[LouMai]

I'm an old duffer, just starting up playing again. The last I heard about was Goren. Things seem to have changed. One partner I had asked me where I was from I thought. He said Texas? and I said no New Mexico. My answer fell on deaf ears. There seem to be a whole bunch of systems I don't know, and never heard of. I tried to look up the topic of Transfer bidding and so far it's been incomprehensible. Be that as it may, I thought I could play by saying that I didn't do anything but blackwood. I still find that I irritate some partners to the max and I hate doing that. What verbage can I use in my profile to effectively communicate that I only do what I call regular bidding - no transfer, weak strong, 2's or what ever? Then what site can I go to that would start to explain some of the systems so that I might come up to speed. I tried listing my self as a beginner, and that irritated some and now list myself as intermediate and that of course irritates some. So how can I stop making people mad? And of course, when I make a stupid mistake, I see that it irritates some more than it would me, but that's the way of life. So where can I start reading up on these subjects?

Thanks
LouMai

[helene_t]

Hi LouMai, welcome to the forum!

It doesn't really matter whether you call yourself beginner or intermediate I think.

It shouldn't be too difficult to get people to understand that you don't play transfers, but you should say that whenever you start playing with a new p as they might not look at your profile.

Same with weak twos and weak jump overcalls, but I would strongly recommend getting used to playing those. A weak two opening is just like a weak 3 opening except that it is a 6-card suit rather than a 7-card suit, there is nothing complicated about it.

Try playing in the WP refugee club, there are others there who play a traditional Goren system or similar.

In the meantime you may want to look at the teaching material at the bbo site ("Learn to Play Bridge"). It is important to learn bidding theory from reliable sources, since self-proclaimed "experts" you meet at the table will generally give bad advice. This forum counts as a reliable source since if someone tells you some nonsense, someone else will correct it.

Good luck!

Helene

[H_KARLUK]

Hello and welcome

How about to register BIL (Beginner Intermediate Lounge) on BBO please.

Really friendly ambient. Technically a very comfortable area to refresh and improve game skills. There nobody judge another. Instead polite, humble and helpful.

Good luck, enjoy.

[mike777]

LouMai, on Nov 22 2009, 09:06 AM, said:

I'm an old duffer, just starting up playing again. The last I heard about was Goren. Things seem to have changed. One partner I had asked me where I was from I thought. He said Texas? and I said no New Mexico. My answer fell on deaf ears. There seem to be a whole bunch of systems I don't know, and never heard of. I tried to look up the topic of Transfer bidding and so far it's been incomprehensible. Be that as it may, I thought I could play by saying that I didn't do anything but blackwood. I still find that I irritate some partners to the max and I hate doing that. What verbage can I use in my profile to effectively communicate that I only do what I call regular bidding - no transfer, weak strong, 2's or what ever? Then what site can I go to that would start to explain some of the systems so that I might come up to speed. I tried listing my self as a beginner, and that irritated some and now list myself as intermediate and that of course irritates some. So how can I stop making people mad? And of course, when I make a stupid mistake, I see that it irritates some more than it would me, but that's the way of life. So where can I start reading up on these subjects?

Thanks
LouMai

Welcome Welcome!



Just reading the forum and the great players who take time to post will help you. I always learn alot!



Hopefully you want to learn bridge so you need to learn alot of the basics.



Others have mentioned great sites on bbo to play, have fun and learn.


Also read basic bridge books...I mean really basic books.....and most important have fun...lots and lots of fun!

[gwnn]

I have to agree with Helene wrt Learn to Play Bridge. If you read all lessons on bidding there (shouldn't take you more than 2 afternoons), you will know more on bidding theory than many people who now treat you like a dufus. Registering to BIL unfortunately now costs money and while there is indeed many good lessons on play and bidding, the standard of play is just not very good. And people automatically say "wdo ntp" (well done opponents, nice try partner) after each hand or "wdp nto" etc, however big a blunder declarer/defence made. While in a way it is nice it is also quite repetitive and meaningless.

[Jlall]

yeah +1 on learn to play bridge

[andy_h]

I used to read this site a lot back in the school days. It was a good starting point and the rest sorta comes from experience. I was lucky enough to find some friendly players (albeit this was back in the yahoo days) whom I could play with regularly and were able to give me a few tips here and there.

[Old York]

LouMai, on Nov 22 2009, 03:06 PM, said:

So how can I stop making people mad?

What makes you think that you are irritating people? Has something been said to you? If so, then mark these players as enemies and consider reporting them to abuse@bbo

BBO takes these matters seriously. Don't take these comments personally though, these people are idiots if they assume that you play advanced conventions when your profile is basic.
Just find a group of friendly players and ignore the self-important experts who abound on BBO

Tony

[P_Marlowe]

LouMai, on Nov 22 2009, 09:06 AM, said:

<snip>
And of course, when I make a stupid mistake, I see that it irritates some more than it would me, but that's the way of life.  So where can I start reading up on these subjects?

