vg|2014 USBC FINAL,Segment 6 of 8,I,16,30,Nickell,180,Diamond,175| rs|6SN=,6HS-1,4SE+2,6DE=,2HW+1,2HW=,3NS-1,1NS+1,4HW+3,6HW=,2NE=,2NE-1,3NE+2,3NE=,2SS+1,3HE-1,4SW+1,4SW=,3DW-1,4CS-1,4HS-1,4HN=,1NN+2,2NS+1,5SEx-2,5SEx-2,4HE+1,4SSx-2,2DS=,2DE-3| pn|Nickell,Diamond,Katz,Platnick,Hampson,Meckstroth,Greco,Rodwell|pg|| qx|o16|st||md|2SAJTHAKQ9732D3CAK,S92HJT65DQT965C86,SKQ863H4DKJ72CT75,S754H8DA84CQJ9432|sv|e|nt|Vugraphzfc: Captains have been told by the Director that 20 minutes over will not be allowed for the duration of the match|pg|| nt|Harmon: tsk tsk|pg|| nt|Vugraphzfc: A bit more system discussion to opponent's system|pg|| nt|robinswr: not sure how they can be penalized|pg|| nt|Vugraphzfc: Defenses to their bids by Nickell-Katz|pg|| mb|p|mb|p|mb|p|mb|2C|mb|p|nt|robinswr: 6@s not 6@h|pg|| nt|Harmon: swing hand|pg|| mb|2H!|mb|p|nt|Harmon: 2h=2 controls|pg|| nt|Vugraphzfc: Sorry, can't read the alert|pg|| nt|Harmon: i can|pg|| mb|3H|mb|p|mb|3S|mb|p|nt|robinswr: 3@h is very preemptive|pg|| nt|robinswr: I'd bid 3@c to show hearts|pg|| nt|robinswr: and 3@h to show clubs|pg|| nt|Harmon: they dont play that|pg|| nt|robinswr: hearts are more important then clubs|pg|| mb|4C|mb|p|mb|4D|mb|p|nt|robinswr: so what is 4NT here? rkc for hearts or rkc for spades|pg|| mb|4N|mb|p|nt|robinswr: or diamonds here|pg|| nt|Vugraphzfc: Katz pondering|pg|| mb|5D|mb|p|nt|robinswr: 4@c could be hearts and clubs|pg|| mb|6S|mb|p|mb|p|mb|p|nt|robinswr: no queen ask|pg|| nt|Harmon: good choice by nick|pg|| nt|Vugraphzfc: Katz "After 3@s we were floundering a bit, not sure"|pg|| nt|Vugraphzfc: After Platnick asked|pg|| nt|Vugraphzfc: Nickell "We were in a game force" chuckling|pg|| pc|dA|pc|d3|nt|Harmon: Im told they got to 6hts at other table so 16 imps to Nickell|pg|| pc|d6|pc|d2|pg|| nt|Harmon: 10-2 in slam swings now|pg|| pc|h8|pc|hA|pc|h6|pc|h4|pg|| pc|sA|pc|s2|pc|s3|pc|s4|pg|| pc|sJ|pc|s9|pc|s6|pc|s5|pg|| pc|h2|pc|hJ|pc|sK|mc|12|nt|Vugraphzfc: Nick "What was the @h situation" Diamond "Nice bid"|pg|| pg|| qx|c16|st||md|2SAJTHAKQ9732D3CAK,S92HJT65DQT965C86,SKQ863H4DKJ72CT75,S754H8DA84CQJ9432|sv|e|mb|p|mb|p|nt|kareno: Now only five IMPs separate the two teams... fasten your seat belts folks :)|pg|| mb|p|mb|1C|an|16+ unbal or 18+ bal|mb|p|nt|kareno: 6@s but not 6@h|pg|| mb|1S|an|8+hcp 5+!S FG|mb|p|nt|barnets: when south finds out 5 spades to 2 hons should do it|pg|| nt|barnets: I am sure he can ask|pg|| mb|2C!|an|5+!H|mb|p|nt|kareno: Yes, he has the mechanism to ask about spades for sure.|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: can't see greco's explanation of 2N meck hasn't asked yet|pg|| mb|2N!|an|5!S, 0/1!H|mb|p|mb|3H|mb|p|mb|3S|nt|barnets: south needs to support spades before doing rkc|pg|| nt|barnets: agreeing suit|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: i think hampson said 2N =5@S, no @H fit but there was more to it than that|pg|| mb|p|mb|4S!|an|RKC !H|nt|Walddk2: We also have voice commentary in this room. http://webutil.bridgebase.com/v2/news_fetch.php?id=743 for instructions if you are not familiar with the voice procedure.|pg|| nt|barnets: that looks like an error rKC in hearts not spades per expl|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: greco seems befuddled then delayed alert of 4@S|pg|| nt|kit: exciting start|pg|| nt|barnets: hampson must want to play in spades facing 5 to KQ surely|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: 4N card out - but not on bidding tray|pg|| nt|kareno: Yes, this hand hangs in the balance|pg|| mb|p|mb|4N|an|0 KC|nt|kit: Key to play in spades, not heart, here.|pg|| mb|p|mb|6H|mb|p|mb|p|nt|kit: And it looks like they flunked the test.|pg|| mb|p|pc|dT|nt|barnets: I am surprised in ther club system they could not make a spade asking bid |pg|| nt|kit: I have no idea why Hampson chose hearts on the info he had, but the punishment is huge.|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: perhaps hampson wanted to hide the @S fit|pg|| pc|dK|nt|barnets: big swing for Nickell|pg|| nt|barnets: in 6@S|pg|| nt|kareno: Thought most club systems could do that. |pg|| pc|dA|pc|d3|pg|| nt|barnets: katz Nickell using traditional methods|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: meck says they're not going to make it rod - i have a trump trick|pg|| mc|11|nt|vugraphzfv: nickell-katz ARE in 6@S|pg|| nt|chip: Diamond has had 100 imps of slam luck in this match (or perhaps more) going into this board, so Nickell will doubless think they are due for a little luck.|pg|| pg|| qx|o17|st||md|3S5HKQ87632D62CT32,SKJ72HJTDK974CQJ6,ST984H54DTCA98754,SAQ63HA9DAQJ853CK|sv|o|mb|p|mb|1C!|an|Precision|nt|Harmon: 3 hts nick|pg|| mb|2H|nt|sixela: good spade slam that doesnt make|pg|| nt|Harmon: wimp!!!!!!|pg|| nt|sixela: habits of a lifetime|pg|| mb|d!|mb|r!|nt|Harmon: I was just told a real man bids 4h!!! but I dont like quiche|pg|| nt|Harmon: Ralph just showing hes at the table|pg|| nt|Vugraphzfc: Long explanation, can't read it sorry|pg|| mb|3D|nt|sixela: 6d makes on stiff spade lead, which is a live possibiity|pg|| nt|robinswr: i wonder what XX is supposed to mean|pg|| mb|p|nt|sixela: well, it doesnt seem lead directing and he lacks the length for a raise|pg|| mb|3H!|mb|p|mb|3S|mb|p|nt|robinswr: not 3nt?|pg|| nt|Harmon: 3n?|pg|| nt|sixela: lookig for 4-4 sslam zone|pg|| nt|sixela: 3nt tends to end all auctions|pg|| nt|Harmon: could be up to 10-3 in slams now|pg|| mb|4S|mb|p|mb|p|mb|p|nt|robinswr: another bid swing on opening lead|pg|| nt|Harmon: 10 or 11 to nickell|pg|| pc|s5|pc|s2|nt|Harmon: 10|pg|| pc|s8|pc|sA|pg|| pc|s3|pc|h8|mc|12|pg|| qx|c17|st||md|3S5HKQ87632D62CT32,SKJ72HJTDK974CQJ6,ST984H54DTCA98754,SAQ63HA9DAQJ853CK|sv|o|nt|kareno: If my auction started 2@c - 21s I would know about the KQ of spades - different strokes.|pg|| mb|p|nt|barnets: better play as well|pg|| nt|barnets: or better bidding|pg|| nt|chip: 16+ is often 15+ in practice|pg|| mb|1C|an|16+ unbal or 17+ bal|mb|2D|an|1-suit !H or !S|nt|kareno: They surely have had at the 7@s level :)|pg|| nt|kit: Now the slam bidding swings to the other side|pg|| mb|d|an|6-7 hcp or FG no better bid|nt|runnerup: no slam makes @h (k) lead|pg|| nt|kit: 6@S is best, but the 4-1 split and heart lead defeats it.|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: there must be an option "b" to DBL|pg|| nt|barnets: 6@S is a great contract all 3-2 splits just unucky|pg|| mb|r!