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Messages - Jimmy

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31
Bidding Challenges / Re: How would OCP bid this 5-5 Major with 18 HCP's (Maybe 16HCP's)
« on: October 28, 2017, 01:44:39 PM »
Quote from: lute57 on October 28, 2017, 03:16:56 AM
Hi Jimmy,

My preference would go with the following sequence:
1 !C-1 !S[GF balanced 8+ HCP]
1NT[Low Beta asking for Aces and Kings]-2 !C[0-2]
2 !S[Iota]
If I get a negative response I can do a new suit Iota in  !H at a lower level than if I had originally Iota'ed in  !H first. But back to the bidding
2 !S- 3 !H [showing HH/Hxx agreeing trumps]
4 !C[Relay Beta - had to step over 3NT for Beta since trumps agreed with a minimum positive]- 4 !H[one control]
it must be a Minor suit King - not of any help since it is known we are missing two Minor suit Aces
4 !S signoff

John

Hello John,  Thanks for the excellent explanation.  I have one minor point and a couple of questions. 

Minor Point:

I think the bidding should have went as below with the Iota response being 3 !D (3 steps).

1 !C - 1 !S
1NT - 2 !C
2 !S - 3 !D [showing HH/Hxx agreeing trumps]

As I mentioned, minor point,  the path is very clear how OCP would handle the bidding. 

Questions: 

Why did you choose the  !S suit for Iota?  Is it because you had most of the honors in the  !H's?  Or, because of a general rule? 
 
How would the bidding proceed if you received a negative 2NT response to your  !S Iota?  Would it be like so:

1 !C - 1 !S
1NT - 2 !S
2NT - 3 !H (Iota in  !H)

Now,  let's reverse the Iota asks and start with Hearts first:

1 !C - 1 !S
1NT - 2  !H
2NT - ?  (trumps confirmed)

32
Bidding Challenges / How would OCP bid this 5-5 Major with 18 HCP's (Maybe 16HCP's)
« on: October 28, 2017, 01:26:29 AM »
Interesting hand today.  We arrived at 4 !H's without bidding  !S's,  making 5 !H's.  The defender sitting South questioned our bidding sequence (which is up the line in this situation) after my partner made an over trick.  This is what happened.  The defense took the first two clubs and then lead another club.  My partner ruffed the 3rd club and then lead the J !D diamonds and South ducked (thinking declarer East had: (5 !H's 4 !S's, 2 !C,2 !D).  Now, my partner pulled all the trump and ran the  !S's for making 5.  Defender said everybody bids the higher ranking suit first.  My partner bid the  !H's first. 

N Deals
E/W Vul

                 North
                                   !S J7
                                   !H 3
                                   !D 95432
                                   !C Q8752

West                                                            East
 !S Q63                                                       !S AK1095
 !H J74                                                        !H AKQ92
 !D KQ106                                                    !D J
 !C 1096                                                      !C J4

                                   South
                                    !S 842
                                    !H 10865
                                    !D A87
                                    !C AK3




I then looked at how OCP would bid this and got confused when it appears that the OCP bidding would proceed as:

1 !C - 1 !S

Then, either 2 !H or 2 !S (both Alpha)

My question is:

How would OCP bid this hand?  Which suit would OCP ask in?  Or, am I missing something in how OCP would bid this hand. 

Or,  would OCP open this 2NT (it is more than 15 HCP's)?

Thanks 




 

33
Bidding Challenges / Re: How to bid this Hand
« on: October 26, 2017, 12:07:39 AM »
John & Brian,  thanks for the comments. 



34
Bidding Challenges / How to bid this Hand
« on: October 25, 2017, 02:45:43 AM »
I was dealt this hand today in the 3rd bidding position  (P-P-?).  We ended up in 5 !C.  Two other teams bid and made 5 !C out of 12 tables, while much to my amazement 5 partnerships played in NT, with two making 4 & 6 NT Wow!. The other NT bidders were down one or two.  The remaining teams played below game level in clubs.   