Thanks
LouMai

You cant, because sometimes the stupid mistake happened on the other
side of the table, and sometimes it is easier to yell at partner than to admit,
that one was responsible for the disaster.
..., the truth is, that the problem, which lead to the disaster, has its source in a
bid, that occurred 1 or 2 rounds earlier, p may have been ablt to get this one
right, but ...

Your best bet is, to try to find a regular p.

How to improve is a good question:

The BIL is certainly a reasonable option, but the BIL will only work, if you
find a regular p there.
Bridge is a partnership game, and the most important aspect is, to learn
to know p.

Playing with random p wont help you, most of the random players are just,
... there was a joke in the "Punch" (an old magazoine).
It went along the lines. There are only 100 real Bridge expert in whole England,
but it is suprisingly, how many bridge player play with an expert partner.
( I was not able to locate it on the net.)

You may consider to buy an bridge book, e.g.

25 Bridge Conventions You Should Know Von Barbara Seagram,Marc Smith

The first section features the standard convention,
Stayman, Transfer, Neg. Doubles, Blackwood / Gerber (to be ignored ),
Weak Two bids, Reverses, ...

Section Two has also some sensible stuff, although I wonder, why they included
"Grand Slam force" in this section (could be ignored as well), ...

And last but not least, consider taking classes, BBO is brilliant, but the social
aspect of Bridge is, what makes this game so brilliant.
This has the adv. that you may find a regular p more easily, ...

With kind regards
Marlowe

[hallway]

The Beginner Intermediate Lounge or BIL (as it is usually referred to) is used by players to play when they want to practise with their partner/friends what they have been learning in the daily lessons held in the BIL .

The BIL is essentially a learning centre. and also a place to forge friendships. A member wrote today offering to become a BIL Volunteer Helper she says

It would be very nice to give back to something that has done so much for me. Not only have I gotten back to a game I played fairly well 20+ years ago, I have met some wonderful people and made great friends.

Most BIL members play their social games in the Relaxed Bridge Club - look for Hosts with BIL member on their profile and you can be sure to be playing at a friendly table. The BIL has Zero Tolerance for any form of bad manners. The Creed being "Cherish Your Partner and Respect Your Opposition "

Yes. there is a fee to belong BUT only AFTER you have been a member for 60 days to assess for oneself whether the $10 Annual Support Fee has value for you .
The Annual Support Fee of 19cents a week provides the BBO Beginner and Intermediates who choose to join the BIL with
• free lessons on BBO daily (currently 40 hours per week) some for Starter players right through to those suitable for Upper Intermediates
• access to all BIL Special Events on BBO (usually 2 per month – many more in September) our next one being a New Year Marathon starting at 03:00 EST on Dec 31st and ending ......
• access to all BIL sponsored Free tournaments on BBO currently 7 a week,.

Use of BIL Library: www.bilbridge.com
• access to the BIL News Noticeboard (24/7) to keep up to date with BIL activities
• access to the FAQ section (24/7) - all you need to know to get the most out of BBO and the BIL
• Tournament details and extensive help
• the Event Calendar - know what is coming up. ( provides members with emailed alerts and conversion to their own time zone)
• the BIL Forum (Alfresco Café) get advice from the Experts, interact with fellow members
• Gazette archive - every gazette has articles to learn from
• The Bridge Quiz'/Crosswords to participate in (24/7) currently 5 different formats
• A monthly emailed Gazette and regular bulletins to advise of Special Events

There is a dedicated Beginners section for the true beginner and a Youth section for the 6-15 year olds.
There is also a Translated Notes section where some of the Help notes have been converted

Plus as a BIL member you can join

• the BIL Mentoring Programme - 6 months free one on one tuition for those who are serious about improving their game - no additional charge is made for Mentoring I administer the service free and the Mentors give their time free.

• And more

The net proceeds from the Annual Support Fee is used to support these activities, events, website programming, mentor console development , administration expenses and more.

The BIL being a Private Club is not affiliated to BBO and has to fund its own activities

You have nothing to loose and much to gain by giving the BIL a try just fill in the application form on the link below

Another message in my mailbox today from a member who joined two weeks ago who has not waited for the 60 days to expire before paying her ASFee says:

Thanks so much Maureen. I'm so thankful I found BILBridge.com. I'm learning more every day and am enjoying my new found passion.

BBO is an incredible place and the BIL is just one very minor , tiny part of it - explore and I am sure you will find the right niche for yourself.

[H_KARLUK]

Thank you so much Maureen. That's the voice of reason. Wonderful

[TwstofLime]

Hi, LouMai!

The BIL is initiating a Beginning Bridge Program designed to teach "just beginning" students as well as players returning to the game.

Beginning Tuesday, 16:00 (4pm) EST, January 5, Bridge 201 is being offered. Bridge 201 is focused on Competitive Bidding for Beginners. The course will be held every Tuesday for 8 weeks/90min. a session. The contents range from overcalls to take out doubles through weak 2 bids. Requires pre-registration.

If you wish more information on the Bridge 201 course or to register, please email Roberta at rozimm1@yahoo.com.

