[luis]

Hi,

I'd like to propose a Bridge-Base based Challenge the champs competition. Each month or each 2 weeks 2 pairs will bid hands prepared by a moderator and bid them using BBO bidding practice tables (or teaching mode or something), final contracts in each deal will be previously have an score assigned and will be send by email to a trusted party for full certification. The pair winning will be back as the defending champions for the next challenge.

As a way to start I just want to poll if you like this idea? If so then I'll try to ask Fred or an admin to create a challenge the champs forum where we can post the results, comments and so. I'd volunteer to be the moderator of the first contest if the idea is accepted.

Luis

[Laird]

Hi Luis
Sounds a good idea..... is it a bidding challenge only or do you go on to play the contract?
How do you assess the merits of the final contract reached and the bidding route?

If 'bidding' + 'play' = 'success', is this purely a measure of one part of the equation?

Kind regards
John

[the hog]

Challenge the Champs assesses the final contract only, John; you don't play the hand. Also the route taken to get to the end contract is irrelevant and will vsry from pair to pair depending on system.

The contract is judged on the basis that it is the "best" contract on the given cards. You will occasionally see the odd grand slam in a 4-3 or even 4-2 fit. In this respect the conditions are somewhat artificial, however it is quite entertaining and can be instructive - lot of work for Luis, though.

[inquiry]

I think what luis has in mind is more of a "master solvers" type of contest rather than a challenge the champs....

Here you get an auction up to a point... and you are asked what would you bid with a specific holding. Probably would have to agree on the basic system for the contest... I would suggest BBO Advanced... since this is a BBO site... :-)

[luis]

No,no I was really thinking about a challenge the champs feature :-)
I think it can be a lot of fun.....

[mycroft]

I think this would be a great idea - especially if the hands were available afterward for other pairs to try. I like the BW "challenge" feature, but it's often difficult to get the hands to partner without looking at them, and getting together to bid them.

BBO solves all of that - the hands are available, you can't "accidentally" see the hands before using, and partnership bidding tables mean that I can "bid 'em up" with my partner anywhere, anytime we both can get online.

Looking forward!
mycroft.