and a good diamond suit
cascade: so I would bid in spite of only 4 points
cascade: Pass is possible
sz_l: 2♦ would be weak ?
cascade: normally i would freely respond to the takeout double
cascade: but with only 7 points and six of those in the opponents suit
cascade: and 4-3-3-3 distribution
cascade: with poor hearts
cascade: i would pass
cascade: (if West passed I would be obligated to bid)
cascade: I would be very happy about my pass when East rebid 1♥
myrto: would you as N if S bid 1nt?
Rae123: too flat for 1nt response
cascade: any questions?
myrto: right i didnt
cascade: ===========
cascade: after 1NT north would pass
sz_l: what would be 1♣ - dbl - 2♦ ?
myrto: weak and long suit?
rq4mulae: i bid 1NT to be pre-emptive as much as anything, since p passed. really that dumb? :)
cascade: from the SAYC notes "A responder's jump shift after a double is to play:"
cybershot2: why do you prefer Dbl to 1nt by south ... Kx seems ok after a minor opening?
cascade: when partner is a passed hand i would judge it is more important to get to a good part-score so I am more inclined to double
rq4mulae: k tx
cascade: i want to emphasise the majors
cascade: If East is short then ♣Kx maybe fine
cascade: but ♣Kx is a ruffing value if we have a major fit
cascade: so I want to maximise the chance of finding our major fit
cybershot2: any rebid problems after a X?
cascade: there are a number of hands that will pass 1NT with a four-card major
cascade: yes there will be rebid problems if North bids diamonds
figgie: when would a 1 h response from N be appropriate after the 1 d bid by W?
cascade: Mike Lawrence used to advocate a double then 1NT rebid with this sort of hand
cybershot2: what is your response if he bids ♥?
cascade: but the standard is for double and a 1NT rebid to show a stronger hand - 19-21
cascade: I would raise to 3♥
cybershot2: ok thanks
Fazza: can you show us the bidding if it goes: 1♣lub-1NT .....?
analisals: what would you bid as north?
rq4mulae: this is very good hand for discussion, Wayne. tx
cascade: West might bid 2♦
cascade: if not pass-pass-pass
Fazza: ok. ty:)
cascade: 2♦ is weak after a "STRONG" 1NT overcall
cascade: and should show six diamonds
figgie: what if it is 1 c..X..1♦..1♥?
cascade: this might get passed out
cascade: although i imagine lots of East's would try and rescue
cascade: 2♦ on the 6-1 fit actually plays better than 2♣ on the 4-4 fit
cascade: perhaps some norths would go on
cascade: but i would down grade for the reasons i mentioned earlier
cascade: 4-3-3-3
cascade: 6 points in the opponents suit
figgie: ty Wayne
cascade: 3♥ can actually make
cascade: basically East gets end-played
figgie: y

BIL Lesson 05/01/07 - Hand Six

2007-01-06T22:03:00.000+13:00

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Brd 6 ♠ T73 East ♥ KT5 EW ♦ 732 ♣ J865 cascade ♠ AJ4 ♠ Q98652 ♥ AQ963 ♥ --- ♦ 4 ♦ AKT95 ♣ QT72 ♣ AK cascade cascade ♠ K ♥ J8742 ♦ QJ86 ♣ 943 cascade	West	North	East	South
			1♠	Pass
	2♥	Pass	3♦	Pass
	3♠	Pass	4♣	Pass
	4NT	Pass	5♠	Pass
	6♠	Pass	Pass	Pass

cascade: === Board Six ===
Campus61: I gavehim this>http://www.annam.co.uk/2-1.html
->Campus61: thanks
cascade: Campus61 just gave me this link http://www.annam.co.uk/2-1.html
cascade: thanks
cascade: East has a nice hand
Campus61: (*:*) retired Girl Scout here
cascade: and West has support and a good hand of his own
cascade: West's choices are 2♥ intending to raise spades strongly next time
cascade: or a Jacoby 2NT - although some like four trumps for that
cascade: or a Splinter but that is more advanced
cascade: a splinter is 4♦ showing trump support and a singleton or void in the suit bid
cascade: East's 3♦ shows a second suit and extra strength - enough to force to game
cascade: so West can bid 3♠ to show support
cascade: and leave room for cue-bids
cascade: in this context a cue-bid shows a control - Ace, king, singleton or void - so that partner knows there are not two losers in this suit for slam
cascade: West might just bid Blackwood (RKCB) now
cascade: it is perhaps a slight overbid
cascade: any questions?
cascade: ===========
Fazza: do you also like four trumps for a (mini)splinter?
rq4mulae: using J2NT, where do they go when opener shows H void? :-)
cascade: some require four trumps for a splinter
cascade: it is something to discuss with your partners
Fazza->Club: ok ty:)
anco->Club: what is J2NT pls
bedu: can I repete our bids ?
cascade: 1♠ 2NT; 3♥ (shortage) 3♠ (waiting); 4♣ (cue) ... etc along similar lines now
krzychu56: thx Wayne
cascade: J2NT = Jacoby 2NT - 1Maj 2NT showing support for opener and GF values
cascade: -----------------
anco: tks
peterb370c: thnx wayne excellent as usual
Campus61: Thank you Wayne for ur tourney and review
cascade: you can read the text of these lessons at www.bridgelessons.blogspot.com
rq4mulae: ok, i thought it took rebid of short suit to show void. but only if you want to? :-)
cascade: today's lesson will be published sometime later today
Campus61: where?
cascade: you can make comments there on the hands
cascade: www.bridgelessons.blogspot.com
rq4mulae: tx Wayne
bedu: my p bid 2 ♣ is this correct?
onoway: thanks for this Wayne both fun and helpful
cascade: let me know if you find that helpful
Fazza: many thanks Wayne:)
berniel: tks
cascade: i don't know which seat he was in but i cannot see a hand here that would bid 2♣
cascade: thanks everyone for coming
boeh->Club: thanks
cascade: and thanks to the BIL for hosting these sessions
bedu: east 2 ♣ me 2♦ relay
cocobean: thx
cascade: 2♣ GF
cdt: Thanks Wayne wonderful lesson :)
cascade: i do not think this hand is strong enough
->cdt: thanks
bedu: yes he bid 2 ♠ and me 3 ♥
cascade: bye all closing i have an appointment to get out to in 20 minutes
KeldKn (Lobby): thanks and happy new year
->KeldKn: thx

BIL Lesson 05/01/07 - Hand Five

2007-01-06T22:01:00.001+13:00

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Brd 5 ♠ AK82 North ♥ A854 NS ♦ QJT5 ♣ 9 cascade ♠ J6 ♠ QT93 ♥ KQJ7 ♥ T962 ♦ A32 ♦ 986 ♣ QT86 ♣ K7 cascade cascade ♠ 754 ♥ 3 ♦ K74 ♣ AJ5432 cascade	West	North	East	South
		1♦	Pass	1NT
	Pass	Pass	Pass

cascade: === Board Five ===
cascade: North has an awkward hand 4=4=4=1
cascade: depending on how the auction develops
cascade: South has six clubs but not enough strength to bid at the two-level
cascade: and North will have nowhere to go
ulsay: whatabout rule of 14?
cascade: Maybe West would want to bid
cavalier2: true, I made the mistake of bidding 3 nt
cascade: but there is nothing sensible for him to say
cascade: double would suggest more spades
cascade: and he doesn't have a five-card suit to overcall
cascade: any questions?
cascade: ===========
cascade: What is the rule of 14?
SillyBily->Kibitzers: next 1 after 13
cavalier2: what is rule 14
peterb370c: hcp + suit length>= 14 justifies a 2 level response
cascade: ♥K looks like a normal lead
cascade: and declarer has 7 easy tricks - two spades, one heart, three diamonds (knock out the ace first) and one club
cascade: that makes for very light two over one responses
cascade: which is not the SAYC style
Dianne0516: How would you bid it in 2/1?
cascade: the same way in 2/1
cascade: My understanding is that SAYC has very sound 2/1 responses compared with other systems (except 2/1)
rq4mulae: except N is forced, yes?
cavalier2: please explain 2/1
cascade: normally a new suit at the two-level is written as 11+
cascade: i think you have to respond at the two level sometimes with a little less
Dianne0516: not 2 diamonds in 2/1?
cascade: but i don't think 8 points would be enough
->Dianne0516: by which hand?
Dianne0516: south
cascade: i don't think 1♦ 1NT is normally played as forcing
cascade: 2/1 is a different system
cascade: this lesson is based on SAYC or Bridge Base Basic so I don't want to go into any more details now
cascade: next hand ...