|an|bid your suit|nt|kit: Meckstroth has more than the double shows, but I guess he was afraid to bid 2NT due to no heart stopper|pg|| nt|kit: He is probably planning on bidding 3@H over expected 2@H|pg|| nt|chip: usually DBL is 6-7 or Bal GF not willing to bid NT|pg|| nt|kit: And 3NT over 2@S|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: sounds right chip - i just didn't want to make that official since not in my notes or what i can see being written [i can read 6-7]|pg|| nt|kit: Rodwell might just bid 3NT, thinking no slam opposite 5-7 |pg|| mb|p|mb|2H|nt|chip: Odd they play this way. Normal (and I think better) to play 2M is P/C and XX says I want to play my own suit (so bid 2H).|pg|| nt|kareno: Not if there's a second possible meaning|pg|| nt|kit: I agree Chip|pg|| nt|kareno: For sure better, Chip|pg|| mb|3H|mb|p|nt|kareno: Like McCabe|pg|| mb|4D|mb|p|mb|5D|mb|p|mb|6D|nt|chip: 2M as P/C is better both as it puts strong hand on lead (sometimes) and doesn't let both hands know overcaller's suit before they have to act.|pg|| mb|p|mb|p|mb|p|nt|kit: Now Rodwell knows Meckstroth has extras, but doens't know much more|pg|| pc|s5|pc|s2|nt|kit: oh my -- the stiff spade lead, and now it is cold|pg|| pc|s8|nt|kareno: Heart lead would have beaten this.|pg|| pc|sA|pg|| pc|dA|nt|chip: oddly on this hand 6D, the bad slam in theory, is the good slam in practice (as tempts S to lead the wrong major).|pg|| pc|d6|pc|d4|pc|dT|pg|| pc|d5|pc|d2|pc|dK|pc|c4|pg|| nt|chip: Versus 6S no reason to lead anything but a heart as south.|pg|| mc|12|nt|kit: so starting off with two potential slam swings!|pg|| nt|kareno: Yes|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: greco asks rod's hand then says oops|pg|| nt|chip: One is no longer potential, it is 14 imps to Nickell.|pg|| nt|kareno: One was a real slam swing |pg|| nt|barnets: South will be feeling more unhappy|pg|| nt|kit: I meant from the point of view of the players at this table.|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: rod: if it comes up again want 2@D-DBL to be game force but no changes now|pg|| pg|| qx|o18|st||md|4SJT72H53DQ8CAJ943,SKQ8HT9862DJTCQ85,SA65HQJDAK752CT72,S943HAK74D9643CK6|sv|n|nt|Vugraphzfc: Katz "My ReX was meant to be a @c transfer, but then I scratched it out"|pg|| mb|1D!|an|2+|nt|Vugraphzfc: Katz "I misbid, sorry, a psyche"|pg|| mb|p|mb|1H|mb|p|mb|2H|mb|p|mb|p|nt|sixela: close decision whethere to balance|pg|| mb|p|pc|s5|pc|s3|pc|sT|pc|sK|pg|| nt|Vugraphzfc: Nickell "Do we all play lookbacks, it speeds up play" Diamond "Sure, for both sides"|pg|| pc|h2|pc|hJ|pc|hA|pc|h3|pg|| pc|hK|pc|h5|pc|h9|pc|hQ|pg|| pc|d3|nt|Vugraphzfc: Platnick "Lookbacks only against Nick" everyone chuckling|pg|| pc|d8|pc|dJ|pc|dK|pg|| pc|c2|pc|c6|pc|cJ|pc|cQ|pg|| pc|dT|pc|d5|pc|d4|pc|dQ|pg|| pc|s2|pc|s8|pc|sA|pc|s4|pg|| mc|9|pg|| qx|c18|st||md|4SJT72H53DQ8CAJ943,SKQ8HT9862DJTCQ85,SA65HQJDAK752CT72,S943HAK74D9643CK6|sv|n|mb|1D|an|10-15, 2+!D|mb|p|mb|1H|nt|vugraphzfv: meck nixed the late change|pg|| mb|p|nt|chip: We see favorable openings get lighter and lighter (probably will be opened at the other table too).|pg|| mb|2H|an|4-fit|mb|p|mb|p|mb|p|pc|dA|nt|kareno: Smart not to change horses in midstream!|pg|| nt|runnerup: if south is shorth in @d he will bid -no?|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: meck complementing decision to open 1@D|pg|| nt|barnets: 4@S on last bid by diamond|pg|| nt|barnets: so the lead was 26 imps|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: we lost 2 players 1 has returned|pg|| nt|chip: Not quite 26 as will only be win 10 versus lose 11.|pg|| pc|d3|pc|d8|pc|dJ|pg|| nt|chip: There was a slam yesterday where the D team found the wrong lead and cost a similar amount.|pg|| pc|hJ|pc|hA|pc|h3|pc|h6|pg|| nt|chip: This is likely to make 2 as no clear reason to get the spades right (unless S shifts to the SJ)|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: ach meck playing dummy and i cant see ANY cards|pg|| mc|8|nt|runnerup: 2 @s -potential losers -for 5 all together|pg|| nt|barnets: 24 imps on 2 boards is a lot|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: said eventually lead toward @S making 2 or 3|pg|| pg|| qx|o19|st||md|1SA93HAJ4DKQJ5CQJ5,SJT2HQ832D3CAK843,S875HK5DT9642C762,SKQ64HT976DA87CT9|sv|e|nt|Vugraphzfc: Lookback - all players agree that, rather than waste time with the first trick exposed, that all can ask to see the first trick later :)|pg|| nt|robinswr: making their own rules|pg|| nt|Harmon: nick mite open fat nt|pg|| nt|sixela: this will probably be a part score swing|pg|| mb|1D|mb|p|mb|3D!|an|Weak|mb|p|mb|3N|mb|p|mb|p|mb|p|pc|c4|nt|Vugraphzfc: Katz "SOrry I don't have anything"|pg|| pc|c2|nt|Harmon: 5 imps|pg|| nt|sixela: if ralph passes, ew rate to get to hearts, making 9 tricks|pg|| pc|cT|pc|cJ|pg|| pc|dK|pc|d3|pc|d2|pc|d7|pg|| pc|dQ|pc|s2|pc|d4|pc|dA|pg|| pc|c9|pc|c5|pc|cK|pc|c6|pg|| pc|cA|pc|c7|pc|d8|pc|cQ|pg|| pc|c8|pc|s5|mc|8|pg|| qx|c19|st||md|1SA93HAJ4DKQJ5CQJ5,SJT2HQ832D3CAK843,S875HK5DT9642C762,SKQ64HT976DA87CT9|sv|e|mb|1C|an|16+ unbal or 17+ bal|mb|p|mb|1D|an|0-7|mb|p|nt|chip: unlike some other players in this match, Meck is good about not wasting too much time when contract is cold.|pg|| mb|1N|an|17-18|mb|p|mb|p|mb|p|pc|c4|pc|c2|pc|c9|pc|cQ|pg|| pc|dK|pc|d3|pc|d2|nt|runnerup: ew near 4 @h here|pg|| nt|kareno: But who's supposed to enter this auction?|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: ew play reverse smith - IF holding enough cards in the suit|pg|| pc|dA|pg|| pc|cT|pc|cJ|pc|cA|pc|c6|pg|| pc|cK|pc|c7|nt|vugraphzfv: hampson: you're out? rod: i'm out hampson: 2|pg|| mc|8|nt|chip: other table likely to open 1D and make it easier for EW to get in.|pg|| pg|| qx|o20|st||md|2SQ9764HQ2DQ843CQ8,SAJ82HJ9743DCKT72,ST53H86DA76CAJ654,SKHAKT5DKJT952C93|sv|b|nt|Vugraphzfc: Plat "Should I give you the Meck partner - Great Lead Eric!" chuckling|pg|| nt|Vugraphzfc: Nickell "You were right partner, their hand!" laughs|pg|| mb|p|mb|p|mb|1D!|an|2+|mb|p|mb|1H|mb|p|nt|sixela: 1h-3h-4h?