[Fluffy]

To Gerben:Do you really think 2NT as a raise is something good to tech beginners?. I don't see why.

I have heard many times from teachers that their students would bid better if their never learnt blackwood. However, its an easy convention to teach and best way to start learning the use if codified responses.

You can actually live without transfers, and without stayman as well. Without 4SF it is a bit harder.

[Phil]

I'm surprised 4SF is getting as much support as it is for beginners.

If you simply teach them: if I jump, it shows a good hand, you obviate the need for 4SF or NMF.

[jdonn]

Phil, on Mar 3 2009, 02:29 PM, said:

I'm surprised 4SF is getting as much support as it is for beginners.

I agree. Hugely important on an advanced or better level. I don't see why you would teach it to beginners though.

[Fluffy]

I agree with you phil, NMF or anything else like that doesn't do any good. Strong jumps have the problem that they might jump over 3NT.

[peachy]

Takeout Double should be among the first 5, if not the first. After five, stop adding new conventions for a long while. Play of the hand first, defense second, basic 3-5 conventions third, and more conventions only after the student finds out that he needs something to "cover this hole in bidding". It may take about 3 months for a natural game player, 1-3 years for average, and without instruction *Never* for someone who just wants something to fill their time instead of play a game well.

[peachy]

Echognome, on Mar 3 2009, 01:11 PM, said:

I think it's at least ironic that this topic is in the advanced and expert-class bridge section.

If there were a *Beginner Class Teachers* forum, it would be perfect for this one topic. Jus kidding!

[dake50]

First Don't play conventions until you experience the need for them.
Add ones that match your perceived need when you are ready.
When approaching expert, now develop a partnership with agreed conventions.

[hrothgar]

Here's my own list:

I don't think that I deviate significantly from what other folks have recommended, however, the heirarchy is probably a bit different

First and foremost, Blackwood is a crutch. Strike it from the list

Here are the three things that I think need to be introduced early

#1. Doubles are rarely for penalties

Takeout doubles
Negative doubles
Other doubles

#2. "Cheap" bids are often prepared, if not downright artificial

Stayman
2NT asking bid after a weak 2S opening
New Minor Forcing

#3. Transfers are very useful

[hanp]

Nobody has mentioned gerber yet?

[Fluffy]

hanp, on Mar 3 2009, 09:57 PM, said:

Nobody has mentioned gerber yet?

what can I say?, at least you didn't use the F* word

[H_KARLUK]

I don't get it. To me first step for beginners is learning ethics & rules. Then trick taking potentials and counting more. I dont think they are in dire need to study many special gadgets. Th time changes. So they'll learn and invent much useful things.
I am surprised how come people only thinking attack but care less for defense side.