BIL Lesson 05/01/07 - Hand Four

2007-01-06T21:58:00.000+13:00

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Brd 4 ♠ AT97 West ♥ 5 All ♦ A9862 ♣ J64 cascade ♠ KJ85 ♠ 6432 ♥ T32 ♥ AKQ864 ♦ 53 ♦ KJ4 ♣ KT95 ♣ --- cascade cascade ♠ Q ♥ J97 ♦ QT7 ♣ AQ8732 cascade	West	North	East	South
	Pass	Pass	1♥	2♣
	2♥	Dbl	4♥	Pass
	Pass	Pass

cascade: === Board Four ===
rq4mulae: is there some system/convention that overcalls weak 2's with intermediate hand as takeout and forcing on p?
rq4mulae: overcalls with NT, specifically
cascade: yes there is some method where double is penalties and a suit bid is used as takeout
cascade: i wouldnt recommend it though
cascade: South is a marginal overcall
cascade: six clubs and 11 points fits within the normal range
cascade: but there is a stiff Queen
cascade: and partner has passed
dusi_vr: y he is having 11 points
cascade: nevertheless i think most would bid
cascade: and West has a routine raise
cascade: as does north
cascade: this is a similar situation to an earlier hand
cascade: hand two
cascade: North has two aces
cascade: i would like to make a stronger raise
cascade: but not so strong that i am committed to the four-level
cascade: but there is none available
cascade: notice that it would be easy to make a strong raise (cue-raise) if West passed
cavalier2: how about a neg double in north
cascade: a takeout double would be ok
cascade: probably better than 3♣ since it allows for other contracts - spades in particular
cascade: East has a little extra and good distribution
cascade: i would be tempted to bid 4♥
KeldKn: rdbl
cavalier2: our opps bid 4 hearts and were down l
cascade: but that won't be successful here
cascade: i would definitely at least invite game with the east hand
cascade: any questions?
cascade: ===========
dusi_vr: by bidding 3H
cascade: usually after the double by North ...
cascade: 3♥ would just be competitive
dusi_vr: oh ty
cascade: so to invite game i would need to bid a new suit or RDbl
dusi_vr: ok ty
KeldKn: why jump, p has a passed hand?
dusi_vr: 3NT will it be there please
cascade: i don't think so
cascade: too many aces to lose
dusi_vr: yes please
cascade: so too much time for the defense to set up extra tricks
dusi_vr: ty
cascade: and they have a potential second trick in clubs, diamonds and spades
->KeldKn: because of the distribution
->KeldKn: public questions are better
KeldKn: ok

BIL Lesson 05/01/07 - Hand Three

2007-01-06T20:38:00.000+13:00

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Brd 3 ♠ 97 South ♥ KQT74 EW ♦ 9 ♣ KJT82 cascade ♠ Q8 ♠ A64 ♥ A95 ♥ J832 ♦ QJ72 ♦ A653 ♣ Q743 ♣ A6 cascade cascade ♠ KJT532 ♥ 6 ♦ KT84 ♣ 95 cascade	West	North	East	South
				2♠
	Pass	Pass	Dbl	Pass
	3♠	Pass	3NT	Pass
	Pass	Pass

cascade: === Board Three ===
cascade: South has a nice weak two
cascade: I want to always bid with this hand ...
cascade: so I can't afford to have standards like needing two of the top three honours
cascade: in fact at this vulnerability with the extra distribution and in first seat i might consider opening 3♠
KeldKn: you have 3 of top 5
dusi_vr: in vul position also
cascade: if my standard was 3 of 5 honours then this would be ok if that was your standard
cascade: West is close to a takeout double
cascade: one more heart and the distribution would be ideal
cascade: but with only three hearts, ♠Qx, a minimum and being vulnerable there are too many reasons not to bid
cascade: North has too few points and not good enough fit to bid
rq4mulae: shows what YOU know! :-) i'll explain when you finish the hand.
cascade: and East could make a takeout double
cascade: this is not ideal (with a doubleton club) but is the sort of comprimise you sometimes need to make
cascade: West's bid over a takeout double is very awkward
cascade: he has no (real) spade stopper for No Trumps
cascade: only three hearts
cascade: but 11 points but would not necessarily want to jump in a minor
cascade: to show the values
aside08 (Lobby): þerefsiz cascade.masaya izleyici neden kabul etmiyorsun.hi//slm//bye..
cascade: some players use the Lebensohl convention in this auction
cascade: they bid 2NT with any weak hand
cascade: so a bid of 3♣ or 3♦ would show some values
cascade: I might overbid a little by cue-bidding 3♠ to ask partner if he has a spade stopper
cascade: any questions?
cascade: ===========
rq4mulae: I SHOULD have opened 3S! Our W made incredible bid to give them top board on 14 IMP swing. :-( ...
bedu: N can bid 4 ♠ for barrage ?
cybershot2: please talk some more about the 2♠ bid.. I would pass here the ♠'s are not solid, min points
rq4mulae: 2S-2NT!!! - P - 3NT
Bilal1959 (Lobby): masa acamýon mu
cascade: this south hand is good for a pre-empt for a number of reasons
cascade: 1. 1st seat is the best seat to pre-empt
dusi_vr: with 6 Cards can we make 3 bid please
cascade: 2. favourable vul is the best for a sacrifice
cascade: 3. the hand has extra distribution and therefore playing strength (in spite of being weak)
dusi_vr: min 7 cards required for 3 level is it not so p
cascade: 4. there is some solidity in the spades with ♠ KJ10xxx
cascade: in my partnership if I opened this 2♠ (probably I would) i would call this a maximum weak two (at this vul) if partner asked
cascade: i would consider opening 3♠ based on the extra distribution
cascade: seven spades are normal for a 3♠ opening
cascade: any more questions?
cascade: notice that 2♠ works here
cascade: both East and West have some values but the bidding was awkward for them
cascade: that is what we are aiming for with our pre-empts (i include weak twos in 'pre-empts') ...
cascade: if the hand does not belong to our side we are hoping that it will be awkward for the opponents

BIL Lesson 05/01/07 - Hand Two

2007-01-06T20:33:00.000+13:00

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Brd 2 ♠ 63 East ♥ 753 NS ♦ 853 ♣ KQJ93 cascade ♠ KQ84 ♠ J75 ♥ Q86 ♥ T9 ♦ KJT97 ♦ A642 ♣ 7 ♣ A654 cascade cascade ♠ AT92 ♥ AKJ42 ♦ Q ♣ T82 cascade	West	North	East	South
			Pass	1♥
	2♦	2♥	3♦	3♥
	Pass	Pass	Pass

cascade: === Board Two ===
cascade: West is a marginal overcall
cascade: only 11 points
cascade: and only a five-card suit
cascade: but the vulnerability is favourable so I would bid
cascade: North can raise hearts and East diamonds
cascade: South has some distribution so might compete to 3♥
cascade: although there is some danger at this vulnerability
cascade: any questions?
cascade: ===========
cascade: possibly East could make a stronger raise with two aces and four-card support but there is no good way to show that much after North raises to 2♥
cascade: no questions we will move on ...
ulsay: no ty