|pg|| mb|4H|mb|p|nt|robinswr: he needs a prefect hand for slam|pg|| nt|sixela: diamond is trying to talk himself into at least trying for slam|pg|| nt|Vugraphzfc: Diamond obviously very deeply in thought|pg|| nt|sixela: if it takes this long to conure up a reason to do something marginl, it s probably not right|pg|| nt|Harmon: 4d mightve helped @D if they play that|pg|| mb|p|mb|p|nt|robinswr: x/AKQx/xxxxxx/AQ |pg|| pc|dA|nt|sixela: that might be a 3s bid|pg|| nt|robinswr: if the king of spades was in diamnds maybe 4@d|pg|| pc|d2|pc|d3|pc|h3|pg|| nt|jkdood: Meckwell struggling in 6@H with @H lead|pg|| nt|Harmon: then wed have 2 k of d:)|pg|| nt|sixela: if the K of S were in C it would be a 3s bid|pg|| nt|robinswr: right|pg|| nt|sixela: 2ks are almost like an ace|pg|| nt|robinswr: the fact that partner didn't splinter means that he's gambling|pg|| pc|h4|pc|h6|pc|hA|pc|h2|pg|| nt|Harmon: 10-4 now|pg|| pc|hK|pc|hQ|pc|h7|pc|h8|pg|| pc|dK|pc|d4|pc|c2|pc|d6|pg|| pc|dJ|pc|d8|pc|c7|pc|d7|pg|| pc|dT|pc|dQ|nt|sixela: meck elected to pkay fo axx of d and 2-2 h, came home|pg|| mc|13|pg|| qx|c20|st||md|2SQ9764HQ2DQ843CQ8,SAJ82HJ9743DCKT72,ST53H86DA76CAJ654,SKHAKT5DKJT952C93|sv|b|mb|p|mb|p|mb|1D|an|10-15, 2+!D|nt|chip: generally, both EW pairs play about the same system (precision), but NS pair is standard in the other room.|pg|| mb|p|mb|1H|an|ask shortness|nt|chip: In third seat, 8-15 might be more accurate (though less so when Vul).|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: hilarious seeing all 4 players violently alerting 1@C and 1@D openers -- since they have exactly same opening bid skeleton|pg|| mb|p|mb|3H|nt|kit: Normal 4@H contract, should be comfortable with hearts 2-2|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: i think 3@H = 4-fit, unbal min else 2@S w/max|pg|| nt|kareno: At some point you'd think they'd agree to stop those particular Alerts|pg|| nt|barnets: even 6@H makes seing all 4 hands|pg|| nt|kit: that doesn't look like a minimum to me|pg|| mb|p|mb|3S!|an|ask shortness|nt|kit: Meckstroth probing for a slam, so clearly 3@H not a minimum|pg|| nt|barnets: just need hearts 2-2 and diamond ace come down in 3 normal|pg|| nt|kareno: Who knows how to value @s K|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: when using screens both players alert bids by both partners|pg|| nt|kit: could also take double ruffing finesse in diamonds -- not sure offhand which is better percentage.|pg|| nt|runnerup: @h game here passed hand ..so vant have much more|pg|| nt|kareno: I'd think double ruffing finesse better.|pg|| nt|runnerup: west has passed once ..|pg|| nt|barnets: Nickell overeached to 3n on 19 so diamond get few imps back|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: meck doing a lot of writing that i just can't see :(|pg|| mb|p|mb|3N!|an|short !S, llikely stiff|mb|p|mb|4C!|an|cue|mb|p|mb|4D!|nt|kit: this may be an ask, and singleton spade shown -- just guessing.|pg|| mb|p|mb|5D!|an|cue|nt|vugraphzfv: sorry about that -- futile straining to read notes on either side of screen|pg|| nt|kit: well, I think that will get them to slam|pg|| nt|barnets: not agreat slam|pg|| nt|kit: Still, from Rodwell's point of view with Meckstroth a passed hand he pretty much has to have a void|pg|| nt|kit: And then how well will it play opposite a diamond void?|pg|| nt|kareno: And since no preemption, will work out hearts|pg|| nt|kit: huh?|pg|| nt|barnets: well it makes if you play to ruff 3 diamonds|pg|| nt|barnets: rather than taking 2 diamond hooks|pg|| mb|p|mb|6H|nt|kit: he will get the heaerts right because he has to|pg|| nt|jumpshift: depends on weak 2 bid style, for instance Meck might have xxx, xxxxxx, Axxx, Ax|pg|| nt|jumpshift: no void, and a very good slam|pg|| nt|barnets: I think he will get diamond right also|pg|| nt|kit: I mean't void in West hand Joanna|pg|| nt|jumpshift: too many cards there|pg|| nt|kit: ah|pg|| mb|p|mb|p|mb|p|nt|jumpshift: west just needs 6 small hearts and minor suit aces|pg|| nt|barnets: when north has Qx or AX diamond he might get that as well as the axx onn both sides|pg|| nt|jumpshift: 3@S was shortness ask|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: they finally vocalized the explanations|pg|| pc|h6|pc|hA|pc|h2|pc|h7|pg|| pc|d2|nt|kit: I think this solves the heart problem -- he isn't leading from Qxx on this auction|pg|| pc|d4|pc|h4|pc|d6|pg|| nt|kit: and I do think that playing to ruff out ace of diamonds is better percentage than double ruffing finesse|pg|| nt|barnets: 4@H in closed|pg|| pc|s2|pc|s5|pc|sK|pc|s7|pg|| pc|d5|pc|d3|nt|barnets: so another big swing hand|pg|| pc|h3|nt|kit: So we are on our way to a third slam swing.|pg|| pc|d7|pg|| pc|sA|pc|s3|pc|c3|pc|s6|pg|| nt|chip: NIckell getting back closer to even in the slam luck it seems.|pg|| pc|s8|pc|sT|pc|h5|pc|s9|pg|| pc|d9|pc|d8|nt|barnets: in open 1@D -1@H - 4@H P|pg|| pc|hJ|pc|dA|pg|| nt|jumpshift: this hand a nightmare for Hampson Greco who did nothing wrong here|pg|| pc|h9|pc|h8|pc|hK|pc|hQ|pg|| nt|chip: This line looks questionable. Don't you need 2-2 hearts to make?|pg|| mc|12|nt|kareno: Yes|pg|| pg|| qx|o21|st||md|3S74HQ9542DJ9872CA,SKT53HJ6DQ63C9654,SAJ92HT7D54CKQT72,SQ86HAK83DAKTCJ83|sv|n|nt|robinswr: making 7 saved an imp|pg|| mb|p|mb|1C!|an|Precision|mb|1H|mb|d!|nt|sixela: meck's play was actually clear after the opening trump lead, nothing else had a chance|pg|| nt|jkdood: Nickell, now up by 35, is 36-0 in 3 slam swings early in the segment|pg|| nt|sixela: well, the slam luck couldn contiinue indefinitely in one direction, really turned around in these few boards|pg|| mb|1N!|an|Xfer to !c's|mb|p|nt|jkdood: (maybe)Amusing: after making it; Meckstroth said: "That was a Greco Hampson special"|pg|| nt|Harmon: dunno if this an xfer over big club|pg|| mb|2D|mb|p|mb|2H|mb|p|mb|p|nt|sixela: 2s now?|pg|| nt|Vugraphzfc: Diamond asking Nickell for clarification|pg|| nt|robinswr: 1NT would not less likely to be bid opposite a strong club|pg|| nt|Vugraphzfc: Welcome to all of our distinguished, expert Commentators for this very important match to determine USA1 next year at the World Championship :)|pg|| nt|robinswr: not sure what diamond can do|pg|| nt|robinswr: other than pass|pg|| mb|d|mb|p|mb|2N|nt|sixela: could also have tried 2s|pg|| mb|p|mb|p|mb|p|nt|sixela: lead of Club A would be good here|pg|| nt|chorush: This will be set quickly if Nickell leads partner's suit|pg|| pc|h4|nt|sixela: truting pd's bid|pg|| nt|sixela: now it will take longer|pg|| nt|Harmon: if he thought 1n was xfer|pg|| nt|sixela: good point|pg|| pc|hJ|nt|chorush: it was a transfer, but perhaps he didn't know it|pg|| pc|h7|pc|h3|pg|| pc|d3|pc|d5|pc|dA|pc|d2|pg|| pc|s6|pc|s7|pc|sK|pc|sA|pg|| pc|hT|pc|hA|pc|h5|pc|h6|pg|| nt|chorush: Declarer can make this by play Nickell for a singleton club honor, which he certainly has|pg|| pc|dT|pc|dJ|pc|dQ|pc|d4|pg|| pc|c4|pc|cK|pc|c3|pc|cA|pg|| nt|sixela: played for error instead|pg|| pc|hQ|pc|s3|pc|c2|pc|hK|pg|| pc|dK|pc|d7|pc|d6|pc|c7|pg|| pc|sQ|pc|s4|pc|s5|pc|s2|pg|| pc|s8|pc|h2|pc|sT|pc|sJ|pg|| mc|8|pg|| qx|c21|st||md|3S74HQ9542DJ9872CA,SKT53HJ6DQ63C9654,SAJ92HT7D54CKQT72,SQ86HAK83DAKTCJ83|sv|n|nt|vugraphzfv: rod: well done meck: that was a hampson-greco special|pg|| nt|kit: A true set from Hell for Greco-Hampson|pg|| nt|olien: it appears he gave himself the chance of @sQxx |pg|| mb|1D|an|10-15, 2+!D|mb|1N|nt|chip: So why see if you can go down if a spade gets over ruffed?