I note that NS would make 4NT against any lead and would probably make 5NT. Do you think that there is any way NS can reach 3N instead of 4H (of course I mean at duplicate)? I know you will have fun answering my question, since your love for duplicate is so well known (just read your answer to the one question on yesterday’s column).

Hi David, Bobby,

I suppose South could bid 3S suggesting soft values, a semi balanced hand and giving north a choice of games but it seems a bit contrived. If North had HAKxx though, it might well look like the same tricks in each denomination.

regards,

Iain

Hi David & Iain,

With me now attempting to add a scientific bent to my preferences exposes me to be labeled a hypocrite.

However, with all the petty nuances which seem to always concern themselves with overtricks seem to infest the nether world of exactness.

Obviously that exactness stems from the impossible dream of a bidding system relaying exact information rather than just in the “ballpark”.

And thus the reward of huge differences in matchpoints waiting around the corner for just being “lucky” somehow takes away some of the beauty to what I have come to think is a magnificent game that we are privileged to play.

Of course, my hypocrisy then manifests itself on the hands which then barely achieve the contract, making that scientific bent necessary to win decorations at IMPs and money at rubber bridge.

All I can say is that having to consider some of the details that both of you often mention on the way to winning, seems beyond anyone’s reach.

However if we could just restrict them to the contract trick in partscores, games and, of course slams, I would then carry the flag.

Thanks for, instead of the flag, carrying on the debate and somehow I do not feel necessarily correct in my assessment, perhaps meaning that I do not like to just guess in trying to be lucky and if we do not have to worry about overtricks, some of that tedium may (will) disappear.

Respectfully!

Hi Bobby,

Would Butler scoring at pairs tournaments help, where there is far less emphasis on the odd overtrick or even 10 points? A brute to score up, of course, and not applicable for all sessions but much closer to real bridge.

Regards,

Iain

Hi Bobby,

I’ve just found a TOCM possibility, albeit absurdly far-fetched. East started with xx K97 10x 10xxxxx. Now the only way to make the hand is to overruff at T3, cash the HA, the minor suit winners then endplay East to give a ruff & sluff. If that happens, East / West are entitled to accuse declarer of peeking.

Iain

Hi Iain,

Yes, while I have had some experience, while playing in Europe with the Butler form of scoring, which incorporates what I consider serious forms of real competition (not particularly related to overtricks) I always enjoyed that competition.

The only drawback is the possibility of trying to serve too many masters while attempting to do whatever possible to improve one’s own score. Keeping it relatively simple, an IMP advantage, might just be the ultimate example in arranging what may just also be the fairest test.

I do, as always, appreciate your keen mind which, and according to your example hand, will keep others from making categorical statements about what they think is best.

The playing of high-level bridge is only the attempt of finding a winning solution, not necessarily the one which will always work.

And you, as in America, call him the sergeant-at-arms who is expected to provide the discipline necessary in groups to carry on the discussions ever present without the fear of someone sidetracking away from the best solution.

You, with your analysis, will always set the standard for others to be wary before making (what they think) is a final statement which can always be successfully challenged.

I am trying to persuade local Clubs to run occasional IMP Pairs instead of Matchpoints.
I have, out of curiosity, re-scored a few Matchpoint games as if it was IMPs.
The rankings can change quite a bit, and one can readily see the reward for a well bid slam or vulnerable game, a big set etc.

Hi Clarksburg,

My limited experience of Butler scoring is that you take out the 2 extreme results and average the rest to get a datum score. I wouldn’t try it with many fewer than 7 tables, 6 at the least, but it is a good training ground for teams while still allowing lots of small pickups. Best of luck trying it – perhaps one night a month at a club which plays nor.al pairs at least 3 times a week. I recall Jeff Rubens describing teams as real bridge; this runs it much closer than pairs or even BAM.

Good luck,

Iain

My family all the time say that I am wasting my time here at
net, except I know I am getting knowledge all the
time by reading such good articles.