BIL Lesson 05/01/07 - Hand One

2007-01-06T20:27:00.000+13:00

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Brd 1 ♠ AT North ♥ K762 None ♦ K ♣ T87653 cascade ♠ 9862 ♠ K5 ♥ Q3 ♥ J984 ♦ T9652 ♦ AQJ74 ♣ K2 ♣ AQ cascade cascade ♠ QJ743 ♥ AT5 ♦ 83 ♣ J94 cascade	West	North	East	South
		Pass	1♦	Pass
	1♠	Pass	2♥	Pass
	3♦	Pass	Pass	Pass

cascade: Welcome everyone
cascade: I hope that you enjoyed the tournament
cascade: Lets make a start
cascade: I have been publishing the BIL lessons here www.bridgelessons.blogspot.com
cascade: that includes the hands and discussion from this session
cascade: so beware your comments maybe published
cascade: === Board One ===
cascade: 1NT would be ok with the East hand
cascade: you are nearly balanced
cascade: and 17 hcp
cascade: with most of those points in the short suits
cascade: I would respond with the West hand
cascade: only five points but five-card support for opener's diamonds
cascade: opener's 2♥ is a reverse showing five (or more) diamonds and four hearts
cascade: and around 16/17 hcp or more
cascade: it is forcing for one round
cascade: West can give a simple preference to 3♦
cascade: which might end the auction
cdt: how wd bidding go with 1NT opening please?
cascade: there are two hearts and a spade to lose with the ♠A onside
cascade: any questions?
cascade: ===========
cascade: after a 1NT opening the bidding might go Pass Pass Pass
cdt: how wd bidding go with NT opening
cascade: which should make exactly one on a normal spade lead
cascade: declarer has five diamonds and two clubs and a spade ( so actually one overtrick)
onoway: and if N came in with 2♣?
cascade: and the defense will set up four spades and have two hearts - but will only get five of these tricks if declarer takes his tricks first
jmzelis: is there a way to distinguish 3♦ forcing & non forcing (via leb 2NT ?
cascade: North cannot bid 2♣ unless you play Natural overcalls
HASTY: but now heading for costco to replenish our stock for the next year -
bluehi: can answer later is there any why to take the hands from barons into a teaching table in the bbo
onoway: our north did
cascade: SAYC includes Landy - 2♣ showing both majors - and many pairs play other defenses to 1NT Cappelletti or DONT etc
cavalier2: I was first bidder and opened 1 club, was that wrong
dusi_vr: lead of Spade from south will be Q S or Low S
dusi_vr: if low then they make 4 S or else they make three only
cascade: please ask your questions publically in the question time so that everyone can see
cascade: 1♣ is not wrong but it is very light with 1. only 10 points, 2. a bad suit and 3. a singleton King
cascade: open if your partner expects that you might be this light but you may just end too high if partner does not expect this
HASTY: BUY
cascade: South's lead ...
cascade: I would lead a low spade versus NTs but the ♠Q against a suit
dusi_vr: yes please
cascade: the reason is that my aims are different ...
jmzelis: does some play 3♦ forcing ( or not ....
cascade: against NTs I want to set up as many tricks as possible
dee_dee_20: opps bid ♠ would south lead a ♠?
cascade: against a suit often the third round is ruffed by someone so I am primarily trying to win the first or second spade trick
cascade: I would lead a spade against NTs even if West bid them
cascade: but you might be talked out of it
->jmzelis: some play a version of Lebensohl after a reverse
jmzelis: ok, i have seen it ... thx

BIL Lesson 28/12/2006

2006-12-29T19:26:00.001+13:00

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cascade->Club: ♦ ♦ Tourney Hand Review Starting Soon - cascade's table in the BIL
cascade: Welcome everyone
cascade: I hope you enjoyed the tournament
Jimmy V: ty
Jimmy V: yes
cascade: I have been publishing the hands and text from these lesson on a blog ...
cascade: www.bridgelessons.blogspot.com
cascade: so you can review the lessons again later
Fazza: great:)
cybershot2: very handy :)
cascade: all (actually most) comments made at the table will be recorded there
cascade: which means if you don't want your comments recorded either ...
cascade: 1. don't say anything
cascade: or 2. let me know and I will see if I can edit them out
cascade: I would much prefer not to do 2. as that is more work for me
cascade: Lets make a start ....

cascade: === Board One ===

Brd 1 ♠ 3 North ♥ Q42 None ♦ J764 ♣ AJT84 cascade ♠ KT62 ♠ J985 ♥ AJ753 ♥ KT9 ♦ --- ♦ AKT9 ♣ Q963 ♣ K7 cascade cascade ♠ AQ74 ♥ 86 ♦ Q8532 ♣ 52 cascade	West	North	East	South
		Pass	1♦	Pass
	1♥	Pass	1♠	Pass
	4♠	Pass	Pass	Pass

cascade: East's rebid is a matter of style ...
cascade: some recommend 1NT to show your shape ...
cascade: and others 1♠ to show the four-card major
cascade: Unless you are an experienced partnership I like to rebid my major
cascade: I don't want to play in 1NT when we have a 4-4 spade fit ...
cascade: and with a weak no trump hand a part-score is reasonably likely
cascade: West has spade support and is somewhere between 3♠ - Invitational - and 4♠ - game values
cascade: I'd be happy bidding 4♠ if my void wasn't in diamonds - partner's first bid suit
cascade: and I might bid 4♠ anyway
cascade: hands with voids can be very hard to evaluate
cascade: so if I am close to game I tend to just bid game and hope

cascade: any questions?
cascade: ===========

cybershot2: I have a hypothetical question here,,,since my p opened 1nt
->cybershot2: sure
cybershot2: 2♣ stayman then after 2♠ response 4♠ correct bid?
->cybershot2: that looks normal
cybershot2: ty
Jimmy V: nty
cascade: declarer might need to get the ♥Q right to make
rq4mulae: interesting play here, Wayne. why does N let trick go?
cascade: on a club lead North should 'finesse' against the dummy
cascade: if you go up with the ace then you make two tricks for declarer - ♣ K and ♣ Q
rq4mulae: that's what happened only time 4S failed. something we need to learn.
cascade: now the best defense is another club
cascade: and that solves declarer's heart problem
BILmanager (Lobby): => Club: ♦♦*Cascade's Teaching Table now open in the BIL - hand review - all welcome ♦♦

=== Board Two ===

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Brd 2 ♠ AQ542 East ♥ AJT52 NS ♦ K4 ♣ A cascade ♠ JT876 ♠ 3 ♥ 76 ♥ 43 ♦ T ♦ AJ9852 ♣ KJ854 ♣ T973 cascade cascade ♠ K9 ♥ KQ98 ♦ Q763 ♣ Q62 cascade	West	North	East	South
			2♦	Pass
	Pass	3♦	Pass	4♥
	Pass	Pass	Pass

cascade: East is a little light for a weak two - only five points
cascade: but I would always open this hand ...
cascade: 1. i have a little extra distribution
LadyStar17: how are you??
cascade: 2. the vulnerability is favourable
fub_45: hiya..many happy returns 2 u 2
cascade: 3. first seat is the best seat to pre-empt in my view
->LadyStar17: well thanks Rosemary. How are you?
->fub_45: thanks Louise same to you :-)
fub_45: oppps..lol
cascade: South is best to pass
cascade: as is west - no point getting into more trouble
cascade: North has a very nice hand with two good five-card majors
cascade: You can play Michaels Cue-Bids over weak two
LadyStar17: Hope Santa was very good to you and that you have a happy and prosperous New Year
rq4mulae: in balancing rather than direct seat?
cascade: although some play a cue-bid as asking for a stopper
cascade: so you need to discuss this in a regular partnership and be careful in a pick-up partnership
cascade: it's certainly worth discussing since it is nice (and efficient) to have a way to show two five-card suits at once
cascade: South has an easy 4♥ when partner shows both majors
dee_dee_20: someone said it is another way of counting HCP plus controls using A=2 K=1
cascade: and North is close to inviting slam
cascade: but i am not sure it is clear especially with ♦ Kx sitting under the diamond bidder
cascade: slam would fail on ♦A and another lead
boblen (Lobby): Where do I find the Beginner/Intermediate Lounge?
cascade: actually a low diamond from the other side
->boblen: what version of the software do you have
dae: how would you invite slam?

cascade: any questions?
cascade: ===========

dae: see id he answers-I asked
cascade: any bid by north over 4♥ would be a slam try ...
cascade: given that he has already shown two five-card suits
WSue601: how many pts does michael's promise?
FREDOL->Club: no tak zagramy troche na WP bo tu jest lekcja czy póxniej trochê ??
cascade: I play that it always shows a constructive hand
peterb370c: 6NT by north?
cascade: here at the three-level that means close to an opening hand or better
cascade: 6NT is a pipedream sort of stuff ...
cascade: and fails on a club lead ...
cascade: if you are going to bid that well then I should be allowed to make the killing lead ;-)
peterb370c: lol
cascade: actually with spades not breaking there are not close to 12 tricks in NTs I think