Our particular Strong Club System allows for several opening bids with this hand.  They are:
1. 2 !C's (easy bid if your in first or second seat)
2. 1 !C (can justify 1 !C because of playing strength)
3. 2 !D (Schenken/Albarran Key Card Asking)

Note:  I like the OCP concept, but I cannot find anyone to play it and also would probably be banned from our local game if I tried to play it.   ::)

Here is the situation and appreciate comments about how OCP players would handle the bidding on this deal?

N/S Vulnerable
S is dealer and passes along with W passing.


                                  North
                                   !S A2
                                   !H Q5
                                   !D J
                                   !C KQJ109864

West                                                            East
 !S J87                                                       !S K6543
 !H J10973                                                  !H K84
 !D AQ986                                                   !D K1072
 !C                                                             !C 3

                                   South
                                    !S Q109
                                    !H A62
                                    !D 543
                                    !C A752

35
Bidding Challenges / Re: Importance of Hand Evaluation
« on: September 11, 2017, 01:11:23 AM »
Quote from: OliverC on September 10, 2017, 09:58:29 PM
Personally, I think I open this hand 1 !H. 0661 hands have an inherent playing strength, and the hand is far far too good to open with 2 !H and also doesn't really have remotely enough defensive strength to consider a 1 !C Opening (for my money, anyway).

Playing OCP, a 1 !H opening would probably lead to a sequence similar to

1 !H                       -      1NT
3 !D(Max, 5-5+)     -     3 !S(Gamma in !H)
4 !H(Hxxxxx in !H)  -    4 !S(Relay Beta)
4NT(0-2 Controls!)  -    5 !H(To Play)
5 !S(Void !S)           -   6 !H(Really really to play!)
All Pass

Even if the bidding starts 1 !H - 1NT - 2 !D - 4 !H, I'd think East would be bidding 4 !S over that, or maybe just punting 6 !D as "choose a Slam".

For the 2 !H bidders:

2 !H                            - 2 !S(Enquiry)
4 !D(Max, second suit) - 4 !H(To Play)
4 !S(void)                   - 5 !H(to Play)
Pass

Realistically, it's impossible for either player to appreciate they're playing with a 20-point deck. East can never really show the 5th or 6th Diamond unless they just punt 6 !D over 4 !H.

Interesting hand!

Yes,  very interesting.  Three of the 26 N/S teams bid to 5 !S Doubled making 5 and not sure how many others may have pushed the nine E/W's into the 6 !H contract.  Our Opp only interfered to the 4 level.  If I would have opened 1 !H, I think we would have also gotten to the slam, but very difficult for my partner to participate once I passed first seat (and would have been difficult if I bid 2 !H).  It was a very good lesson on hand evaluation (for me).   Way to much St Am and Goren years ago.   :'( 

 

36
Bidding Challenges / Re: Importance of Hand Evaluation
« on: September 11, 2017, 12:51:12 AM »
As a matter of principle, I've always refused to believe that there's a gap between a 1 !H and a 2 !H opener. Given that, my choice is easy. 1 !H it is,

GREAT gap adjustment,  like it.   :)

37
Bidding Challenges / Importance of Hand Evaluation
« on: September 10, 2017, 09:29:02 PM »
Had this hand in a tournament yesterday.  You are East,  the dealer and no one is  Vul.  Do you Pass,  Open 1  !H, 2 !H or 1 !C?  And Why? 

East
 !S
 !H Q109532
 !D AQ10953
 !C 3

Once you decide on what you would do, scroll down for the complete hand. 

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Now,  here is the complete deal. 


                                     North
                                      !S AQJ1063
                                      !H J874
                                      !D 8
                                      !C 105

West                                                        East
 !S 875                                                       !S
 !H AK6                                                      !H Q109532
 !D KJ2                                                       !D AQ10953
 !C K762                                                     !C 3

                                      South
                                       !S K942
                                       !H
                                       !D 764
                                       !C AQJ984

I chose to pass because the hand seemed to strong to open 2 !H, seemed to weak to open 1 !H (9HCP & fragmented suits), and to my regret did not even consider opening 1 !C (playing strength).  We ended up in 5 !H making 6.  The hand is difficult to bid after a pass or 2 !H opening.  Rather easy to bid with a 1 !H or 1 !C opening.  Of the 26 teams that played the hand 9 teams ended up in 6 !H.  Appreciate other comments from this seasoned crew.... ;)

38
Bidding Challenges / Lots of Trumps
« on: September 08, 2017, 09:03:31 PM »
Had this hand today.  We ended up in 6 !H down 1. Other pairs ended up in 5 !H making.  >:(  Take a look.  How would OCP handle this deal. 