The BIL is the friendiest club with the greatest learning opportunities on the BBO planet. Enjoy the free trial membership and see what you think. www.bilbridge.com.

Glad to have you back in the game!
Sandy

[MattieShoe]

I learned some Goren originally but was never very well versed in it. I learned the more modern Standard American stuff later. I don't know how many of these changes are due to a poor initial understanding of Goren, but here's the high points of the differences I've noticed:

The goal in bidding has shifted to accommodate finding an 8 card major fit. That's a theme found repeatedly in the newer Standard American systems. In order to do this, opening a major guarantees a 5+ card suit. You can respond with a 4 card major but you can't open with one. With an opening hand and no 5 card major, bid the better minor. There's some variance as to which minor to bid in certain situations, 4432 distribution in particular -- Some would bid the 3 card diamond suit, some would bid the 2 card club suit.

Since your partner may open the bidding on a 3 card minor suit, you should really have 4-5 cards in the minor to support it. What you really want to do is mention your 4 card majors, because you're looking for that magic 8 card major fit.

If your partner opens a minor which may only have 3 cards in it, and you've got a crap 2 point hand or something and you're short in the suit he named, it's really tempting to try and rescue him. Don't

If your partner opens a major, he's definitely got 5+ of em so you can support with 3 card support and no honors in the suit (if you have sufficient points elsewhere, etc).

Responding 2NT when your partner opens a suit is dicey unless you've discussed it with him beforehand. A lot of players use Jacoby 2NT convention and a lot don't, so they're quite likely to misinterpret your bid.

Point counting when you haven't established a fit in a suit tends to be by length rather than shortness. Add up HCP and add a point for every card past four in the suit. So a 5 card suit gets an extra point, a 6 card suit gets 2 extra points, etc. Once you've found a fit, shortness in side suits is more valuable.

Often the rule of 20 is used for openings (if HCP + length of 2 longest suits is 20 or more, you can open it). This is a bit more aggressive than the old Goren days, so it's something to think about when responding.

Strong 2 bids are out, weak 2 bids are in. With a typical strong 2 bid (22+ points), you bid an artificial 2 clubs indicating strength but saying nothing about the suit. Responses vary from player to player but I think the most normal is 2 diamonds indicating a weak hand or at least an unexceptional one (no crazy long suits and whatnot). Then you can bid your suit (or 2NT if you've a flat hand) and things go as normal. If partner has some points and a significant suit, they may bid the suit rather than 2 diamonds. If they have points and flat distribution, they can bid 2NT.

2♦♥♠ are preemptive, indicating a weak hand, 6 card suit, 3 honors. Some redefine 2♦ to mean other things since preempts in diamonds are not as useful as majors.

Game in NT/Major is 25 combined points, not 26. Most Goren players would figure it was worth the attempt and go for it with 25 combined points anyway, this has just been codified.

The point range for 1NT has been shifted downwards by a point (15-17 instead of 16-18) because 1NT is a super-awesome bid -- very descriptive compared to most others. Since you're aiming for 25 points instead of 26, the responses to 1NT use basically the same point ranges as before though.

The point range for 2NT has changed from 22-24 to 20-21.

After a 1NT bid, the goal is still to search for that magic 8 card major fit. Additionally, you'd like the NT opener to be the declarer wherever you end up since he's got the power and he'll be less likely to be finessed on the first trick. To accomplish these two things, most use Stayman and Jacoby Transfers to respond to NT openers.
Responses to 1NT
2♣ -- Stayman, indicates 8+ points. Requests 4 card major. Partner bids their 4 card major or 2♦ with neither.
2♦ -- Jacoby Transfer. Means "Partner, I have 5+ hearts and I want you to say 2♥"
2♥ -- Jacoby Transfer. Means "Partner, I have 5+ spades and I want you to say 2♠"
2NT -- 8-9 points, flat distribution, no 4 card major
3♣/♦ -- longish strong suit. invites 3NT if partner thinks he can control the other suits and run your long suit.
3NT -- 10-15 points, flat distribution, no 4 card major

If you're responding to 1NT and you've gotten your partner to bid via stayman or jacoby transfer, you generally decide what to do based on point count
0-7 points -- pass
8-9 points -- invite to game with 2NT or 3 of major with known 8 card fit
10-15 points -- force game with 3NT or 4 of major with known 8 card fit
16+ -- typical slam searching stuff

If you open 1 of a suit and partner jumps in your suit, it suggests 11ish points, not 13+. It's called limit major raise. Jumps of your minor suit vary much more from player to player.

Those are the major changes I've noticed

[nige1]

• Wow! Good stuff MattieShoe!
  
• Many self-disignations are misleading. Some Expert and World-class players seem to be Novice. You can skirt the self-assessment problem with Private.
  
• As for all the rudeness: On-line (as behind the wheel of a car) some people are intoxicated by lack of normal social restraint. Imbued with Dutch Courage, they feel that they can safely let their ids crepitate Just mark them Enemy (and if you care enough note why) so that you can avoid them in future.