=== Board Three ===

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Brd 3 ♠ J7 South ♥ J54 EW ♦ AQJ62 ♣ A32 cascade ♠ 853 ♠ Q94 ♥ AKT87 ♥ 92 ♦ 9 ♦ KT874 ♣ K987 ♣ T65 cascade cascade ♠ AKT62 ♥ Q63 ♦ 53 ♣ QJ4 cascade	West	North	East	South
				1♠
	Pass	2♦	Pass	2♠
	Pass	3♣	Pass	3NT
	Pass	Pass	Pass

cascade: West is marginal for a 2♥ overcall
cascade: a good suit and some distribution
cascade: but the vulnerability is dangerous
cascade: the vulnerability is a two-edged sword here ...
cascade: vulnerable we want to be more aggressive bidding our games (at IMPs not MPs)
cascade: but we also want to avoid multiples of -100 if we go down in a part-score
cascade: since the opponents open and we are minimum game is less likely
cascade: so I think pass is reasonable
cascade: South's rebid is an awkward part of SAYC
cascade: north's 2/1 promises another bid
cascade: so if South rebids 2NT with a minimum and North has only around 11 hcp there is a danger that NS will get too high
cascade: some therefore rebid 2♠ with any minimum (without four hearts or diamonds to raise) and require 2NT to show a little extra strength - say a good 13 or 14 hcp
cascade: I like that style
cascade: again it is something that you will want to discuss in your regular partnerships
cascade: North has enough for game
mulefloyd: why wouldn't N bid 3NT?
cascade: he has a choice of rebids ...
cascade: 1. raising spades
cascade: 2. 3NT
cascade: or 3. show a clubs stopper with 3♣
cascade: opener might have six spades and north doesn't have a heart stopper so 3♣ is more flexible - showing something in clubs
cascade: but 3NT is ok too I suppose
cascade: South sort of has a heart stopper so bids 3NT - nothing else is attractive
cascade: I would lead a low heart
cascade: and 3NT will depend on declarer guessing to take the club finesse (and spade finesse) and not a diamond finesse
cascade: i confess I would take a diamond finesse
rigour6: why does E play 9♥ rather than 2?
cascade: since if it works then I might make lots of tricks
mulefloyd: before clubs
->rigour6: you can play the two if you want

cascade: any questions?
cascade: ===========

dae: not lead a low S to J?
BnBeever: is it not good practice there to lead the Q♣ to see if it gets covered?
nyleh: yes - if west did overcall 2h, what wuld be north's bid?
BnBeever: going up with ace if it doesnt
BnBeever: if it does get covered, you can then go for the ♠ finesse - likely to work given W is marked with AK♥ & already shown K♣
cascade: I would double if West overcalled ...
cascade: or bid 3♦ natural and forcing
cascade: either will work
nyleh: Ty
cascade: if I double then i will follow it up with 3♥ asking for a stopper
cascade: Please if you are asking questions make them public
cascade: then everyone can see and it makes it easier for me - less typing
kermit: no i don't think i will ;-)
BnBeever: sry - shall i copy & paste?
cascade: definitely i would not lead a spade to the jack here
whoruneway->Club: need 2 to my table please
cascade: that gives East or West a sure entry and then you will go down immediately
BnBeever: is it not good practice there to lead the Q♣ to see if it gets covered?
cascade: the ♣Q could be worthwhile
BnBeever: going up with ace whether it's covered or not
BnBeever: if it does get covered, you can then go for the ♠ finesse - likely to work given W is marked with AK♥ & already shown K♣
cascade: but if spades and diamonds both didn't break then you have lost your chance to take the club finesse later
cascade: you might make if all three finesses work with three spades three diamonds one heart and two clubs
cascade: next hand ...

=== Board Four ===

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Brd 4 ♠ QJ95 West ♥ Q5 All ♦ KJ952 ♣ A5 cascade ♠ T63 ♠ AK4 ♥ JT72 ♥ A843 ♦ A864 ♦ Q ♣ KT ♣ Q8742 cascade cascade ♠ 872 ♥ K96 ♦ T73 ♣ J963 cascade	West	North	East	South
	Pass	1♦	Dbl	Pass
	2♥	Pass	4♥	Pass
	Pass	Pass

cascade: East is close enough to an ideal takeout double
cascade: definitely i think double is better than overcalling the bad club suit
cascade: 8 points with West is close to needing to jump to 2♥
mulefloyd: does double show at least 3 in each suit
cascade: you might survive with 1♥
BnBeever: is south not worth an obstructive 2♦ after the double?
cascade: but in response to a takeout double a jump shows a few extra values
cascade: say 8-10 at the two level
cascade: and a little more if you have to jump to the three-level
cascade: East has some extra values of his own and a fit for hearts
cascade: so can bid game knowing that West has some values
cascade: possibly a conservative East might only invite
cascade: but vulenerable at IMPs you should be optimistic in bidding your games
cascade: you only need about a 35% chance of making to justify bidding a vul game

cascade: any questions?
cascade: ===========

BnBeever: In SAYC, can S bid 2♦ to show a weak hand?
BnBeever: purely to obstruct opposition
cascade: no
cascade: i mean yes ...
cascade: but he will mislead his partner badly
mulefloyd->Club: with only 3?
cascade: so no!!!
BnBeever: k tx
cascade: a raise shows around 6-9 with 4 (or sometimes you might judge you need 5) diamonds
cascade: so this hand is not close
cascade: and you have horrible distribution for a suit contract 4-3-3-3 yuk!!!
cascade: and you are vulnerable
BnBeever: y a risk too far agreed

=== Board Five ===

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Brd 5 ♠ AJT86 North ♥ Q93 NS ♦ Q92 ♣ K9 cascade ♠ Q43 ♠ 92 ♥ A54 ♥ KT2 ♦ 65 ♦ K8743 ♣ AQT87 ♣ 653 cascade cascade ♠ K75 ♥ J876 ♦ AJT ♣ J42 cascade	West	North	East	South
		1♠	Pass	2♠
	Pass	Pass	Pass

cascade: 10 points 3-4-3-3 you can down-grade a little
cascade: and raise to just 2♠
cascade: or possibly bid 1NT
cascade: this might get passed out
cascade: an aggressive West might bid 3♣
cascade: 3♣ is reasonable
cascade: the vulnerability is favourable
cascade: and it will help partner who will be on lead against a likely 3♠ or 4♠

cascade: any questions?
cascade: ===========

mulefloyd: then could S bid 3S?
mulefloyd: after 3C?
cascade: could do
cascade: with bad distribution it could be best to defend
cybershot2: 4♠ makes shouldnt you bid it?
cascade: 12 opposite 10 in two balanced hands
cascade: i wouldn't be too worried if it makes
cascade: if i bid this one that makes then i think i will end up bidding a lot that fail
BnBeever: with 3 out of 3 finesses working, it's not surprising it makes
cascade: it makes when the diamond finesse works
cascade: the club finesse works
cascade: the trump finesse works
cascade: and noone gets a heart ruff
cascade: i am very happy being only in 2♠ thank you very much
cybershot2: ok ty
plaur: and you also need a ♥ trick
cascade: yes so you actually need to guess the ♥10 too
cascade: i think that is worse than 6%

