Galway Virtual Bridge, Galway, Ireland

Galway Virtual Bridge

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Some helpful guidelines when playing on Galway Virtual Bridge

Galway Virtual Bridge has been established for players from Galway and environs, and friends, who would like to play bridge online, in particular while the threat posed by Covid-19 remains strong and deters many from resuming face to face bridge.

We like our competitions to be environments where players can enjoy a good game in a friendly atmosphere and we have found that the following guidlines can help to achieve that objective.

PRE-START:

1) Where possible, please complete registration as early as is practicable. This allows the TD to jetter judge, in a timely manner, what type of movement to use.. A heavy load of last-minute registrations gives the TD less wriggle room in this respec!

2) Check that your partner is Online! This is a regular issue that TD's have to cope with and can be easily solved as follows; Locate your partner's Profile and select 'Follow' from the drop-down Relationshp menu (just below Proflie image). This now defines your partner as a BBO 'Friend'. Wheneveer you login into BBO you can use the 'People' feature on right hand side of screen and this will list all 'Friends and, MOST IMPORTANTLY, their current BBO statuis! Friends that are not currently online will be listed with a RED cirlce to right of their name. Friends currently playing online are identified by a Yellow circle, and Friends that are Online are indicated by a Green circle. Thus, if you are waiting fo a competition to start you should check that your patner is listed under Friends with a Green circle to the right of their name. In all other instances contact your parner immediately and let them know that they are not showing as being Online. Note that a competition may start without the partnership if either player is not showing as Online.. [Yes, a TD can use a feature called +allavail+ whcih will delay the start of a competition until all players are showing as being 'online' but time is then wasted trying to contact the errant player and this delays the start time for everyone else!]

AT START OF EACH ROUND

1) PLEASE greet your opponents in a courteous manner, espcially those that may be new to playing online or generally inexperienced.

2) PLEASE be civil in your communicaitions especially if difficulties arise re absence of an Alert or lack of bidding explanation.

2) PLEASE provide a brief System Summary at start of each round which should include reference to strength of 1NT opening, whether 1♠ /1♥ openings are 4 or 5 card, minmmum length of 1♣ opening and whetther a 1♦ response is negative or natural (3+ cards). NOTE that BBO offers a Chat Manager feature where you can store a System Summary (a separate one for each of your regular partners) which means that you don't have to re-type a system sumamary at start of each round. This feature is accessed by clicking in the chat window and selecting Chat Manager from the pop-up list. Youi can create your System Sumamry(ies) offline and just be sure to save each one under a unique name, e.g. partner's name. In competition, at start of each round, simply access Chat Manager and then select the summary you wish to use and click on 'Chat. BE SURE that the destination of the Chat is set to Table and not to Tournament or any other inappropriate target!

ALERTING

The major difference re online bridge on BBO compared to Face2Face bridge is that each players alerts THEIR own bids.

3) PLEASE ALERT all conventional bids or bids that have spcial meaning/agreemtn for you and partner and of which your opponents would nto be aware. NOTE: An alert description shoudl be entered BEFORE the bid is made. If a player forgets to enter the Alert BEFORE the bid is made then a player can 'clcil' on thier bid and enter a delayed' alert. Alternatively a player can message both opponents PRIVATELY re the meaning of the bid BUT shouold NOT send a chat message to the Table whIch would also alert partner!

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We like our competitions to be environments where players can enjoy a good game in a friendly atmosphere and we have found that the following guidlines can help to achieve that objective.

PRE-START:

1) Where possible, please complete registration as early as is practicable. ..........

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Alerting during the bidding

Although online bridge differs in several respects to Face2Face bridge one aspect that is common to both is the requirement to ALERT. Note that whereas online bridge eliminates several of the situations that can bedevil face to Face2Face, e.g. bid out of turn, lead out of turn, insufficient bid, etc. one aspect of the game that remains the same is the requirement to ALERT bids that have a special meaning, especially when the bid is not natural.

What should be Alerted? Any artificial, conventional, or non-natural bid should be alerted or any bid that carries a special meaning or understanding which may not be available to the opponents except via an Alert.

Note that it is not sufficient to Alert a Conventional bid by referring to it by it's name/title, e.g. Lucas, Benji, Multi, etc. The Alert should incorporate reference to the shape and strength and whether it is forcing or not. For example a two suited overcall should indicate which two suits (if known) as well as their respective lengths and the overall strength of the hand or an indication as to whether the bid is forcing or not.

Who should Alert? One of the major differences re online bridge is the fact that each player alerts his/her own bids unlike Face2Face bridge where you Alert partner's bids. DO NOT alert any of partner's bids.

