I think the Daisy Chain hand is the exception that proves the rule. “Don’t count on me having the perfect hand, partner, because I never will,” or whatever that famous quote is (from Chip Reese?). I’d venture 5D, but even 4D might be DOA. Finding partner with exactly the right 13 points with the KH in the correct hand? Rotten luck though that the writer had to bid before partner though. After hearing partner open, they could easily have arrived in slam.
The 1NT 5NT hand reminds me of the time I picked up a 20-point hand, almost all of it prime, and heard my partner open a strong 1NT. (this was a very long time ago, it is likely we were playing 16-18) I didn’t hesitate and just bid 7NT. My poor partner was so rattled I heard “good luck, partner” and had to break it to her, “Your hand, partner”. But it was a laydown so I was forgiven.
Iain Martin ClimieJuly 23rd, 2023 at 8:47 am
Hi Bobby,
Daisy Chain’s bad luck reminded me of the guy who decided to sandbag as opener with 10 solid spades and singletons at high stake rubber bridge. 3 passes followed and he asked his partner if he’d held much. Didn’t seem worth opening with just the 3 Aces came the reply.
Probably apocryphal but fun nonetheles.
Regards,
Iain
bobbywolffJuly 23rd, 2023 at 1:58 pm
`Hi Jeff,
Don’t let anyone tell you that all hands in bridge lend themselves to science and/or near perfection. And Daisy Chain’s problem is a good example. When dealt an unusual medium strength hand (here, offensively) and in the first or even second seat, more often, a large preempt will make it more difficult for those highly competitive opponents to find their best contract and more often than expected, a large preempt from you will increase your
chances to score well. However, by doing so, the pre-emptor also takes away crucial bidding space for his own side.
Easily said, easily recognized. However, partner should, possibly, depending on the known
habits of his or her current partner raise partner to at least game, (IMO, slam dunk) but even with a few very conservative partner’s even a mighty jump to a diamond slam should not be severely criticized. “You pays your money, you takes your choice”!
partner’s perhaps a jump to a small slam might be the percentage action
bobbywolffJuly 23rd, 2023 at 2:05 pm
Hi Iain,
Your story will always remind me of a long ago discussion having to do with very poor and violent behavior between partners. Someone, then suggested having metal detectors
at the door, before being allowed to enter a bridge tournament, and your hand would be the best reason for doing it, especially if “at the door” of a high-stakes rubber bridge game.
bobbywolffJuly 23rd, 2023 at 2:14 pm
Hi again Jeff,
Somehow, with my last sentence to you, the last sentence should have started, “With some
partners, perhaps………………….SORRY!
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Hi Bobby,
I think the Daisy Chain hand is the exception that proves the rule. “Don’t count on me having the perfect hand, partner, because I never will,” or whatever that famous quote is (from Chip Reese?). I’d venture 5D, but even 4D might be DOA. Finding partner with exactly the right 13 points with the KH in the correct hand? Rotten luck though that the writer had to bid before partner though. After hearing partner open, they could easily have arrived in slam.
The 1NT 5NT hand reminds me of the time I picked up a 20-point hand, almost all of it prime, and heard my partner open a strong 1NT. (this was a very long time ago, it is likely we were playing 16-18) I didn’t hesitate and just bid 7NT. My poor partner was so rattled I heard “good luck, partner” and had to break it to her, “Your hand, partner”. But it was a laydown so I was forgiven.
Hi Bobby,
Daisy Chain’s bad luck reminded me of the guy who decided to sandbag as opener with 10 solid spades and singletons at high stake rubber bridge. 3 passes followed and he asked his partner if he’d held much. Didn’t seem worth opening with just the 3 Aces came the reply.
Probably apocryphal but fun nonetheles.
Regards,
Iain
`Hi Jeff,
Don’t let anyone tell you that all hands in bridge lend themselves to science and/or near perfection. And Daisy Chain’s problem is a good example. When dealt an unusual medium strength hand (here, offensively) and in the first or even second seat, more often, a large preempt will make it more difficult for those highly competitive opponents to find their best contract and more often than expected, a large preempt from you will increase your
chances to score well. However, by doing so, the pre-emptor also takes away crucial bidding space for his own side.
Easily said, easily recognized. However, partner should, possibly, depending on the known
habits of his or her current partner raise partner to at least game, (IMO, slam dunk) but even with a few very conservative partner’s even a mighty jump to a diamond slam should not be severely criticized. “You pays your money, you takes your choice”!
partner’s perhaps a jump to a small slam might be the percentage action
Hi Iain,
Your story will always remind me of a long ago discussion having to do with very poor and violent behavior between partners. Someone, then suggested having metal detectors
at the door, before being allowed to enter a bridge tournament, and your hand would be the best reason for doing it, especially if “at the door” of a high-stakes rubber bridge game.
Hi again Jeff,
Somehow, with my last sentence to you, the last sentence should have started, “With some
partners, perhaps………………….SORRY!