=== Board Six ===

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Brd 6 ♠ KT985 East ♥ KQ732 EW ♦ 83 ♣ Q cascade ♠ A763 ♠ 2 ♥ JT5 ♥ A86 ♦ QJ ♦ AKT954 ♣ KJ43 ♣ 765 cascade cascade ♠ QJ4 ♥ 94 ♦ 762 ♣ AT982 cascade	West	North	East	South
			1♦	Pass
	1♠	2♥	Pass	Pass
	Dbl	Pass	3♦	Pass
	3♥	Pass	3NT	Pass
	Pass	Pass

gaya (Lobby): Happy New year dear :)
->gaya: merci - happy new year to you too
cascade: North might bid
cascade: but it can get awkward with this sort of hand if you don't find a fit
cascade: but with that much distribution you might have a game
kasey28: looks like N/S have ♠ fit
cascade: they do but it is hard to get there if the opponents bid spades first
kasey28: yep:(
cascade: East might be tempted to bid 3♦ - I would (be tempted) - but I think it is standard that that should show extra values
cascade: and west has nearly enough for game (opposite an opening hand)
cascade: but no long suit, no diamond fit, no heart stopper
cascade: double now should be competitive
cascade: asking partner for further description
Jazzfan (Lobby): Hi
cascade: West might give up when East shows long diamonds
cascade: or could force to game by asking for a heart stopper with 3♥
cascade: this should make
gaya: does it promise half a stopper ?
cascade: six diamonds two aces and either a 2nd heart (♥9 lead) or the time to lead up to the ♣K

cascade: any questions?
cascade: ===========

BnBeever: how does E know that W's double was competitive rather than pens?
cascade: by advanced agreement
BnBeever: can't he use the fact that W bypassed 1♥?
cascade: I play all doubles of suits by unlimited hands below game are takeout
BnBeever: does the vulnerabilty ever affect the meaning of a double?
cascade: except that you would bypass 1♥ with five or more spades and four good hearts
cascade: that is too complicated for me ...
cybershot2: ;)
cascade: i just play the same way whatever the vul (in almost all situations)
cascade: but it does affect my judgement
cascade: basically if you have hearts you can bid NTs ...
cascade: if you don't have hearts you might be struggling for a bid ...
cascade: so it is good to play these doubles as competitive
whoruneway->Club: need 1 to my table please
BnBeever: Maureen tells me my questions are confusing the issues. My apologies.
BILmanager: I have told him to be quiet
cascade: thanks everyone for coming ...
BILmanager: ♦♦ Thank you Wayne for all your time and help during 2006 - Happy New Year from the BIL
cybershot2: thanks
cascade: the lesson hands and text will be published here www.bridgelessons.blogspot.com
nyleh: thnks wayne; good lesson
rq4mulae: ty, Wayne.
Fazza: many thanks Wayne:)
cascade: probably later today
MikeJ: Why does the three heart bid ask for a stopper rather than indicated stopper?
cascade: good question Mike ...
cascade: with a stopper you would bid NTs
cascade: without a stopper you have nothing to bid
BnBeever: thanks for your answers tho - I am still learning too and am only intermediate (or beginner) with SAYC.
BILmanager: is that the web address you want on your profile ?
cascade: so it is best used this way around
MikeJ: But you have 2 unknown suits
khan3: yes i think so too
->BILmanager: can do
rq4mulae: when, if ever, should Eastern Cue (showing) be used?
cascade: but only one that the opponents have bid
MikeJ: I would not bid No Trump with a heartstopper when clubs are unknown
cascade: some partnerships show when there are two suits that have been *bid* by the opponents
MikeJ: So I would interpret the three heart bid as indicating a stopper
cascade: that is a common agreement especially in North America
rq4mulae: good. ty
cascade: you could extend that to when there are two suits (one of which has been bid by the opponents)
cascade: Lets finish
cascade: thanks again everyone
cascade: and thanks to the BIL for hosting these sessions
MikeJ: Thank you for your time Wayne!
BILmanager: Happy New Year
peterb370c: ty wayne and happy 2007
Jimmy V->Club: ty Wayne
MikeJ: And thank you Maureen as well :-)
Jimmy V: uyes
cascade: Happy New Year everyone

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BIL Lesson 21/12/2006

2006-12-22T09:02:00.000+13:00

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BILmanager (Lobby): => Club: ♦♦ Cascade's Teaching Table now open in the BIL - review - all welcome ♦♦
cascade: Welcome everyone
cascade: I hope you enjoyed the tournament
Claver Aes: Goulash hands :)

*** They were not goulash just random deals

DocHelm: sure did ty

cascade: === Board One ===

Brd 1 ♠ QJT976 North ♥ QJ75 None ♦ Q ♣ 87 cascade ♠ A8 ♠ K5432 ♥ A4 ♥ 3 ♦ J752 ♦ AT9864 ♣ J9543 ♣ K cascade cascade ♠ --- ♥ KT9862 ♦ K3 ♣ AQT62 cascade	West	North	East	South
		Pass	1♦	1♥
	2♥	3♥	3♠	4♣
	5♦	Pass	Pass	5♥
	Dbl	Pass	Pass	Pass

cascade: North is a weak two ...
cascade: except that it is standard not to open a weak two with a side four-card major
cascade: East is also close to a bid
cascade: I would open
cascade: but it might not be everyone's choice with only 10 points including a singleton King
cascade: East's hand is a little awkward ...
cascade: as aside from the lack of high card strength
cascade: it is not going to be easy to show both of your suits
cascade: (unless the auction goes extremely well for you)
cascade: If East opens 1♦ ...
cascade: then South will bid
cascade: his choices are 2NT to show the lower two unbid suits - clubs and hearts over 1♦
cascade: or overcall 1♥
cascade: Unless I have a marginal hand for any action or a very bad suit
cascade: I prefer to overcall my six-card suit with hands like this one
cascade: maybe sometimes if I am very strong I can show the two-suiter
cascade: If I start with 2NT it can be hard to find a six-two major suit fit
cascade: which I might regret more than missing a fit in the minor
cascade: so I start with the overcall
cascade: West has 10 points and a fit for diamonds
cascade: I would make a cue-raise - 2♥
cascade: this shows at least an invitational hand with support for partner's diamonds
cascade: if my clubs were better I might prefer 2♣ natural and forcing
cascade: there is a small risk with a cue-raise that partner is 4=4=3=2 ...
cascade: but in that case you have no fit anyway
cascade: North has quite a nice hand (for a passed hand) with heart support
cascade: so I raise
cascade: and East buoyed now with the knowledge of a fit will bid some more
cascade: he could raise diamonds - I would bid 5♦ if I raised - or bid spades to show his second suit
cascade: I like to show the spades
cascade: that might help partner to judge if the bidding continues to be competitive
cascade: South has an easy 4♥ and might think he is missing slam
cascade: maybe he too can bid his second suit to try and help partner
cascade: and I would not sell out to 5♦ with the south hand
cascade: East might be tempted to double
cascade: i would
cascade: since I have two aces and my partner opened the bidding
cascade: that might end the auction
cascade: and 5♥ might make depending on the lead

cascade: any questions?
cascade: ===========
rq4mulae: S a little too strong ... or weak ... for UNT, no?
cascade: East needs to return a trump to defeat this now
cascade: that protects partner's club trick
finar: i was north and bid the spades and than supported hearts/so i was wrong
cascade: bidding spades and then supporting hearts is fine
cascade: but it may get difficult for you
cascade: (1♦) 1♥ (2♥) 2♠; (5♦) P (P) ?
cascade: now you would have to judge at the five-level
peterb370c: at my table north opened 2♠ !! p-p-p !!!
lady stu: was better to open w/hearts instead of clubs since had ace and queen?
cascade: I think south's strength is about right for 2NT
cascade: that is certainly an alternative
cascade: but with sound (but not super strong) hands I prefer to bid my six-card major
cascade: it might go like that if North opens 2♠
cascade: I would prefer to bid my six-card major rather than a five-card minor ...
cascade: i can't think of an exception
lady stu: thanks
cascade: i suppose with ♥ xxxxxx ♣ AKQJ10 I would show the two-suiter with an unusual 2NT
cascade: next hand ...