South Deals,  Love All,  Our bidding started with South bidding 1 !H. (Or,  it could have been a 2 !H opening, would have had the same result because we are aggressive bidders when it comes to slams.).   



                                     North
                                      !S AKQJ4
                                      !H K10732
                                      !D AJ
                                      !C

West                                                        East
 !S 10965                                                    !S 73
 !H                                                             !H AQ
 !D Q932                                                     !D 108764
 !C Q10864                                                  !C 932

                                      South
                                       !S 82
                                       !H J98654
                                       !D K
                                       !C AK75

39
Interesting Play Hands / Re: A Tricky Contract
« on: August 16, 2017, 12:50:38 AM »
Hello Oliver,   

I have a couple of questions about the bidding on this hand.

 First,  a quick comment about the final contract.  In our system (I&J Strong Club) we probably would have ended up in 3NT or 4H (since opener has 6 hearts).  Maybe 4 spades but not very likely.   

The bidding questions are:

1.  Why is 2H Alpha in Hearts?  That is not in the guidelines for an Alpha Bid.  The guidelines say after 1C and 1H, 1S response.  It does not say 1NT.  I assume that is a typo. 

2.  How does the OCP system account for hands that do not have enough points for slam investigation?  There are times when opener has 16 or 17 points and responder has 8-9 points. How does OCP deal with that situation.  In this case should opener have passed the 2C overcall to show responder that he/she has a minimum opening?

3.  After a 1c opening and a positive response are there any rebids that are not Asking Bids?   I thought asking bids were only used when either opener or responder thinks that there is sufficient cause to investigate slam. 

Hope I am not showing my ignorance of the system.    :blank:

40
Interesting Play Hands / Re: Going for the Max...
« on: August 12, 2017, 07:50:10 PM »
Oliver,  couple of comments:

The play of the hand is also a good example of "restricted choice" with the Clubs.    Also,  why would North not double 4 !S?

41
Interesting Play Hands / Re: Split Honors
« on: August 10, 2017, 04:42:43 PM »
Your definitely correct on that point.   ::)

But,  some day when you get in this bind and you think the honors might be split,  give it a try.    ;)

42
Interesting Play Hands / Split Honors
« on: August 10, 2017, 03:42:03 PM »
 North Deals, N-S Vul

                     North (Dummy)
                     !S K876
                     !H K103
                     !D Q93
                     !C 942

                     South
                     !S Q103
                     !H AJ97
                     !D K765
                     !C Q6

North deals and the bidding proceeds:

P          P      1 !D     P                       Note:  1 !D is old style precision, not OCP
1 !S      P       1NT    P
P          P

The opening lead from West is the 2 !H's , Now what?

East and West are very good players (sometimes easier to trick/fool).  I asked for the 10H in dummy which holds the trick. I  thought about the hand and realized that if I played the hand in normal fashion I was sure to be set.  So,  I asked for the 2 !C from dummy and inserted the Q !C faking a finesse.   A high risk play,  but hoping that the club honors were split (which they were).  West won the K !C's, thought for a long time and then lead back the 2 !D's  (what would you do?).  I played low from dummy and East inserted the J !D's.  I won with the K.  I now returned a low  !D towards the Q9, intending to insert the 9 if West plays low.  East wins the Ace of  !D's and low and behold does not lead a  !C, thinking it would set up my clubs.  Contract makes.    8)  Lucky me!



