unicorn (03/31/83)
Discussing the high points of Blue Team Club (vs. Precision) is a pretty tall order. But I can start--and input a little every day. Is everyone familiar with a tournament convention card? The place to start in this discussion is to "fill one out", so to speak. Then you can ask questions as to what the conven- tions mean. Opening NTs: 15-17 Responses: 2C - Non-Forcing Stayman 2D - Forcing (to game) Stayman 2H - To play 2S - To play 2NT - Game Invitation Opening 1C: 17 or more hcps, but NOT a flat 17. Responses: 1D - 0-5 points (artificial, as are all responses) 1H - 6+ pts., 0-2 controls (Aces=1, Kings=1) 1S - 3 control 1NT - 4 controls 2C - 5 controls 2D - 6 controls (!) 2H - 3-6 pts., 6 card heart suit (pts. in suit) 2S - Ditto 2 H, only with spades With interferring bids, the system gets really interesting, but I'd rather discuss strategies later on. In our experience, NO ONE has interferred too successfully. Opening 1D: Less than 17, may be artificial (Hand patterns of 3-3-2-5, for example) Opening 1H, 1S: 10 (!) - 16 points, 4+ card suit Opening 2C: 11-16 pts., 6 card club suit Opening 2D: Hand pattern of 4-4-4-1 (stiff in any suit), 17-24 pts. (This is the most difficult convention to learn the responses to-- discuss later on--we have never failed to get to the right contract.) 2H: Flannery -- Specifically, 4 spades, 5 hearts, and whatever (11-16) 2S: Weak (6 card suit, 6-10 pts) 2NT: 21-22 hcp, balanced 3C: A seven-eight trick hand with a long club suit The rest of the bids are preemptive, same as in Standard. We play negative and responsive doubles through 3S, also. Let's see - the other half of the card contains information on defensive techniques. We use: Astro over opponent's opening 1NT 2C - shows hearts and a lower ranking suit 2D - shows spades and a lower ranking suit 2H, 2S - shows that suit (at least 6 long, etc) 2NT by partner asks that you bid the "other" suit I prefer a 5-5 hand, but some bend the rules and use Astro with 5-4...I don't recommend it. Michael's over opponent's opening bids: if any of you don't know Michael's, ask...I assume you do. More information after vacation. Have fun. I've omitted tons of philosophy and strategy, but this will evolve as discussion continues.