|pg|| mb|2H|mb|d|an|neg|mb|p|nt|chip: Admittedly unlikely for spades to be 6-2, but ...|pg|| mb|2N|nt|kareno: Who would lead a heart from Qxx? That suit was pretty well marked on the lead|pg|| nt|kit: Seems like Rodwell might have sat that|pg|| nt|barnets: so in first 5 boards there are 3 slam swings to Nickell|pg|| nt|chip: maybe remembering the 2H X making from yesterday.|pg|| nt|jumpshift: Greco opens the 10 count vul vs not, trying to change the momentum a bit|pg|| nt|kareno: Under the hearts?|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: meck wrote but not sure if re: DBL or 2N thought you should all know|pg|| nt|kareno: My momentum changer is a break to go wash my face and catch my breath.|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: news flash: i have no new information|pg|| nt|jumpshift: south not in on the joke, thinking of bidding 3@D|pg|| mb|p|mb|p|mb|p|pc|d7|nt|barnets: 2N appears too high|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: meck: i was afraid to bid 3@C|pg|| nt|kit: Defense may have to untanble clubs in time|pg|| nt|kit: Which won't be easy at all.|pg|| nt|barnets: where is declarers 8 winners ?|pg|| nt|kit: But depends on what declarer does -- I could see either heart to jack, or spade to 10.|pg|| nt|chip: Though declarer might play on clubs.|pg|| pc|d3|pc|d5|nt|runnerup: @D Ace lead in 4 @h's|pg|| pc|dK|pg|| nt|runnerup: in 20|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: @H3 almost led but rod balks|pg|| pc|h3|pc|hQ|pc|h6|pc|h7|pg|| pc|d2|pc|dQ|pc|d4|pc|dT|pg|| nt|kit: Now up to 7 tricks, and I dont' see hampson laying down ace of clubs|pg|| pc|hJ|pc|hT|pc|h8|pc|h2|pg|| nt|chip: spade next?|pg|| pc|s3|nt|barnets: and where could be the 8th trick ?|pg|| pc|s2|pc|sQ|pc|s4|pg|| nt|kit: yes, and I think defense will be simplified|pg|| pc|s6|pc|s7|pc|sT|pc|sJ|pg|| nt|kit: Greco should know the position by now I think|pg|| nt|chip: low club to A beats it.|pg|| nt|barnets: the only 8th trick could be produced by magic I think|pg|| nt|kit: or high club from North -- is that magic?|pg|| nt|barnets: that would be a bad play|pg|| nt|kareno: Would be magic - the only magic available|pg|| nt|kit: we can see it is a bad play -- but is the position so obvious to him? I guess it should be.|pg|| nt|kit: But he is thinking, so he hasn't worked it out.|pg|| nt|barnets: declarer had no realistic chance of getting an 8th trick on this hand except for a defensive mistake|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: before play all have been agreeing we get to ask to see last trick|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: and greco has just done that|pg|| nt|barnets: same contract in open room|pg|| pc|c2|nt|kareno: Found it!|pg|| pc|c8|pc|cA|pc|c4|pg|| nt|barnets: so there was no magic here :)|pg|| mc|7|nt|vugraphzfv: rod: i should have left it in didn't want -470 twice greco: would have bee 670|pg|| pg|| qx|o22|st||md|4ST5HKT7532DATCA86,S732HAJ6DKJ982CQ3,SK984H84D6543C742,SAQJ6HQ9DQ7CKJT95|sv|e|nt|danmathies: well done|pg|| mb|1N|mb|2D!|an|!h's|mb|2N!|an|Telling|mb|p|nt|robinswr: if you play Lebenshol, they have to bid 2nt then 3nt to show a stopper playing fast denies |pg|| mb|3C!|an|Forced|mb|p|mb|3N|an|!h stopper|mb|p|nt|robinswr: a direct 3NT would deny a heart stopper|pg|| mb|p|mb|p|pc|h5|pc|h6|pc|h8|pc|hQ|pg|| pc|dQ|pc|dA|pc|d2|pc|d6|pg|| pc|cA|pc|c3|pc|c2|pc|c5|pg|| nt|chorush: 2 imps to diamond|pg|| nt|robinswr: good defense in other room to hold3nt to 3|pg|| pc|sT|pc|s2|pc|sK|mc|11|pg|| qx|c22|st||md|4ST5HKT7532DATCA86,S732HAJ6DKJ982CQ3,SK984H84D6543C742,SAQJ6HQ9DQ7CKJT95|sv|e|mb|1N|an|14-16|mb|2H|mb|3N|an|could ask for stopper|mb|p|mb|p|mb|p|pc|h5|pc|h6|pc|h8|nt|chip: Guess direct 3N showed a stopper.|pg|| nt|barnets: so e/w must play that to show a stopper|pg|| pc|hQ|pg|| nt|chip: Friendly hand, so 11 tricks.|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: meck never said showed stop - just that he could have asked if worried|pg|| nt|kareno: So a break for tea (_)? and a few cookies OOO for the hard-working specs and analysts :)|pg|| pc|c5|pc|c6|pc|cQ|nt|chip: Guess it just said we are playing 3N.|pg|| pc|c7|pg|| pc|c3|pc|c4|pc|cT|pc|cA|pg|| nt|chip: If heart entry goes away before D's played, may lose a trick or 2 (though not the contract).|pg|| pc|hT|pc|hJ|pc|h4|pc|h9|pg|| pc|d2|pc|d3|pc|dQ|pc|dT|pg|| pc|d7|pc|dA|pc|d8|pc|d6|pg|| pc|c8|pc|s2|pc|c2|pc|cK|pg|| nt|chip: Now held ot 9 tricks.|pg|| pc|sA|pc|sT|pc|s3|pc|s4|pg|| pc|sQ|pc|s5|pc|s7|pc|sK|pg|| pc|s8|mc|9|pg|| qx|o23|st||md|1SQJT953H2DAKQ7CT9,SA87HAJ73DT8CKJ82,S4H854DJ962CAQ753,SK62HKQT96D543C64|sv|b|nt|medwards: How did they hold it?|pg|| nt|Vugraphzfc: Platnick "I claim without stating a line, I have everything now"|pg|| mb|1S|mb|p|mb|1N!|an|F|mb|p|mb|2S|mb|p|mb|p|mb|p|pc|dT|nt|robinswr: lucky hand where you have x opposite xxx in hearts|pg|| pc|d2|pc|d3|pc|dA|pg|| pc|s9|pc|s8|pc|s4|pc|sK|pg|| pc|d5|nt|robinswr: howver the diamond lead could hold it to 3|pg|| pc|dK|pc|d8|pc|d6|pg|| pc|sT|nt|sixela: diam found aa good lead to hold it to 3|pg|| pc|sA|pc|h4|pc|s6|pg|| nt|dburn: oft discussed whether to bid second suit or rebid first suit on this kind of hand|pg|| nt|robinswr: qj109xx is a rebid of the suit|pg|| nt|sixela: if he took the first spade, he was assure a 4th trick, now very tough to underlead his AJxx|pg|| nt|dburn: indeed, plus you would not want to allow 2@d-pass-pass-2@h|pg|| pc|h3|pc|h5|pc|hQ|pc|h2|pg|| nt|sixela: he found it, wd|pg|| pc|d4|pc|d7|pc|s7|pc|d9|pg|| mc|9|nt|robinswr: declarer showed up with AKQ of dia and QJ10 of spades|pg|| pg|| qx|c23|st||md|1SQJT953H2DAKQ7CT9,SA87HAJ73DT8CKJ82,S4H854DJ962CAQ753,SK62HKQT96D543C64|sv|b|mb|1S|an|10-15|mb|d|nt|barnets: and dec found some magic in 2N in closed !