[MickyB]

inquiry, on May 17 2005, 05:14 AM, said:

uday, on May 16 2005, 11:55 PM, said:

Jeff Rubens, ... says that

- when you make a bid, mousing over the bids shows you what they mean before you make them

- when P makes a bid, it is automatically explained and partner can access this information

Something along these lines would possibly make it more fun to play online, and remove some of the current problems we see with pickups.

Person A picks up balance 18, opens 1NT and says "16-18"
Picks up balance 17, opens 1NT with "15-17"
Picks up balance 16, opens 1NT with 14-16
Picks up balance 15, opens 1NT with 13-15, you get the idea, but it gets worse

I think "explained 'automatically'" is meant to mean 'by the software'.

[helene_t]

MickyB, on May 17 2005, 11:36 AM, said:

I think "explained 'automatically'" is meant to mean 'by the software'.

If I understand this correctly there should be an agent that explained the meaning of partner's (and your own?) bid for you. Now as far as you're allowed to make non-standard agreements with partner, this won't work. Now assuming, say, BBO-Basic (maybe the agent would offer a menu of standard systems), it would be possible to make an agent that explained the meaning of most calls in noncontested auctions. In contested auctions it will not since the meaning of your call will depend on the meaning of opp's calls.

But shouldn't it be part of the challenge to see if you and partner both understand standard bidding? Suppose you bid 4NT in a sequence where it could be debated whether it is quanti or Blackwood. I think it's part of the challange to
1) Know what is standard, and if that is obvious enough for your "intermediate" partner to understand
2) If no (obvious) standard applies, try to deal with such ambigious calls, for example by avoiding them.

[Fluffy]

inquiry, on May 17 2005, 04:14 AM, said:

uday, on May 16 2005, 11:55 PM, said:

Jeff Rubens, ... says that

- when you make a bid, mousing over the bids shows you what they mean before you make them

- when P makes a bid, it is automatically explained and partner can access this information

Something along these lines would possibly make it more fun to play online, and remove some of the current problems we see with pickups.

Sure, he had clever things to say, but what did he say about his parnters stealing his beer? Bet he is against it.

Anyway for the idea you propose here.. this will be the nightmare we would have at TD's and yellows....

Person A picks up balance 18, opens 1NT and says "16-18"
Picks up balance 17, opens 1NT with "15-17"
Picks up balance 16, opens 1NT with 14-16
Picks up balance 15, opens 1NT with 13-15, you get the idea, but it gets worse


2D - "flannery"
2D - "mexican"
2D - weak
2D - 4-4 in majors.

1M - 3C = weak
1M - 3C = invite
1M - 3C = Bergen
1M -3C = minisplinter
1M - 3C = Fit jump
1M - 3C = Strong...

All depending upon the hand.... after all their partners can mouse over to see what they have.

Now if everyone would follow the rules and bid normally, it would be fine. But alas some will not, and others will claim people are not.. But the cure is much worse than the disease.

ben

That's why before making an unclear and not agreed call I ask my partner what that call would be, he can't see mycards therefore he can't pick the right answer except by luck .

[Al_U_Card]

One and only one requirement to ensure enjoyment; that we share the same partnership philosophy, namely "Do unto partner as you would have partner do unto you". The rest is just details and results.

[Al_U_Card]

More of the same

Our Partner, who should be perfect,
think not of our shame,or who is to blame.
Make bids in tempo, and remember conventions.
Play well, as always you try to,
and forgive us our attitude,
as we know what’s right
and want you to know too.
Remind us, since we play together,
that we could be in your shoes.
For you have the wisdom,
to keep us both smiling,
and be better partners.

Amen.