When should you Alert? You should Alert BEFORE you make your bid! Many players fail to alert BEFORE making their bid and as a consequence of which the next player may make a bid without the essential benefit of being alerted to the nature of his right hand opponent's bid. This can lead to a situation where the non-offending side may have been damaged by the lack of an Alert and the TD may be required to take corrective action, e.g. adjust the result after the hand has been played.

How do I Alert? This is done by entering the text that will describe your bid in the Alert Description box that appears in the bidding window. You simply type the text FIRST and then click on your bid. This means that your bid will be displayed on your opponents screen with an accompanying Alert message. Note that your partner will NOT see the Alert and will not be aware that you have Alerted your bid. This is proper. Note that you should NOT type Alert descriptions via the Chat window which would provide Unauthorised Information to partner and might even give a reminder to an otherwise forgetful partner about the nature of your bid!

Also, when you issue an Alert your description should reflect the partnership agreement re the bid that you make irrespective of what is in your hand! Deviating from an agreed system is not an infraction of the rules as long as partner is not aware of your deviation.

What if I forget to Alert before I make my bid? The first thing to note is that it may cause a complication in the subsequent auction and your opponents may claim that they were 'damaged' by your failure to Alert and the TD may resort to applying an adjusted result to the board! HOWEVER, you may be able to redeem the situation by Alerting after you have made your bid by 'clicking' on your bid and then entering an 'explanation/description' which clarifies your bid. NOTE, that the Alert in this instance will only appear after a slight delay and the bidding may have progressed without the opponents having the benefit of the delayed Alert in sufficient time and they may claim that they were 'damaged' by the tardiness of your Alert. Better to get into the good habit of Alerting BEFORE you make your bid.

What should I do if my opponents fail to Alert? Call the Tournament Director.

What should NOT be done re Alerting? At NO stage should a player provide an Alert description via the chat window as this may provide UI (Unauthorised Information) to the partner of the player giving the Alert. Any communication to the opponents re an Alert should be provided via Private Chat to both opponents or a specific opponent if so requested by that opponent.

Can I seek clarification re a bid (Alerted or otherwise) made by an opponent? Yes. At any stage during the auction you may click on an opponent's bid and a popup box will appear on their screen with the word 'Explain'. The opponent witll then enter a brief description that further clarifies his bid. NOTE: Sometimes this 'Explain' box may remain on the screen and prove to be a distraction to you. Simply click on the box and it should vanish!

Click this link to view a short video made by the Andrew Robson Bridge Club that explains and illustrates Alerting on BBO

Click this link to view a short video made by the Scottish Bridge Union that explains and illustrates Alerting on BBO

Paul J Scannell, 30th April 2022

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Claiming during the play of a hand

One feature that BBO provides is the means for Declarer OR an Opponent to make a claim before the play of the hand has been completed. This is a useful feature which can speed up the play and is particularly beneficial where time is short!

What should I claim? You should only claim the remaining tricks to which you are entitled. This may seem to be an unnecessary statement but given the fact that BBO will allow you to claim ANY number of remaining tricks it is important that you neither OVER claim nor UNDER claim. And it is easy to do either! When you use the Claim feature a pop-up box will appear in which you select the number of additional tricks to add to those that you have already won. In that respect it is IMPORTANT to check how many tricks have been completed (note the number creedited to your side as well as the opponents) and pay particular attention as to whether the current trick has been completed or not! You then claim the number of remaining tricks to which you are entitled, being sure that you have identified assured winners and the total number. Then select the appropriate number and click on the 'Claim' button.

How can a mistake be made? Easy... See the screen dump below from a table which included two current Irish international players one of whom was declarer on this hand:

At this point in the play of the hand eight tricks have been completed, including the curernt trick. N/S (the declaring side) have scored SIX tricks while E/W (defenders) have scored TWO tricks. FIVE tricks remain to be played BUT declarer has claimed a total of ELEVEN tricks!!! In addition to the SIX tricks already won declarer can add ♠ 9 and ♥ KQ10 which only gives a total of TEN tricks. Declarer has inadvertently, and innocently in this case, claimed a trick to which she is not entiltled...East will score the last trick with ♣ Q. BUT, what happened was that the defenders accepted declarer's claim and the result was reoorded as 3NT+2. Neither declarer nor the defense spotted the mistake and so the result stood with the error only being discovered long after the game had finished.

The moral of the story is as follows:

1) If you're decalrer and make a claim be sure that you claim the correct number of tricks.

2) If you're a defender and declarer claims be sure that you, and partner, verify that the claim is correct BEFORE accepting it. N.B. Both defenders must accept the claim for it to be accepetd. If one player does not then the claim is automatically rejected and play continues.

3) If you're a defender and unsure about the claim then reject it and let declarer play out the remaining tricks.