|pg|| nt|barnets: he played a spade to the King|pg|| mb|p|nt|barnets: when that lost to ace north played the 1CK|pg|| mb|2H|nt|barnets: was then thrown in with the @SJ|pg|| mb|2S|nt|kit: On a bad day partner bids diamonds when you make a takeout double with the West hand|pg|| nt|barnets: to give a trick to the club jack|pg|| mb|p|nt|barnets: 5 imps to diamond|pg|| mb|p|mb|3H|mb|p|mb|p|mb|p|nt|runnerup: @d lead beat 4 @s|pg|| nt|chip: Meckwell have an agreement that partner doesn't have D's when you DBL with the W hand.|pg|| pc|sJ|nt|kareno: Then he gets to struggle in diamonds Kit. Hopefully there are more good than bad days|pg|| nt|runnerup: @d ruff coming|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: Rusinow leads 2nd of touching honors|pg|| nt|kit: Hampson does quite well leading a spade instead of a diamond. If he had led a diamond, this contract might be making.|pg|| pc|s7|pc|s4|pc|sK|pg|| pc|hT|pc|h2|pc|hA|pc|h4|pg|| pc|h3|pc|h5|pc|hK|pc|sQ|pg|| nt|kit: Dummy's 8 of clubs sets up, so Hampson needs all of his diamond entries -- one for another spade lead, and one to cash the spade.|pg|| pc|h9|pc|s5|pc|h7|pc|h8|pg|| pc|c6|pc|c9|nt|chip: I think defense can kill the dummy and beat 3H even after a D lead.|pg|| nt|barnets: strangely on the layout n/s only have 3 losers in spades|pg|| nt|chip: Sorry, can't kill both entries if declarer draws trumps and leads a club.|pg|| nt|barnets: a diamond lead gets a ruff though|pg|| pc|cK|pc|cA|pg|| pc|d2|pc|d5|pc|dQ|pc|d8|pg|| nt|barnets: Nickell allowed to play 2@S in open|pg|| nt|kit: Rodwell played Hampson for ace of clubs, not thinking he had so much in diamonds.|pg|| pc|sT|pc|sA|nt|chip: Would be big winner for N to show some values (e.g. 1N to show clubs).|pg|| pc|c3|pc|s2|pg|| pc|c2|pc|c5|pc|c4|pc|cT|pg|| nt|chip: maybe he should play D to find out?|pg|| mc|8|nt|vugraphzfv: rod apologizes but meck says you couldn't do anything|pg|| pg|| qx|o24|st||md|2S92HAKJ65DQ7CQJ93,SAKJT875H93DAT3C4,S63H72DK954CT8652,SQ4HQT84DJ862CAK7|sv|o|mb|1S|mb|p|mb|1N!|an|Semi-F|mb|2H|mb|3S|mb|p|mb|4S|mb|p|mb|p|mb|p|pc|h7|pc|h4|pc|hJ|pc|h9|pg|| nt|robinswr: notice the play of the 9 of hearts (the card he's known to hold)|pg|| nt|Vugraphzfc: Diamond tells Nickell "Not a pre-empt 3@s by me"|pg|| pc|hA|pc|h3|pc|h2|pc|h8|pg|| pc|d7|pc|dA|pc|d5|pc|d2|pg|| pc|sJ|pc|s3|pc|s4|pc|s2|pg|| pc|s5|pc|s6|pc|sQ|pc|s9|pg|| pc|hQ|pc|hK|pc|sT|mc|11|pg|| qx|c24|st||md|2S92HAKJ65DQ7CQJ93,SAKJT875H93DAT3C4,S63H72DK954CT8652,SQ4HQT84DJ862CAK7|sv|o|mb|1S|an|10-15|mb|p|nt|barnets: 1 imp for nickell|pg|| mb|2C!|an|maybe 2+ bal|mb|p|mb|3S|mb|p|mb|4S|mb|p|mb|p|mb|p|nt|vugraphzfv: rod: i hope 3N isn't better|pg|| pc|h7|pc|h4|nt|kareno: Play should go quickly|pg|| pc|hJ|pc|h9|pg|| pc|hK|pc|h3|pc|h2|pc|h8|pg|| pc|h5|nt|vugraphzfv: meck: ruff hi, pull trump, 10 tricks|pg|| mc|10|pg|| qx|o25|st||md|3S54HQ2D85CKT98543,SATHT74DAKQT32CA6,SKJ9832HAK6DJ7CQ7,SQ76HJ9853D964CJ2|sv|e|nt|dburn: would save a trick for South to continue hearts, as it happens, but not a likely defence|pg|| nt|Vugraphzfc: Nickell "At matchpoints I hold it" "Tried to give him a guess in @d's"|pg|| mb|1S|mb|p|mb|1N!|an|F|nt|dburn: Diamond might just gamble 3NT|pg|| nt|sixela: will make it on a s lead|pg|| nt|dburn: which the defenders can, but may well not, beat|pg|| mb|3D!|an|Intermediate|mb|p|mb|p|mb|p|nt|sixela: that is the best intermediate jo i have ever seen|pg|| nt|dburn: Meckstroth, true to his style, did gamble 3NT, but South saved against it so we will never know whether it would have made|pg|| pc|hA|pc|h3|pc|h2|pc|h4|pg|| nt|Vugraphzfc: Nickell "Wish trick"|pg|| pc|cQ|pc|c2|pc|cT|nt|dburn: right suit, wrong card - I think...|pg|| nt|Vugraphzfc: Diamond "Signals are . . . standard" "Right"|pg|| pc|c6|pg|| pc|c7|pc|cJ|pc|cK|pc|cA|pg|| pc|dA|pc|d7|pc|d4|pc|d5|pg|| pc|dK|pc|dJ|pc|d6|pc|d8|pg|| pc|h7|pc|h6|pc|h5|pc|hQ|pg|| pc|s5|nt|sixela: he had it made, went blank|pg|| mc|8|pg|| qx|c25|st||md|3S54HQ2D85CKT98543,SATHT74DAKQT32CA6,SKJ9832HAK6DJ7CQ7,SQ76HJ9853D964CJ2|sv|e|mb|1S|an|10-15|mb|p|mb|1N|an|semi|nt|runnerup: lets say 1 @s missing -in namyats -you must have some defence -or you open 4M|pg|| mb|3N|mb|p|mb|p|mb|4C|nt|barnets: another lead problem|pg|| mb|p|mb|p|nt|kit: The surprise 4@C|pg|| nt|shuster: Not a problem, high heart clear|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: sure surprised the operator!!|pg|| mb|p|pc|dA|nt|shuster: 3NT is treated as gambling here|pg|| nt|chip: all pass probably a pleasant surprise for Hampson.|pg|| nt|shuster: oh wait, they're in 4@C, not 3NT |pg|| pc|d7|pc|d4|pc|d5|pg|| nt|barnets: good bid from south|pg|| pc|dQ|pc|dJ|pc|d6|pc|d8|pg|| pc|h4|nt|kareno: Yes, resolves partner's lead problem and concerns|pg|| pc|h6|pc|hJ|pc|hQ|pg|| pc|cT|nt|kit: Well, 3NT could be beaten. But would it have been?|pg|| pc|cA|pc|c7|pc|c2|pg|| pc|sA|pc|s2|pc|s6|pc|s4|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: hampson: exacting defense as usual|pg|| mc|9|pg|| qx|o26|st||md|4SAT94HA943DQT7C74,SK6HQT5D9652CAQ53,S85HK862DAK3CKJ86,SQJ732HJ7DJ84CT92|sv|b|nt|Vugraphzfc: Players have been here for 7-8 days of grueling bridge|pg|| mb|p|mb|p|mb|p|nt|dburn: ping pong really - declarer could make by winning the first club, drawing trumps, and playing ace and a spade before the defenders could untangle the hearts|pg|| nt|robinswr: if norht had AKQ of hearts, then heart is right|pg|| nt|sixela: this is a game of endurance as well as skill, that is the issue now|pg|| mb|1C|mb|p|mb|1H|mb|p|mb|2H|mb|p|mb|2S|mb|p|mb|4H|mb|p|mb|p|mb|p|nt|dburn: 4@h essentially on trumps 3-2 and a finesse - about the right odds for vulnerable game|pg|| pc|d2|nt|Vugraphzfc: Nickell has played 6 days, Diamond 8 days|pg|| pc|dA|pc|d8|pc|d7|pg|| pc|s8|pc|sJ|nt|dburn: clubs unmisguessable, fortunately for weary declarers|pg|| pc|sA|pc|s6|pg|| pc|c7|pc|cA|pc|c6|pc|c2|pg|| nt|dburn: in fact, contract slightly worse than those odds because of uppercut possibilities while trying to ruff spades on the table|pg|| nt|lrobb98: I think, as Sam says, endurance/fatigue becomes a factor; ingredients in endurance include: of hands played,genetics,age,physical condition,brain chemistry,pro vs. non-pro,ability to sleep,medications,stress in one's life, etc..|pg|| pc|d6|pc|d3|pc|dJ|pc|dQ|pg|| pc|dT|pc|d9|pc|dK|pc|d4|pg|| pc|s5|pc|s3|pc|sT|pc|sK|pg|| nt|dburn: plus diamond ruffs while trying to get back and forth, plus... still, vulnerable you just bid game and hope|pg|| nt|Vugraphzfc: Correction - Diamond team 10 days of bridge|pg|| pc|d5|pc|c8|pc|hJ|pc|s4|pg|| nt|dburn: and this has introduced a complication for Nickell|pg|| nt|dburn: which he has not solved....