Jones Day Out

Barry Jones (Gold Grandmaster) returned to his original club of Matamata today to impart some of his cumulative knowledge to intermediate/juniors from the greater Waikato/Bay of Plenty (and ably supported by Karen Martelletti).

It was a day of BIG hands and No Trumps ... The first session looked at slam hands and it quickly became obvious that this was the theme of the day.

Nick Whitten from Morrinsville jokingly suggested making a 'psyche' bid to throw his opponents from getting to game (if not slam). Taking his cue, Barry had a word in Nick's next opponents ear ..."Rochelle - bid 3D regardless of your hand". Rochelle did just that ... Nick sitting on a hand with 20+ points and 6 diamonds in his hand was flummoxed ... what to do next??? Barry came to his rescue - perhaps too quickly but it was worth it to see Nick's reaction!

A "psyche" bid where the opposition bids with minimal points against an opposition who potentially will easily bid and make a game/slam contract was debated by those there... is it fair? is it legal? Legal definitely (although the rules say it can't be done with regularity and the partner of the person who makes the psyche must be equally unaware of their intentions) ... although the fairness was debated ... as with many sacrifice bids there is potential downside as well as upside.

Attached are the main points covered today which include Gameforce responses, Lebensohl and Roman Cue Card Blackwood in further detail ... and remember never ever open 4C!!!