=== Board Two ===

Brd 2 ♠ 985 East ♥ 743 NS ♦ Q9754 ♣ 98 cascade ♠ T6 ♠ QJ43 ♥ J92 ♥ KT85 ♦ AK32 ♦ T ♣ AK53 ♣ JT72 cascade cascade ♠ AK72 ♥ AQ6 ♦ J86 ♣ Q64 cascade	West	North	East	South
			Pass	1NT
	Pass	Pass	Pass

cascade: South is an ordinary 1NT
cascade: I would pass with West
cascade: I like to defend 1NT with a balanced hand
cascade: and 15 points is probably not quite enough to double a strong 1NT
cascade: North hates this but doesnt have much choice
cascade: he can pass or takeout to 3♦ ...
cascade: to takeout to 3♦ in SAYC you bid 2♠ (weak takeout to a minor) and opener bids 3♣ and you correct to 3♦
cascade: the three-level is very high vulnerable when there is not an absolute guarantee of a fit
cascade: so I pass
DocHelm: could he transfer to diamonds?
cascade: so this is a much simpler auction than the previous board
cascade: I would lead one of my ace-kings
cascade: any questions?
cascade: ===========
Abdul10: n
rq4mulae: cascade's here is usually a T
->rq4mulae: ?
cascade: East's jack denies the queen
cascade: so West will switch
rq4mulae: lol sorry; misdirected
lady stu: why play jack on partners ace?
Noona_29: why u v to play j does it mean somthing
cascade: he can afford the jack since the doubleton ♣98 is in dummy and he has ♣J107x
Tilsit: yes !!
Noona_29: ok
Abdul10: tu
cascade: In the bidding you can transfer to diamonds if you want - I wouldn't want with only a five-card suit in a balanced hand
cascade: but transfers are NOT part of SAYC so you will need a special partnership agreement
cascade: This contract should go down - maybe a couple of tricks

=== Board Three ===

Brd 3 ♠ 32 South ♥ A9752 EW ♦ J76 ♣ K85 cascade ♠ AT765 ♠ KQJ9 ♥ Q ♥ JT4 ♦ 954 ♦ AT832 ♣ AQ42 ♣ 6 cascade cascade ♠ 84 ♥ K863 ♦ KQ ♣ JT973 cascade	West	North	East	South
				Pass
	1♠	Pass	4♣	Pass
	4♠	Pass	Pass	Pass

cascade: 1♠ is normal as are north and south's passes
cascade: East is ideal for a splinter
cascade: a splinter is a double jump in a new suit
cascade: it shows support for partner and a singleton or void
cascade: and usually around 10-12 hcp
cascade: it helps partner judge
cascade: e.g. here with wasted points in clubs - ♣ Q will not be pulling its full weight opposite a singleton
cascade: and a minimum opener can just sign-off in 4♠
cascade: any questions?
cascade: ===========
cascade: without the splinter agreement ...
cascade: i would judge that East was too strong for a limit raise
cascade: so the options are ...
lady stu: id be scared id get stuck in clubs w/singleton
cascade: 1. upgrade to a Jacoby 2NT
cascade: 2. bid a new suit and then jump to game
cascade: or perhaps 3. jump to 4♠ immediately - but I think the hand is too good for that
cascade: you need to have an agreement with your partner in advance
cascade: just bidding 4♣ without discussing it first would be scary
cascade: but splinters are a good convention to learn
finar: why isn't the transfer sayc and the other conventions are?
cascade: not least because they help you understand bidding judgment
cascade: which cards are good opposite the singleton and which are poor
cascade: that question about transfers relates to the previous hand ...
cascade: SAYC is supposed to be a well defined system
cascade: the conventions over a 1NT opening are ...
cascade: 1. Stayman
cascade: 2. Jacoby Transfers
cascade: 3. 2♠ weak takeout to a minor
cascade: 4. 3♣/♦ invitational with a six-card suit
cascade: 5. 3♥/♠ looking for slam with a six-card suit
cascade: (actually 4. and 5. are not technically conventions - they are agreements)
cascade: on this hand ...
cascade: Splinters are not technically part of SAYC but I mention them because I think they are a worthwhile convention to learn
cascade: and illustrate good bidding judgement
cascade: usually i stick fairly closely to SAYC
finar: thank you
lady stu: thanks
cascade: There are notes in the library for Bridge Base Basic which is fairly close to SAYC
cascade: otherwise you can search the internet with Google or something and find SAYC notes

cascade: === Board Four ===

Brd 4 ♠ KT98432 West ♥ 6 All ♦ 8 ♣ KJ92 cascade ♠ Q65 ♠ A ♥ QJ43 ♥ K87 ♦ A72 ♦ QJT6543 ♣ T75 ♣ A6 cascade cascade ♠ J7 ♥ AT952 ♦ K9 ♣ Q843 cascade	West	North	East	South
	Pass	3♠	4♦	Pass
	Pass	Pass

cascade: North is fairly normal for 3♠
cascade: seven spades
cascade: some might open a 7-4 hand 4♠
cascade: some might pass since they don't have two of the top honours
etlegg (Lobby): hi - just testing
cascade: 2nd seat I like my pre-empts to be a bit sounder
cascade: so I think this is about mid-range for 3♠
cascade: the suit is slightly weaker than I would like
cascade: but I have a bit of side-suit distribution to comprimise
cascade: East might overcall 4♦
cascade: I don't like 4-minor overcalls ...
cascade: but nothing else is sensible for this hand
cascade: it is not quite good enough for 5♦
cascade: and the diamonds aren't good enough and the spade stopper not so good for 3NT
cascade: South and West both might raise
cascade: it looks like 5♦ makes
cascade: but I wouldn't be confident raising with West's hand
sfw->Club: pls 1 player
Abdul10: save this hand
cascade: maybe you have 9 points and partner bid at the four-level so you just have to raise and hope
cascade: sorry wrong claim
cascade: any questions?
cascade: ===========
lady stu: makes sense thanks
Abdul10: sorry thought that was hand 5
cascade: i will move on as we have got a bit behind time ...
cascade: I have a treat for you later ... Christmas present from me to the attenders at my lessons
finar->Club: no you told me why not to open 3 s because of not having more honors being vul

cascade: === Board Five ===

Brd 5 ♠ QJ7654 North ♥ A85 NS ♦ A ♣ QT5 cascade ♠ K83 ♠ T92 ♥ J96 ♥ T73 ♦ KT73 ♦ Q542 ♣ AJ9 ♣ K32 cascade cascade ♠ A ♥ KQ42 ♦ J986 ♣ 8764 cascade	West	North	East	South
		1♠	Pass	1NT
	Pass	2♠	Pass	Pass
	Pass

cascade: North has a normal 1♠ opening
cascade: with only one spade I would down-grade and respond 1NT
cascade: with 10 points you are usually almost too strong for 1NT but not quite strong enough for a two-over-one response
cascade: West's twelve points are not worth a bid
cascade: and north has a normal 2♠ rebid showing six
cascade: which will probably end the auction
cascade: any questions?
Abdul10: n
cascade: ===========
Noona_29: i would say 3nt
cascade: where?
finar: my partner responded 2h; so thought he had 5h right?
cascade: yes
cascade: 1♠ 2♥ shows five
cascade: every other new suit response shows only four or more cards
Noona_29: tks

cascade: === Board Six ===

Brd 6 ♠ J2 East ♥ J762 EW ♦ Q986 ♣ KJ2 cascade ♠ AKQ9 ♠ T86 ♥ T5 ♥ AQ3 ♦ T2 ♦ AJ53 ♣ AQ943 ♣ 865 cascade cascade ♠ 7543 ♥ K984 ♦ K74 ♣ T7 cascade	West	North	East	South
			Pass	Pass
	1♣	Pass	1♦	Pass
	1♠	Pass	2NT	Pass
	3NT	Pass	Pass	Pass

finar: tks
lady stu: thanks
cascade: That last one will make four i think
cascade: but you don't want to be there needing a 3-3 spade break at least
rq4mulae->Club: lol only 2 plus scores for declarer in 9 tables: 1N+1, 2S+2.
cascade: West has quite a nice hand
cascade: a 2NT rebid from East is ideal
cascade: it shows around 11 points (10-11 for a passed hand)
cascade: and a stopper in the unbid suit
cascade: and West has some extras
cascade: so goes on to game
cascade: any questions?
cascade: ===========
Abdul10: n
dee_dee_20: can you play this one? please
ulsay: no ty
dee_dee_20: I bid correctly but -1
cascade: I would probably lead a heart
dee_dee_20: yes
finar: i would worry about going to 3nt because of my heart holding but should not?
cascade: GIB says declarer can make on any lead
cascade: but i think it might be tricky
cascade: if i bid 1♣ then 1♠ i do not promise hearts
dee_dee_20: the ♣ finesse did me in
lady stu: I agree only 2 hearts in nt could be bad
cascade: if hearts are a problem then my conscience is clear and it is partner's problem
cdybr5 (Lobby): hi
cascade: it looks normal to play on clubs
finar: ok thank you
cascade: declarer has 3 spades two hearts and two aces
cascade: so needs to establish some tricks
cascade: i'd play the 9 in case the ♣ J10 are onside
cascade: intending to finesse the queen next time
cascade: north should return partner's suit
cascade: the club finesse loses but the clubs are set up
cascade: so there are no problems now
cascade: any more questions?
dee_dee_20: I see my error:-) played exactly the same but didn't cash in the rest of the ♣