|pg|| pc|cT|pc|c4|pc|c5|pc|cJ|pg|| pc|h2|pc|h7|pc|hA|pc|h5|pg|| pc|h3|pc|hT|pc|hK|mc|9|nt|sixela: there ws no real reason to play another spade, just 2 rounds of trump|pg|| nt|Vugraphzfc: Nickell "Sorry partner"|pg|| pg|| qx|c26|st||md|4SAT94HA943DQT7C74,SK6HQT5D9652CAQ53,S85HK862DAK3CKJ86,SQJ732HJ7DJ84CT92|sv|b|nt|chip: Note that 3N can be defeated, but requires club lead initially or after high heart.|pg|| nt|kareno: A little insurance policy taken by south|pg|| mb|p|nt|barnets: Daimond made a soft 3@D bid over 1N ntermediate|pg|| mb|1D|an|10-15, 2+!D|mb|p|mb|1H|nt|kareno: Rodwell opened?|pg|| mb|p|nt|chip: suspect it was S |pg|| mb|2H|an|4-fit|mb|p|mb|4H|mb|p|mb|p|nt|barnets: in my opinion 3@D is very strong not intermediate|pg|| mb|p|pc|sQ|nt|barnets: and he played there in 3@D|pg|| nt|kit: This one is on the club guess. I'm betting he gets it right :)|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: because no 1@S overcall?|pg|| nt|barnets: as long as he leads from dummy he should be ok|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: or because west has both :)|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: i actually didn't look at west hand|pg|| nt|kit: Declarer's entyies a little tricky. He would like to take 2 top hearts, then ruff 2 spades, and then lead up to the clubs, but he can't do all that.|pg|| pc|sA|pc|s6|nt|danmathies: that works too|pg|| pc|s5|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: confirms udca|pg|| pc|c4|pc|cA|pc|c6|pc|cT|pg|| pc|sK|nt|barnets: so 3@D went down 1 in open|pg|| pc|s8|pc|s2|pc|s4|pg|| pc|d9|nt|kit: He sees the problem, so makes his club play right away. Delaying wouldn't be likely to tell him much.|pg|| nt|barnets: 4 imps to nickell|pg|| pc|dA|pc|d8|pc|d7|pg|| pc|h2|pc|h7|pc|hA|pc|h5|pg|| pc|h3|pc|hT|pc|hK|pc|hJ|pg|| mc|10|nt|chip: NS might not reach game after 3 passes to 1C then 1H 2H. Not so clear for S to try for game opposite a weak NT with 4H (partner has a good max and still far from cold).|pg|| pg|| qx|o27|st||md|1SAQJ6H87DQJ8CAT97,S752HAQ954DK75C85,SK8HJT32DT963CKQ2,ST943HK6DA42CJ643|sv|o|nt|Harmon: after 2nd d lead|pg|| nt|robinswr: makes the final 30 boards more exciting|pg|| mb|1C|mb|1H|mb|1N|mb|p|nt|dburn: indeed, that wasn't the best - but from what little I have seen Nickell and Katz have done very well in this event|pg|| mb|p|mb|p|nt|Harmon: true|pg|| nt|sixela: i think he just blanked out for about 10 seconds...getting tired|pg|| nt|medwards: Yes,so good that two teams dropped.|pg|| nt|Vugraphzfc: Nickell is also a major corporate executive :)|pg|| pc|hK|pc|h7|pc|h5|nt|robinswr: what is this? leading partner's suit|pg|| pc|h3|pg|| pc|h6|pc|h8|nt|lrobb98: It seems as if there have been more slam swings than usual in this match...|pg|| nt|sixela: just trying to mix things up and throw oppon off balance|pg|| nt|sixela: dont worry it wont happen again|pg|| pc|hA|pc|h2|pg|| nt|dburn: dangerous business in these days, when partner's suit is often five to the jack|pg|| pc|hQ|nt|dburn: and sometimes not even the jack|pg|| pc|hT|nt|robinswr: but nothing better to lead|pg|| pc|d4|pc|d8|pg|| nt|dburn: indeed - desperate measures need to be resorted to on occasion|pg|| pc|h4|pc|hJ|pc|s3|pc|dJ|pg|| pc|sK|pc|s4|pc|s6|pc|s5|pg|| pc|s8|pc|sT|pc|sJ|pc|s2|pg|| pc|sA|pc|s7|pc|d3|pc|s9|pg|| pc|sQ|pc|d7|pc|d6|pc|d2|pg|| pc|c7|pc|c5|pc|cK|pc|c3|pg|| pc|cQ|pc|c4|pc|c9|pc|c8|pg|| pc|c2|pc|c6|pc|cT|mc|9|pg|| qx|c27|st||md|1SAQJ6H87DQJ8CAT97,S752HAQ954DK75C85,SK8HJT32DT963CKQ2,ST943HK6DA42CJ643|sv|o|mb|1N|an|14-16|nt|kit: So is this a "standard" 23-point 3NT|pg|| nt|kit: which might make|pg|| nt|runnerup: 14+9 no 1nt -3nt|pg|| nt|barnets: south did bid 2@S over 2@H and in 4@H|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: previous board rod clarified std signals only when we show AK including middle of hand|pg|| nt|chip: N might well invite and S decline (though at least 50-50 they bid it).|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: this pair known for frequent upgrade so 14+9 may be overbid|pg|| mb|p|mb|2C|mb|p|mb|2S|mb|p|mb|2N|an|shows 4!H|nt|chip: Note that might make 3N if hearts led and don't then cash AK of D.|pg|| mb|p|mb|p|mb|p|nt|kit: how dull|pg|| nt|chip: N invited as I suspected, think S will decline, and he does.|pg|| nt|barnets: good stop|pg|| pc|h5|nt|kit: In 2NT declarer won't have to guess the clubs|pg|| nt|kit: In 3NT, if the defense plays 4 rounds of hearts (which they might), then would make on a club guess.|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: meck: hampson would have accepted with 14, so he must have 12 |pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: rotating pit stops|pg|| nt|shuster: After a heart to the King holds, a low diamond shift is attractive, especially if defending three.|pg|| nt|chip: It seems he won't accept even with a decent 14 as here.|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: but that doesn't get a laugh chip|pg|| pc|hJ|pc|hK|pc|h8|pg|| pc|h6|pc|h7|pc|hQ|pc|h2|pg|| pc|h9|pc|hT|nt|kit: I was wondering -- low heart from dummy looked like a big play.|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: operator error -- break out the whip!!|pg|| nt|barnets: rule of 11 says East has one heart higher than 7|pg|| pc|c6|nt|kareno: Remember upside down suit preference|pg|| nt|chip: Q of hearts (rather than A), then 9 looks like a middle Suit pref. signal for D (they play upside down suit pref, but middle is still middle).|pg|| pc|d8|pg|| pc|sK|pc|s3|pc|s6|pc|s2|pg|| nt|chip: No chance he will get clubs right in 2|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: sorry missed the play claimed 9 tricks|pg|| mc|9|pg|| qx|o28|st||md|2SJH52DAKQJ9CAKQ95,SKT86HAT876D6CJ83,S72HJ943DT7543C42,SAQ9543HKQD82CT76|sv|n|nt|dburn: now, that's the courage of his convictions|pg|| mb|p|nt|robinswr: good hand |pg|| mb|p|mb|2S|nt|robinswr: in 5@d they have to cash correctly|pg|| nt|sixela: likely 4nt by S|pg|| nt|dburn: they may save, of course|pg|| nt|robinswr: will be easier if north is declarer|pg|| nt|dburn: I don't think Diamond will sit for five of a minor|pg|| nt|robinswr: i play 4@s here as minors and 4nt blackwood|pg|| mb|4N|nt|dburn: good idea|pg|| nt|sixela: now the pressure is on W, 5S seems a tossup|pg|| nt|sixela: very good idea steve|pg|| nt|robinswr: but 2@s could be a joke in 3rd seat|pg|| mb|5H!