Some declarers can become irritated when a claim is not accepted especially when playing against experienced players. In order to avoid any acrimony it is best for declarer simply to play the hand to its conclusion rather than get embroiled in an angry exhange with the opponents who often will be less experienced than declarer and may not be so quick to ascertain whether the claim is valid or not! Declarer should take the easy route and just play the hand out.

What should I do if a misclaim has been made and the opponents accepted it?

1) If you were declarer then call the TD and explain the situation. The TD will adjust the result in accordance with the applicable Laws.

2) If you were a defender and only realised the misclaim after the hand was completed than inform the TD who again will examine the hand and ensure the declarer is only credited with those tricks to which he is entitled accordign to the applicable Laws.

Note also that if you make a claim as declarer then you should include a brief description of how the play will proceed, specifically referring to the need to draw any outstanding trumps BEFORE cashing other winners. Again failure to outline the plan of play for the remaining tricks could lead to a result other than what would apply if a plan of play was included with the claim!

Can a defender make a claim during the play? Yes, a defender can make a claim although it really constitutes a 'concession', i.e. the defender concedes all remaing tricks bar the number for which he is making a claim.

Click this link to view a short video clip, courtesy of the Essex Bridgr Center which explains and illustrates Claiming on BBO.

Paul J Scannell, 30th April 2022

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One feature that BBO provides is the means for Declarer OR an Opponent to make a claim before the play of the hand has been completed. ..........

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How to Call the Tournament Director on BBO

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At some point during a game on BBO you may find it helpful to Call the Tournament Director. ..........

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How to use Chat Manager especially for Brief System Summary

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Chat Manager is a simple and easy to use feature offered by BBO which can be used to speedily communicate with opponents at the Table and is especially useful in terms of presenting your System Summary at start of each round WITHOUT having to type the summary each time. ..........

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Welcome to Galway Virtual Bridge

Update to website...overdue!

Okay...it has been on my 'todo list' for some time and finally I got around to it! So, a number of updates to our website have now been implemented as detailed below!

1) New photo of Galway. This image shows the iconic 'Quay Street', Galway's 'Latin Quarter', which is a bustling hive of activity especially in the summer months. Lots of restaurants catering to all tastes...and bars/pubs galore!

2) Our 2024-2025 Loyalty Reward Programme has been in operation since 7th November 2024 and will continue up to the end of play on Thursday, 6th November 2025. So, plenty of time to accumulate the 25, 50, 75 or even 100 pts and earn the associated Loyalty Prize of 5BB$, 10BB$, 15BB$$ or 20BB$.

3) This year we have adopted a new approach re CBAI Masterpoints and we're delighted to say that we're actually ahead of the posse this time! We have created a system whereby CBAI Masterpoints are allocated to players at end of play each evening! The listing below shows all players who have won any CBAI Masterpoints to-date! since 1st September 2024. Listing is displayed alphabetically by BBO username.

4) Note that next week (3rd - 6th March) we will be running the annual CBAI Simultaneous Pairs which is the main fund-raising event for CBAI teams competing in International events! Again, the competition will be organised by our friends at ECatsBridge. You can check the results at close of play each night at their website to see how you fared nationally!

Paul J Scannell, 24th February 2025

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Galway Virtual Bridge Loyalty Reward Programme 2024-2025

THE 2024-2025 COMMENCED ON MONDAY 11TH NOVEMBER AND WILL RUN UNTIL END OF PLAY ON THURSDAY 6TH NOVEMBER 2025.

Galway Virtual Bridge is pleased to announce that in light of the highly successful Loyalty Reward Programme (2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024) it is introducing a similar programme for the the 4th year of Galway Virtual Bridge's ongoing service to bridge players throughout Ireland and further afield.

For the coming year the following will apply:

1) The Loyalty Reward Programme 2024-2025 will commence on Monday, 11h November 2024 and will conclude on Tuesday, 6th November 2025.

2) The following point scheme will apply:

a) A player will automatically earn 1 point for each event completed on Galway Virtual Bridge (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday nights only).

b) Loyalty Rewards will accumulate as follows: 5BB$ upon reaching 25 pts... and a further 10BB$ upon reaching 50 pts. You will receive an additional 15BB$ when you accumulate 75 pts, and a further 20BB$ upon reaching 100 pts. This amounts to a total of 50BB$ compared to the 30BB$ paid last year for participating in the same number of events!

3) All Loyalty Reward Programme payments will be made upon receipt of an email addressed to galwayvirtual@bridgewebsemail.com which contains:

i) BBO name

ii) Real Name

iii) CBAI/NIBU/OTHER NBID #

N.B. Players from outside Ireland should indicate the NBO (National Bridge Organization) to which they are affiliated.

4) All outstanding claims for payment of Loyalty Reward Programme Rewards must be registered with Galway Virtual Bridge (via email to galwayvirtual@bridgewebsemail.com) by 13th November 2025.

