Friday, November 28, 2014

Sung to the tune of "Jingle Bells"

Dashing through the snow
Remembering what I read
All that I don't know
Ringing through my head
Four dollars I will pay
To get beat up again
What fun it is to count and play
I have to say Amen!

Let's play bridge, let's play bridge,
Let's play every day.
Oh! What fun it is to go and even play far away.
Let's play bridge, let's play bridge,
Let's play every day.
Oh! What fun it is to go and even play far away.

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Turkey Trot

Today was a good day--I partnered with an A player.  I like playing with A players for a number of reasons, and contrary to what you cynics may think, the main reason is not because I do better when I play with them (although I do like that).  No, it's because I get to see how A players think when they bid, play, and defend.  It's just amazing.  And although I'm getting better at figuring things out, it is still nice to know for sure if we are in the right contract (usually) or if I could have made an extra trick (no, I was doomed to go down one).  I also like the feeling of security--I know my partner will tell me exactly what's in his hand during the auction, just like I know he'll lead the exact card I need on defense.

Today was the Turkey Trot, when C players (like me) draw the name of an A player (in this case, Bruce).  So I was not alone in this type of mixed partnership.  In fact, it was interesting to look around the room and not see any regular partners playing together. I have to say, the atmosphere seemed more congenial and calm than usual.  Hmm, what was that about?  

Of course the main objective when playing with a better player is to learn from the experience.  Here's one of the things I learned today:  South opened a diamond; I overcalled a spade.  My partner bid 2 diamonds, telling me he had spade support and at least 10 points.  South bid 3 diamonds.  I figured that since my partner only knew my range of points (8-15), that I should let him know that I had opening count.  I bid 3 spades.  Mistake.  I didn't know it at the time, but by bidding when I didn't have to, I was telling him that I had a bigger hand than I did.  He went to game and I went down one. Unlike A players, C players don't always tell their partners exactly what's in their hands, although we try.

I think we'll be having another Turkey Trot kind of day, maybe a Bunny Hop (or Bunny Bop if your partner isn't cooperating).  But what about the A players, you may be wondering.  What do they get out of this? Even though I hesitate to speak for them, I will anyway. 

A players have the chance to give back to the game by mentoring a less experienced player.  I could go on about this, but there are other benefits as well.  For example, while we all enjoy competition, the pressure is off during this particular game.  After all, no one expects even the best players to get a 70% game with a C player, so they can relax and enjoy.  They get to "show off" their expertise without anyone arguing with them (A players sometimes argue among themselves).  And, best of all (I think) would be that when something goes wrong, as it usually does, it's most likely not their fault!

So A players, what do you think?  Did you enjoy the Turkey Trot?


Saturday, November 1, 2014

Grand Haven Tournament

I missed the first day of the tournament because I was teaching, and boy did I miss a lot.  There were rumors flying about marriages (all untrue, as far as I know), loud disagreements (no one got hurt), other sundry tidbits (I don't want to gossip), and, finally, some stuff about bridge.  Julie filled me in on most of this on the drive to Grand Haven Friday morning.  Funny how we used to go over bidding and bridge questions during these rides; now it seems we have other things to talk about.

When we arrived in Grand Haven, I subtly followed up on what I had learned (What?!?; I've got your back; Interesting!).  Then it was time to play.  We struggled through the first session, ending up with a 40% game.  But here's the interesting part:  We placed second in B!!  40% got us silver masterpoints!  We did better in the second session but didn't place at all.  Gotta love this game.

During the afternoon we had an interesting hand come up.  Unknown to me at the time, my bid posed a dilemma for my partner.  Tell us what you think she should have bid.

First, my perspective:  I had 10 high card points, 7 pretty good clubs and not much else, so I opened 3 clubs.  To my delight, everybody passed, I played and made it.  (A side note:  Our opponent got mad at her partner for his defense, so maybe I shouldn't have made it.  I'll have to look at the hand record.)

Now, Julie's perspective:  She also had 10 high card points.  Her cards included 6 really nice hearts (just missing the queen) and 2 clubs, one of which was an honor.  She knew we had nine clubs, obviously a good thing, but also knew it would be better to play the hand in a major--if we could.  She really wanted to bid 3 hearts, but what if I didn't have any?  Then we would end up with a minus score instead of a likely plus.  (It turns out I had queen, little of hearts.)  As you already know, she decided to pass.

Should Julie have passed my 3 clubs bid or put us in the superior contract of 3 hearts?  Do not look up this hand to see if 3 hearts makes before you answer!  I could do that myself, even though I haven't and I am kind of curious.  No, I want to know for future versions of this hand.  Should you switch your partner's opening preemptive bid from a minor to a major when you are going from a sure fit to an unknown fit?

Inquiring minds want to know.