|nt|sixela: but maybe better other way around, so lho can't x to offer a save|pg|| mb|p|nt|sixela: S will hate it, but he has to x here|pg|| nt|dburn: he won't hate it all that much - nothing else to do|pg|| mb|5S|mb|d|mb|p|mb|p|mb|p|nt|sixela: no, but he doesnt know who is really making what|pg|| pc|dK|nt|sixela: in this case, nobody id making anything|pg|| pc|d6|pc|d5|pc|d2|pg|| pc|cK|pc|c3|pc|c4|pc|c6|pg|| pc|cA|pc|c8|pc|c2|pc|c7|pg|| pc|cQ|pc|cJ|nt|dburn: it could be a real freak, of course, but usually a passed hand opposite a pre-empt cannot make five of anything - or at least, that's the way to bet|pg|| pc|s2|pc|cT|pg|| pc|s7|mc|9|pg|| qx|c28|st||md|2SJH52DAKQJ9CAKQ95,SKT86HAT876D6CJ83,S72HJ943DT7543C42,SAQ9543HKQD82CT76|sv|n|mb|p|nt|chip: Rod pitched a club maybe? seems odd.|pg|| mb|p|nt|runnerup: 13. @d for ruff with Jx --beating 4 @d (a lot of @d rounds) |pg|| mb|1S|an|10-15|nt|shuster: Easy to get too high on this deal|pg|| nt|kareno: ??|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: oy|pg|| nt|bobholl: 4th @D played trumped with @HJ there|pg|| nt|kareno: Yes, I know but need to wake Al up - |pg|| mb|2N|an|2 lowest|nt|barnets: Nickell lost game swing|pg|| nt|kareno: Rodwell pass in third?|pg|| nt|barnets: down in 4@H |pg|| nt|barnets: on 26|pg|| mb|4D|an|splinter|nt|chip: this 1S is definitely more like 0-15 in this position I think. (though here normal).|pg|| mb|p|mb|4S|nt|barnets: so lea back to 20|pg|| mb|d|mb|p|nt|kit: Pretty difficult for Hampson to work out to defend here|pg|| mb|5D|nt|kit: or for Greco|pg|| nt|barnets: just down 1|pg|| mb|5S|nt|kit: But now the problem shifts the other way|pg|| nt|kit: And Rodwell gets it wrong, getting -300 instead of +100|pg|| mb|p|mb|p|nt|chip: 4S and 5D both down 1, but now we get even more bidding (Rod woud be right if S were 6-5).|pg|| nt|kit: assuming nothing funy happens|pg|| nt|runnerup: do we agree pass to 5 @s|pg|| nt|kareno: Heitner's first Law - the five level belongs to the opponents. He would not countenance this bid |pg|| nt|barnets: whats north meant to do ?|pg|| nt|kit: not me|pg|| nt|kit: I would just double|pg|| nt|chip: Guess P is forcing. Think he should DBL though since minimum shape? Still, don't think Greco will want to bid a slam.|pg|| nt|kareno: Why did this create a force??? |pg|| nt|kit: Why give partner an impossible problem?|pg|| nt|bobholl: he 'll pass (i would)|pg|| nt|barnets: lot of pressure on north|pg|| nt|barnets: unecessarily|pg|| nt|kit: Greco is wondering why this is coming around to him undoubled|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: in memory of walter johnson who believed TMFP too many forcing passes|pg|| nt|barnets: he cant really think he is making 6 can he ?|pg|| nt|kit: he is worried that 5@S is making|pg|| nt|chip: Hampson is imagining the A of hearts and making 6 I think. Though of course 5S could make if you move a D to E in exchange for a club (so D void and only 2 clubs cash).|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: my bet just wondering if forcing or not|pg|| nt|kareno: I just don't see how it could be construed a forcing pass|pg|| nt|kit: Well, Hampson did double 4@S|pg|| nt|kit: so one would think that he can beat 5@S|pg|| nt|bobholl: being vulnarable vs NV doesn't make your own cards better :)|pg|| nt|kit: Still, I just don't think you give partner this problem|pg|| nt|barnets: 6@D is 500 if he bids it|pg|| nt|chip: In the semis Greco and Hampson bid on to 5S over 5C when they had AK, AK, in the majors and the club ace, and down off the top in 5S, but since on that hand only one major suit trick cashed (10 card and 8 card fits) it was right to bid|pg|| nt|chip: This is Greco's 10th straight day of bridge here and has played all the boards, so feeling a bit worn down I think.|pg|| nt|barnets: but its not his fault he has the problem|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: the event began with 2-day round robin, followed by "round of 16" [only 12 teams]|pg|| nt|chip: Could they play P/DBL inversion where P asks partner to DBL and DBL invites bidding on?|pg|| nt|barnets: his partner expects him to x with 5 cards in his partners suit|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: nickell had buy into round of 8|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: bye|pg|| mb|d|mb|p|mb|p|mb|p|nt|barnets: I think that was agreat bid|pg|| pc|cQ|nt|kit: Well, it was right|pg|| nt|kareno: Well done!|pg|| pc|c3|pc|c2|pc|c7|pg|| pc|dA|pc|d6|nt|kit: Same contract in other room, however|pg|| nt|bobholl: will be push other room same|pg|| pc|d3|pc|d8|pg|| nt|barnets: Nickell xd with south hand over in secs|pg|| pc|cA|pc|c8|pc|c4|pc|c6|pg|| pc|cK|pc|cJ|pc|d7|nt|kit: players forgetting that the 5-level belongs to the opponents|pg|| pc|cT|pg|| mc|9|pg|| qx|o29|st||md|3SK6532H6D95CQ8542,SQ8HT9743D73CAKT6,SAJT7HA8DQJ86C973,S94HKQJ52DAKT42CJ|sv|b|nt|Vugraphzfc: Katz "I wasn't sure if we were in a forcing pass situation"|pg|| mb|1D|mb|1H|nt|dburn: don't worry - hardly anybody is ever sure whether they're in a forcing pass situation|pg|| mb|d|nt|sixela: if W raises to 4H directly it shoul d end th auction, if he does something else, N may bid 3S and give S a chance to find the good 4S save|pg|| nt|dburn: well, he might bid 4@c, just in case|pg|| mb|3D!|an|Mixed Raise|mb|p|mb|4H|nt|robinswr: usually playing neg doubles, 1@s shows five spades and double shows four|pg|| mb|p|mb|p|nt|dburn: but it turned out that his 3@d bid was just too high for Katz to support spades|pg|| mb|p|nt|robinswr: especially opposite 4|pg|| nt|dburn: not sure whether Nickell and Katz have adopted the modern method where double shows 4-5 spades and 1@s denies spades|pg|| nt|sixela: i think that is their treatment too, but S apparently sees his suits as roughly equal and doesnt want to overemphasize one at the expense of the other|pg|| pc|d9|pc|d3|pc|dJ|pc|dK|pg|| pc|cJ|pc|c2|pc|cA|pc|c3|pg|| pc|cK|pc|c7|pc|s4|pc|c4|pg|| mc|11|nt|dburn: rule one: never lead partner's suit|pg|| nt|Vugraphzfc: Katz "We go for -500 in the save"|pg|| pg|| qx|c29|st||md|3SK6532H6D95CQ8542,SQ8HT9743D73CAKT6,SAJT7HA8DQJ86C973,S94HKQJ52DAKT42CJ|sv|b|nt|vugraphzfv: http://www.bridgeace.com/lessons/BOLS/1987_Manfield_Five_Level.pdf|pg|| mb|1D|an|10-15, 2+!D|mb|1H|mb|1S|an|5+!S|mb|2N|an|5!H|mb|3S|mb|4D|nt|runnerup: 4 @s ok here (over 4 @h-makeable) -needs a good guess after 3. @d ....|pg|| mb|p|nt|kareno: That's all very well but Paul taught me that in about 1962.