The full hand:  North Deals, N-S Vul

                     North (Dummy)
                     !S K876
                     !H K103
                     !D Q93
                     !C 942
West                                   East
!S AJ5                                 !S 942
!H Q842                               !H 65
!D 1082                               !D AJ4
!C KJ3                                 !C A10875
                     South
                     !S Q103
                     !H AJ97
                     !D K765
                     !C Q6

Post Comment:   I have tried this type of play frequently when the situation occurs. I have found that it does not work well with inexperienced players, but does work well with good players.   ::)

43
Interesting Play Hands / Re: Catering for good defence
« on: July 21, 2017, 09:04:22 PM »
Nah,  not changing any tunes.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1tsLrd3cJQ

Said it was similar to Samet and later mentioned that Q !C's had to be played first. 

How'd you like the squeeze that West gets into by not playing the A !C's and then Q !S's.

44
Interesting Play Hands / Re: Catering for good defence
« on: July 21, 2017, 06:17:36 PM »
Hi Oliver, 

With proper defense, this hand only makes 3NT.   All I am saying,  is play the hand to make the maximum number of tricks without risking the contract. 

1.  Win the diamond switch with the J !D's.
2.  Play the Q !C
3.  Play low club to K or J  !C's.
4.  Now play all three top diamonds,  hoping for a 4-4 diamond split.
5.  Diamonds do not split.
6.  Now,  just play low  !H to the AKQ !H's
7.  4 !D's, 2 !C's and 3 !H's

That is 3NT.  Contract always secure. 

Now,  lets say diamonds split 4-4   Play is the same up until the 4th  !D trick is played. 

1.  Win the diamond switch with the J!D.
2.  Play the Q !C
3.  Play low club to K or J  !C's.
4.  Now play all three top diamonds (throwing last club on the 4th diamond winner played),  hoping for a 4-4 diamond split.
5.  Diamonds split 4-4
6.  Play the low spade up the the 10 9 !S's
7.  If the player with the winning  Q!S's does not have the A !C's that means they will have only  !S's or !H's left and are end played.  The contract will now make 3NT with no risk involved. 
8.  If player winning the Q !S's has the A !C's, that is all they can cash,  then they have to lead a  !S or  !H. 

This line of play also works well with an adverse !C distribution because you still have stoppers in all suits and maintain or preserve your transportation.     

Very important to lead the Q !C's at trick four.

NOW,   I would like to point out that my line of play will actually make 4NT.  Because,  when you play out the diamonds West is squeezed.  On the 3rd diamond play he has to discard a heart.  bring him down to this position:

                     South (Dummy)
                     !S 109
                     !H AKQ4
                     !D
                     !C
East                                   West
!S 3                                    !S Q
!H 76                                   !H J1095
!D 876                                 !D
!C                                       !C A
                     North
                     !S 8
                     !H 8
                     !D Q
                     !C J96

Important,  when you lead the K !D's, it was necessary to discard the Q !C's. (useless card since you have J96 in hand)

Next lead the Q  !D's and discard the 9 !S's.

What does West discard on the 4th  !D play?

1. If West throws the A !C's, contract makes 4.   
2. If West throws the Q !S's, contract make 4.
3. If West throws the 5 !H's, contract makes 4.

The power of squeezing!


On the lead of the 7 !H, I think I take a second Heart, and then start on the Clubs. It doesn't matter what Opps do, they cannot stop me from taking 4 Clubs, 2 Hearts and 3 Diamonds.

Yup,  gotta take that 9th trick before transportation is cut.   :)

45
Interesting Play Hands / Re: Catering for good defence
« on: July 21, 2017, 01:40:55 PM »
On your line, you're cashing all your Diamonds (again what are you going to discard from Dummy on the last Diamond?)

I would discard the last club in dummy on the 4th diamond.  This line of play "considers" a 4-4 diamond split.  The clubs would be down to only the A clubs in defenders hand and no diamonds in defenders hands.   Again,  this can be accomplished only if there is a 4-4 diamond split.  But, there is no risk involved for attempting this approach once 2 club tricks are established. 

And,  yes,  the first club played has to be the Q clubs from dummy.  This approach even works if the spades are 4-2,because dummy has the 10 9 spades. 

Now,  for a great double-dummy problem.   How would you play the hand with the opening lead of 7 !H's?

                   

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