At least to me, today’s hand represents several important features, crucial in the path to
improve one’s knowledgeable high level game.
First, when analyzing the very reasonably path to the diamond slam, it was an excellent example of give and take, with the idea of reaching a decent chance small slam, well thought to be perhaps around 60+% likely to make. In truth, and because of fortunately playing it from the right side, South, becomes what should be determined as just “playing luck”, no more, but a condition to NEVER be forgotten by all players who aspire to rise to their highest level of play possible, keeping in mind that “player’s luck”, in one form or the other, exists
and although sometimes cursed, will, at least it says here, be almost always spread out to
everyone who has ever played the game, especially those who love it and are willing to
accept that sometimes, at least seemingly, fortune will frown against.
The elements, careful expert type bidding, exhibiting a wise partnership, and careful play, which usually would wind up not necessary, but for column purposes, NEVER.
In other words, for bridge teachers, especially to players who major in numbers, and regardless to whether the trumps break 2-2 or not, play the hand like did the column declarer.
No doubt, like they have in China, teach bridge in their schools, since it, as a “numbers game”, is a most pleasant subject in many aspects of being successful in life, not just
at the bridge table. All other features of our wonderful and consistently challenging exercise,
are basic to understand why being good at bridge can create a most pleasant circumstance.
Iain ClimieOctober 31st, 2024 at 2:39 pm
HI Bobby,
The suit combination is a classic case of the devil being in the detail. If North had KQ9x then playing the K first doesn’t cost (again we can’t cope with East having all 4 trumps) but consider Axxx opposite KQ109x against Axx opposite KQ109x. IN the first case, the K or Q is essential to pick up 4-0. In the second case you can only pick up Jxxx over the KQ by peeking and you can’t get 5 tricks if the hand over the KQ has J8xxx but cashing the A first is essential to pick up 5-0 onside. All the more reason to do your homework and study card combinations.
Regards,
Iain
bobbywolffOctober 31st, 2024 at 3:06 pm
Hi Iain,
As usual, well described and to numbers enthusiasm, decidedly on point. However, it is not so much of a problem that there are not a high percentage of human beings who embrace numbers, it is rather because of to many, that the subject of numbers to some is
nothing short of delightful, but to others is not worth the time and effort, because it does not come NATURALLY. And sadly, never the twain will change, or so it seems, to me.
Subscribe to our feed
Bridge-related
Hi Everyone,
At least to me, today’s hand represents several important features, crucial in the path to
improve one’s knowledgeable high level game.
First, when analyzing the very reasonably path to the diamond slam, it was an excellent example of give and take, with the idea of reaching a decent chance small slam, well thought to be perhaps around 60+% likely to make. In truth, and because of fortunately playing it from the right side, South, becomes what should be determined as just “playing luck”, no more, but a condition to NEVER be forgotten by all players who aspire to rise to their highest level of play possible, keeping in mind that “player’s luck”, in one form or the other, exists
and although sometimes cursed, will, at least it says here, be almost always spread out to
everyone who has ever played the game, especially those who love it and are willing to
accept that sometimes, at least seemingly, fortune will frown against.
The elements, careful expert type bidding, exhibiting a wise partnership, and careful play, which usually would wind up not necessary, but for column purposes, NEVER.
In other words, for bridge teachers, especially to players who major in numbers, and regardless to whether the trumps break 2-2 or not, play the hand like did the column declarer.
No doubt, like they have in China, teach bridge in their schools, since it, as a “numbers game”, is a most pleasant subject in many aspects of being successful in life, not just
at the bridge table. All other features of our wonderful and consistently challenging exercise,
are basic to understand why being good at bridge can create a most pleasant circumstance.
HI Bobby,
The suit combination is a classic case of the devil being in the detail. If North had KQ9x then playing the K first doesn’t cost (again we can’t cope with East having all 4 trumps) but consider Axxx opposite KQ109x against Axx opposite KQ109x. IN the first case, the K or Q is essential to pick up 4-0. In the second case you can only pick up Jxxx over the KQ by peeking and you can’t get 5 tricks if the hand over the KQ has J8xxx but cashing the A first is essential to pick up 5-0 onside. All the more reason to do your homework and study card combinations.
Regards,
Iain
Hi Iain,
As usual, well described and to numbers enthusiasm, decidedly on point. However, it is not so much of a problem that there are not a high percentage of human beings who embrace numbers, it is rather because of to many, that the subject of numbers to some is
nothing short of delightful, but to others is not worth the time and effort, because it does not come NATURALLY. And sadly, never the twain will change, or so it seems, to me.