|pg|| mb|4H|nt|runnerup: 500-800|pg|| mb|p|mb|p|nt|kareno: And called it Heitner's First Law. |pg|| mb|4S|nt|barnets: in 4@SX dec has to guess trumps to get out for down 2|pg|| mb|p|nt|runnerup: @s Q maybe|pg|| mb|p|nt|barnets: the def take 3clubs and 2 diamonds|pg|| mb|d|nt|barnets: and a third diamond comes|pg|| mb|p|mb|p|nt|kit: Assuming West shifts to a diamond|pg|| mb|p|nt|kit: which is far from obvious|pg|| pc|cA|nt|shuster: I think declarer will get it right from that position|pg|| nt|barnets: west gives partner his ruff|pg|| nt|runnerup: must ruff high and finess not so easy|pg|| nt|shuster: you can hardly get it wrong|pg|| nt|barnets: then east plays 3 diamonds|pg|| nt|shuster: ruffing low is giving up|pg|| nt|barnets: very obvious|pg|| pc|c3|pc|cJ|nt|kit: when East plays the jack why must West continue?|pg|| pc|c2|pg|| nt|barnets: so he has to ruff high then finesse|pg|| pc|d7|pc|dQ|pc|dK|pc|d9|pg|| nt|kit: good shift -- but now East has to get it right also, which is far from obvious to him.|pg|| nt|kit: He doesn't know declarer has stiff heart|pg|| nt|barnets: I thought he would play 3 clubs first|pg|| pc|hK|pc|h6|pc|hT|nt|kit: But if he thinks about partner's diamond shift rather than heart shift, he should figure it out|pg|| nt|barnets: so cant be obvious if hedidnt do it :)|pg|| nt|kit: but he fails|pg|| pc|hA|pg|| nt|kit: Now declarer has to work out what has happened|pg|| nt|barnets: 4@H in open room for Diamond|pg|| nt|kit: But after East bid both red suits, should be no problem starting the right way|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: hampson asks about @H10 whatever it is, it is upside-down|pg|| pc|sA|pc|s4|pc|s2|pc|s8|pg|| pc|sJ|pc|s9|nt|kit: this is a surprise|pg|| pc|sK|pc|sQ|pg|| pc|c4|pc|cT|pc|c7|nt|kit: but nothing really mattered|pg|| pc|d4|pg|| pc|cK|pc|c9|pc|hQ|pc|c5|pg|| mc|8|nt|kit: so a few more IMPs go diamonds' way|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: losing one more and consensus - they make theirs|pg|| nt|barnets: 650 in open|pg|| pg|| qx|o30|st||md|4S97HJ98DKQ52CJ762,SKQJ6H6532DJ874C4,S8532HAKT7DAT9CQ9,SAT4HQ4D63CAKT853|sv|o|nt|dburn: there is some empiricial evidence for this, judging from the other table, so four more IMPs to Diamond|pg|| nt|robinswr: If you go for 500 saving you'll lose in the long run|pg|| mb|2C!|an|Precision|mb|p|mb|p|mb|d|mb|p|nt|dburn: much truth in that, unless your judgement is superhumanly good|pg|| mb|2D|mb|p|mb|p|mb|p|nt|jkdood: Both rooms playing 2@D one EW one as NS|pg|| nt|dburn: East-West? how did they get there?|pg|| nt|Vugraphzfc: Katz "No Herbert" Nickell "You like Herbert, eh"|pg|| nt|jkdood: !N p 2c p 2d ppp|pg|| pc|sK|pc|s2|pc|sT|pc|s7|pg|| nt|dburn: oh, I see - East opened 1NT and West used "garbage Stayman"|pg|| nt|Vugraphzfc: Everyone looking at spots again, players a bit tired an careful|pg|| pc|c4|pc|c9|pc|cK|nt|dburn: and hit his partner with the usual unlucky collection|pg|| pc|c2|pg|| pc|cA|pc|c6|pc|h2|pc|cQ|pg|| pc|sA|pc|s9|pc|s6|pc|s3|pg|| pc|s4|pc|d2|pc|sQ|pc|s5|pg|| nt|jkdood: some call it: garbage IN garbage OUT|pg|| nt|robinswr: something to be said to bid 3@c over 2@c when partner bids stayman|pg|| nt|dburn: or pass, if partner is looking particularly mournful|pg|| nt|Vugraphzfc: Thanks to the USBF, BBO, and our excellent commentators, and also to our loyal viewing audience, play will resume at 3:45 PM Pacific Time :)|pg|| pc|h8|pc|h3|pc|hA|pc|h4|pg|| pc|s8|pc|c8|pc|d5|pc|sJ|pg|| nt|danmathies: evening should be interesting|pg|| pc|hJ|pc|h5|pc|hK|pc|hQ|pg|| pc|h7|nt|Vugraphzfc: Evening play begins in just over 1 hour from now :)|pg|| pc|d6|pc|h9|pc|h6|pg|| nt|jkdood: Something like +90 and -100 on this board would be a cool "push" (if it occurs)|pg|| pc|c3|pc|c7|mc|8|nt|dburn: -50 would be better - not often you save in 2@d against the enemy's 2@d|pg|| nt|jkdood: probably the strangest way "to win an imp" there is David|pg|| pg|| qx|c30|st||md|4S97HJ98DKQ52CJ762,SKQJ6H6532DJ874C4,S8532HAKT7DAT9CQ9,SAT4HQ4D63CAKT853|sv|o|nt|vugraphzfv: final board of the set|pg|| nt|barnets: lead down to 16|pg|| mb|1N|an|14-16|mb|p|mb|2C|mb|p|mb|2D|mb|p|nt|vugraphzfv: meck: always a pleasure gentlemen|pg|| mb|p|nt|kit: this might end it|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: i believe restart in 75 min|pg|| mb|p|nt|kit: I do not understand why one wouldn't open 2@C with East hand when that shows the 6-card suit in one bid.|pg|| nt|kit: which they did in other room.|pg|| pc|s9|nt|barnets: thats what platnick opened|pg|| nt|kit: so this looks like it will be a healthy pickup for Diamond.|pg|| nt|barnets: so nickell playing 2@D in both rooms|pg|| nt|kit: Well, contract 2@D in other room also|pg|| nt|barnets: wonder what their combined tricks will be|pg|| nt|bobholl: both rooms in 2@D but e and S playing|pg|| nt|kareno: Sounds like Bridge in the Menagerie|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: rod: sorry|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: meck has already left the room |pg|| pc|sK|pc|s8|pc|s4|pg|| nt|barnets: I think Diamond team have done very well to have 3 adverse slam swings a bit unuckily and still be very much in this match|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: rod turning his own cards that seems to be the rule when no kibitzers|pg|| pc|s6|pc|s2|pc|sA|pc|s7|pg|| pc|cA|pc|c2|pc|c4|pc|c9|pg|| pc|cK|pc|c6|pc|h2|pc|cQ|pg|| nt|kareno: He's going to scramble as many tricks as he can |pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: setting up defensive cross ruff??|pg|| pc|sT|pc|d2|pc|sJ|nt|barnets: what time do they resume playing ?|pg|| pc|s5|pg|| pc|h8|pc|h3|pc|hK|pc|h4|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: i believe 70 min|pg|| nt|barnets: I am told 70 mins|pg|| nt|barnets: tks|pg|| nt|barnets: al|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: 30 boards remain to identify USA1 for 2015 Bermuda Bowl|pg|| pc|hA|pc|hQ|pc|hJ|pc|h5|pg|| pc|s3|nt|vugraphzfv: this same event held same time next year to determine USA2|pg|| pc|d6|pc|dQ|pc|sQ|pg|| pc|dK|pc|d4|pc|d9|pc|d3|pg|| pc|h9|pc|h6|pc|hT|nt|kit: N-S made 2@D in other room, so not a big swing.|pg|| mc|7|nt|barnets: tks all specs commentators usbf bbo|pg|| nt|kareno: AND Al, the great Operator|pg|| nt|kareno: What time next set?|pg|| nt|danmathies: 1 hour from now|pg|| nt|kareno: Thanks. |pg|| nt|danmathies: canadian time|pg|| nt|bobholl: was -3 i guess|pg|| nt|warrens: down 3, score|pg|| nt|vugraphzfv: yep was just correcting|pg|| nt|warrens: wrong|pg|| nt|warrens: thx|pg|| pg||