Abdul10: tu wayne
cascade: This is my Christmas treat ...
dee_dee_20: thanks
cascade: I have published last weeks hands and discussion ...
lady stu: thanks
cascade: i hope to do that more regularly
cascade: you can see the discussion here http://bridgelessons.blogspot.com/
Noona_29: ty & merry chrismas
cascade: I hope you find that helpful
cascade: and the format useful
cascade: ----------------------------------------------------------------------
rq4mulae: thanks, Wayne and Merry Christmas
cascade: thanks everyone for coming
cascade: and thanks to the BIL for hosting this session
7nt4u: thx great lesson
peterb370c: ty wayne
lady stu: thanks Wayne
cascade: I will be back next week
finar->Club: thank you and a merry xmas
Cvet: ty very much, Merry Christmas
liuchi->Club: ty Wayne, merry Christmas
cascade: I will try and publish today's hands and discussion later today
fiscryder: Thx Wayne...Happy Christmas to you and your family....you do a tremendous amount for us BILers
cascade: so check back to http://bridgelessons.blogspot.com/ and look later if you want to review the lesson
cascade: Thanks everyone for your good wishes
cascade: and Happy Christmas to you and yours
krzychu56: thx Wayne happy Christmas
cascade: bye all closing now :-)

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BIL Lesson 14/12/2006 - General Hands

2006-12-19T19:05:00.000+13:00

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cascade: Welcome again
cascade: I hope you enjoyed the tournament
cascade: One rule ...
BILmanager (Lobby): I have done the notice :-)
bluehi: ok
cascade: please restrict public chat to the question time at the end
of each hand
cascade: it makes it easier for everyone to follow

cascade: === Board One ===

Brd 1 ♠ AJ86 Dlr N ♥ 953 Nil ♦ K4 ♣ K532 ♠ KQ52 ♠ T7 ♥ JT82 ♥ AKQ7 ♦ Q53 ♦ AJ72 ♣ QT ♣ J98 ♠ 64 ♥ T986 ♦ A764 ♣ J87	West	North	East	South
		Pass	1NT	Pass
	2♣	Pass	2♥	Pass
	4♥	Pass	Pass	Pass

cascade: These days some players open balanced 11 hcp ...
cascade: I know because I am one of them ...
bluehi->Kibitzers: lol
cascade: but it is far from standard and you are probably best to
avoid it unless you are playing in a regular partnership and have
discussed this
cascade: actually if I play in a pick-up partnership I avoid these
light openings
cascade: East has a normal 1NT opening
cascade: I am certainly not put off by the weak doubleton spade
cascade: the best strategy is to open 1NT with everything balanced and
within range (15-17)
cascade: and West has 10 points - enough for game
cascade: and two four-card majors
rq4mulae->Kibitzers: regardless of TWO unstopped suits?
cascade: we start with Stayman with a four-card major
cascade: If you do not open 1NT when in range you will create rebid
problems that are unsolvable at times
cascade: not on every hand
cascade: but sometimes
cascade: opening 1NT makes the rest of the auction go smoothly for you
cascade: and the reality is that the unstopped suits are usually not a problem
cascade: occasionally they are but usually not
cascade: I know from good experience since most of my bridge life I
have played 12-14 1NT ...
cascade: imagine how many more unstopped suits you have in a 12-14
hand compared with a 15-17 hand
cascade: actually sometimes now I play 10-13
cascade: East has four hearts so he shows them
cascade: and West having found a fit goes to game
cascade: This illustrates the point and shows one way in which the
weak suit(s) are not a problem
cascade: we have ended in 4♥ not No Trumps
cascade: so now our small doubleton spade is an asset not a liability
cascade: careful play and a lucky position in diamonds will allow this to make
cascade: so we are a bit lucky but the ♠A is wrong so it evens out a little
cascade: ==============
cascade: any questions?
cascade: ==============
moonjohn: would u finesse with the qd or jd?
cascade: asking questions publically is best
cascade: then everyone sees the question and answer together
cascade: i was asked about the diamond position
cascade: it is best to play low to the jack and hope for a doubleton king
cascade: if you lead the queen there is no way on best defense that
you can score three diamond tricks without losing the lead
moonjohn->Kibitzers: tks thats what I thought but wanted ur xprt advise
kasey28->Kibitzers: if N opened 1♣, what would E bid?
cascade: actually on this hand you are likely to get a diamond lead
p_orto->Club: opps wlc pls join
cascade: and north has no good move
moonjohn->Kibitzers: e doubles
cascade: if North opens 1♣ East has a problem
cascade: 15 points he wants to bid
cascade: but he has no stopper for 1NT
cascade: and no five-card suit for an overcall
cascade: and only two spades which make the hand unsuitable for a takeout double
cascade: I might overcall 1NT
cascade: but with a minimum and no real stopper that is probably not best
cascade: so I would probably overcall my great four-card heart suit
kasey28: ty
moonjohn: so wud x be the best call?
cascade: usually an overcall shows five but I would break the rules
for this hand
cascade: double would be worst in my opinion
cascade: i would rather pass than double
moonjohn: ok

cascade: === Board Two ===

Brd 2 ♠ Q53 Dlr E ♥ 6 NS ♦ A953 ♣ AKQJT ♠ AK97 ♠ J82 ♥ 982 ♥ AQJ753 ♦ KT42 ♦ Q7 ♣ 95 ♣ 43 ♠ T64 ♥ KT4 ♦ J86 ♣ 8762	West	North	East	South
			2♥	Pass
	Pass	Dbl	Pass	3♣
	3♥	4♣	Pass	Pass
	Pass

moonjohn: cud e bid 1d/
cascade: 10 points and six hearts
cascade: this hand is near the boundaries for a weak two
cascade: in my partnership at this vulnerability we pre-empt very aggressively
cascade: so this hand is way too good for a weak two for me
cascade: and I would open 1H
cascade: 1♥
cascade: however if partner doesnt expect something as light as 10
points then it might be best to open 2♥
cascade: actually in the tournament I subbed briefly for the beginning
of this board
cascade: and had the east cards
cascade: and I opened 2♥
cascade: since I didn't want my partner to expect more from 1♥ in a
pick-up partnership
cascade: I would double with the North hand
cascade: you would like to have a fourth spade for a takeout double
cascade: but they don't always deal you the perfect hand
MikeJ: Would West not want to extend the preempt knowing the
partnership is weak and having at least a 9-card fit?
cascade: that hand has support for the other suits and good strength
so double is best
->MikeJ: that is possible
MikeJ: ty
cascade: South is awkwardly placed now
cascade: with only four points and no good suit to bid
cascade: here 3♣ is ok since partner has clubs
cascade: but often the double will have one three-card minor
cascade: and you wouldn't want to hit that with four small
cascade: West might compete to 3♥
cascade: some would have raised to 3♥ on the previous round
cascade: that is reasonable too
MikeJ: :)
cascade: and North would probably compete further to 4♣
cascade: which is too high for NS
cascade: After 2♥ X P ?
cascade: some partnerships play Lebensohl
cascade: that is outside the scope of this lesson
cascade: but is a convention that some of you might like to look up
cascade: briefly (2♥) X (P) 2NT shows any weak hand (Playing
Lebensohl) and double now normally bids 3♣ and then you bid your suit
cascade: coversely if you bid 3♣ (not 2NT) or any other suit at the
three level you show some useful values (7-10 or so)
cascade: ==============
cascade: any questions?
cascade: ==============
andrzej37: never bid 4 club
->andrzej37: why not?
cascade: next hand ...
andrzej37: down2 =200

cascade: === Board Three ===

Brd 3 ♠ AQ83 Dlr S ♥ 742 EW ♦ A7 ♣ K532 ♠ J9 ♠ K4 ♥ KQJ9 ♥ A83 ♦ KT964 ♦ QJ85 ♣ T8 ♣ A976 ♠ T7652 ♥ T65 ♦ 32 ♣ QJ4	West	North	East	South
				Pass
	Pass	1♣	Pass	Pass
	1♦	Pass	2♣*	Pass
	2♥	Pass	3NT	Pass
	Pass	Pass

->andrzej37: and you know partner has complete rubbish in advance how?
cascade: This time East with 14 points has nothing sensible to say over 1♣
cascade: Double would be very bad ...
cascade: you would be very badly placed if partner bid spades
cascade: so you have to pass
cascade: West with a near maximum passed hand can compete with 1♦
cascade: and now East can show his 14 points
cascade: he knows that partner is a passed hand
dae: cue?
cascade: so I think this hand is somewhere between a very good 1NT and
a jump to 2NT
cascade: or you can show your support for partner's diamonds
dae: not cuebid to show limit raise or better?
cascade: partner's like it when you raise their suits
cascade: so i think that is best
cascade: here I would make a cue-raise - 2♣ to show at least
invitational to game values and diamond support
dae: y
cascade: West has the most that he could possibly have for a 1♦
overcall after being a passed hand
cascade: so I would show a good hand by rebidding 2♥
cascade: I would show a weak hand by rebidding 2♦
cascade: and East might now try 3NT
cascade: this will be defeated on a spade lead
cascade: but in all honesty I think with two honours in the suit
partner opened I would lead a club
cascade: ==============
cascade: any questions?
cascade: ==============
shukran: .

cascade: === Board Four ===

Brd 4 ♠ AKT762 Dlr W ♥ T9 All ♦ AQ ♣ Q52 ♠ J98 ♠ Q ♥ K63 ♥ Q852 ♦ T864 ♦ K9753 ♣ A84 ♣ KJT ♠ 543 ♥ AJ74 ♦ J2 ♣ 9763	West	North	East	South
	Pass	1♠	Pass	2♠
	Pass	3♠	Pass	Pass
	Pass

bluehi: thanks need to go
cascade: some would bid with the East hand
cascade: but it has a bad 11 points
cascade: and partner has passed
cascade: and we are vulnerable
cascade: so there is little point
cascade: South has a normal raise to 2♠
cascade: North has a little extra and might try for game
cascade: but he needs partner to cover - 1 spade loser, two heart
losers, two club losers and a perhaps a diamond loser (although we can
finesse here)
cascade: three of these six need to be covered
cascade: maybe the spades will break without the queen
cascade: so perhaps it is worth an invite
cascade: South has a minimum though and will decline
cascade: depending on the lead this contract might prove to be difficult
cascade: a diamond lead and the contract has hope
kay199: is this a teaching game ?
cascade: a conservative pass by North would make life easier in the play
->kay199: yes
cascade: any questions?
Roe_Jamie: i am always 'lost' when i must lead....
cascade: ===========
cascade: this is not a good hand to learn from
kay199: how come it is only cascade playing ?
cascade: it is relatively unattractive to lead from any suit here
kay199: oh thanks- new to all this
Roe_Jamie: u have to lead something and HOW do u know what's best?
cascade: I may well lead a diamond
cascade: longest and strongest and all of that
Roe_Jamie: ok,ty
cascade: the more interesting play problem on this hand is declarer's
play of the spades
cascade: when the queen falls the odds are nearly 2:1 to finesse West
for the Jack
cascade: that is it is about twice as likely that West has Jx (as in
this hand) as it is for East to have started QJ only
cascade: so we go to the heart
cascade: and finesse as the normal play on the hand
kay199: what does finesse mean ? i only had 5 lessons
cascade: ==============
cascade: any questions?
cascade: ==============
rq4mulae: my p found very good lead of CJ, then didn't play 3rd C
after return. :-)
cascade: finesse is lead toward your high honours so that an opponent
must play in front of you
kay199: fnesses?
cascade: this allows you to win with a lower card sometimes
cascade: the typical example is ...
cascade: lead toward AQ
kay199: yeh this is the prob i have- i always try to win with my high
cards then get stuck how to win with the low ones
cascade: then if the king is in front of the AQ your queen will win
cascade: if the king is behind the queen then there was nothing you
could do you would always lose
kay199: thank you
kay199: joking about what?

cascade: === Board Five ===

Brd 5 ♠ Q63 Dlr N ♥ AT6 NS ♦ 87 ♣ KT876 ♠ JT87 ♠ A2 ♥ 8754 ♥ J32 ♦ AK3 ♦ QJT652 ♣ 42 ♣ QJ ♠ K954 ♥ KQ9 ♦ 94 ♣ A953	West	North	East	South
		Pass	1♦	Dbl
	1♥	2♣	2♦	3♣
	3♦	Pass	Pass	Pass

cascade: 11 points and six diamonds is definitely worth an opening bid
cascade: South has a lightish takeout double
kay199: lightish takeout double???
kay199: looks like i am not even a beginner!
cascade: vulnerable opposite a passed partner it would not be bad to
pass but I think double is ok
cascade: West has 8 useful points
cascade: I would definitely bid
cascade: even though south is suggesting the majors with the double
cascade: EW might still have a 4-4 major suit fit
cascade: so I bid my hearts
cascade: exploring for a fit
cascade: North has 9 useful points and a five-card suit
cascade: I definitely bid in response to the takeout double
cascade: 3♣ is even possible
cascade: East can show the six-card suit with 2♦
cascade: and south might raise with a real fit
cascade: as would West with a fit in diamonds
cascade: which might end the auction
cascade: if North jumped to 3♣ he might buy the contract there
cascade: as it is unclear that East or West would bid again
cascade: West might with ♦ AKx
cascade: ==============
cascade: any questions?
cascade: ==============
MikeJ: Should it make?
cascade: 3♣ makes here and 3♦ goes 2-off
cascade: but it is too hard for North or South to double
Roe_Jamie: u see that rightaway? I just start and see how it ends;
cant think that far.....one should have a bèta mind LOL
cascade: neither is sure of defensive tricks

cascade: === Board Six ===

Brd 6 ♠ 8 Dlr E ♥ Q2 EW ♦ Q986432 ♣ Q53 ♠ T53 ♠ A976 ♥ KJT73 ♥ A98 ♦ A7 ♦ T5 ♣ T42 ♣ AK96 ♠ KQJ42 ♥ 654 ♦ KJ ♣ J87	West	North	East	South
			1NT	2♠
	Dbl	Pass	2NT	Pass
	Pass	Pass

cascade: South might overcall 2♠
cascade: i usually pass 1NT with balanced hands
cascade: but this hand has a good spade suit
cascade: and most importantly the vulnerability is favourable
cascade: notice how this makes life difficult for West
cascade: with 8 points and five hearts
cascade: he might have transfered and invited game
cascade: now he is much more limited in how he can show his hearts
cascade: many play 3♥ is forcing
cascade: so he can overbid with 3♥
cascade: or pass or perhaps make a negative double
Roe_Jamie: even wehen vulnerable?
cascade: nothing is ideal
cascade: north doesnt have a spade fit so passes
dae: didn't know to make neg double over NT bids???
cascade: and East might just bid 2NT
cascade: which might end the auction
cascade: not everyone plays negative doubles after 1NT
cascade: many play penalty doubles
cascade: you must discuss this with your regular partners
cascade: I think negative double are much more effective
cascade: and more and more good players are playing negative double
cascade: after 1NT
rq4mulae: E should convert, white v. red or in MPs, yes?
cascade: but there are still some who like penalty doubles here
dae: must be alerted?
cascade: I wouldn't convert with A9xx sitting under the bidder
Dianne0516: What does neg x mean here?
cascade: i would alert negative doubles online
cascade: offline it depends where you play
cascade: where i play no doubles are alertable
cascade: negative double is a double in response to partner's opening
bid after the opponents have overcalled
cascade: and it requests partner to bid another suit
cascade: that is it is not for penalties which would request that partner passed
dae: but next bidder can always ask partner of the doubler what it means
->dae: yes
cascade: we have slipped into questions ...
cascade: ==============================
cascade: are there any more questions ?
cascade: ==============================
kasey28: N knows his partners bid is natural and won't confuse it with
DONT some other convention and bid his ♦s?
Dianne0516: Does neg x show 5 hearts here?
cascade: you agree in advance
cascade: Bridge Base Basic has Landy - 2♣ = majors others natural as
its defense to 1NT
cascade: but you are free to play a different defense

cascade: thanks to BIL for hosting this session
cascade: see you all next week :-)

dae: if no 2 s bid, he would transfer to H and then bid 2 NT
cascade: Yes

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