CLICK ANYWHERE IN THIS WINDOW TO SEE CURRENT LOYALTY REWARD PROGRAMME LISTING

Paul J Scannell, 31st December, 2024

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Una Walsh R.I.P.

It is with much sadness that we advise members of the recent passing of Una Walsh, Una was a colossus in the context of bridge, not just in Galway, or the Western Region, but throughout the length and breadth of Ireland. She was a regular supporter of several local clubs in Galway city but it is her role as an administrator of the game for which she will be best remembered. She served as Hon. Secretary of the Western Region from the early 1970s until her appointment as Hon Sec. of the Contract Bridge Association of Ireland in 1991, a position she held until 2002. She also served at national level as President of the CBAI 1978-79 and President of the Irish Bridge Union in 1979-80.

As Hon. Secretary of the Western Region she worked selflessly and tirelessly to encourage clubs to join and she also promoted participation in Regional competitions.

At the table she was always courteous to partners and opponents alike.

Una especially looked out for the interest of novices and intermediates. She also lent her efforts to promoting bridge in local schools.

Una was a strong supporter of the campaign that saw the development of the Galway Bridge Centre, it's existence today being evidence of her efforts and that of others that travelled the same journey.

She also took over the editorial duties of the Irish Bridge Journal when her brother Paddy passed away. Together the published the IBJ for approximately forty years. It was a labour of love for both of them.

In respect of the administration of the game, be it at club, regional, or national level, Una was fearless, and with her a spade was always a spade...and not a club, a diamond, a heart, or even a no-trump! She always spoke her mind and said her piece. Differences with others never lingered.

Truly it can be said...she was one of a kind.

Funeral arrangements can be found here: www.rip.ie

Paul J Scannell, 2nd October 2024

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Galway Virtual Bridge Loyalty Reward Programme 2023-2024

NEW... as at 29/09/2024

Congratulations to new centurions Eugene Gath, Joseph O'Keeffe and Michael O'Brien who join Frank Gallachoir, Mary Santry, Phyl Sherrard from last week bringing the total to SIXTEEN, all of whom have played 100+ times in Galway Virtual Bridge competitions...and several more hot on their heels!

And six new entrants at the 25pt level.

A total of 171 players have now received a minimum reward of at least 5BB$ in our 2023-2024 Loyalty Reward Programme which continues until 7th November 2024.

N.B. There is just over one month to go before the current Loyalty Reward Programme ends.

Paul J Scannell, 29th September 2024

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Masterpoints

Masterpoint returns for events run under the auspices of Galway Virtual Bridge / Summer Bridge @ Galway / The Sunday Game @ Galway have now been submitted to the CBAI.

Note that the CBAI recently reached a decision whereby, in future, Masterpoints will only be issued in line with the traditional CBAI calendar, i.e. 1st September to 31st May.

Note also that Masterpoints are only provided to registered members of the CBAI (or members of the Home Countries, NIBI, SBU, WBU, EBU) who have provided us with a real name and membership number.

Paul J Scannell, 2nd August 2024

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Galway Virtual Bridge Loyalty Reward Programme 2023-2024

NEW... as at 10/07/2024

FIFTEEN payees this week, including seven players who achieve the 25 pt mark and receive a first payment.

Congratulations to our latest centurion... James Ward who has reached the 100+pt mark for the third year in a row!.

A total of 138 players have now received a minimum reward of at least 5BB$ in our 2023-2024 Loyalty Reward Programme which continues until 7th November 2024.

Paul J Scannell, 10th July 2024

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56th European Team Championships: 24th June - 4th July

Click the following link to follow the results of the 56th European Championships currently taking place in Denmark (24th June - 4th July).

56th European Team Championships

We especially send our best wishes to our two Galway gals, Joan Kenny and Louise Mitchell, who are playing on the Irish Ladies team.

Paul J Scannell, 25th June, 2024

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John Comyn R.I.P.

It is with much sadness that we advise members of the passing of John Comyn, legendary bridge correspondent of The Sunday Independent for more than 50 years.

John was an enthusiastic and very effective promoter of the game both in terms of attendance at Congresses around the country and through his bridge column with the Sunday Independent. John was also instrumental in establishing the Rothmans Kings, a team of top players who travelled the country playing challenges matches against local selections. And the Rothman Kings had a very high success rate!

John of course was primarily a sports journalist with a big interest in horse racing. Eventually he became head of sport for Independent. Newspapers.

John was a regular presence in competitions run by Galway Virtual Bridge / Summer Bridge @ Galway / The Sunday Game @ Galway until the end of 2023 when ill-health prevented him from further participation.

Funeral details: Death Notice of John Comyn (Rathfarnham, Dublin) | rip.ie

Our sympathies to his wife Anne and the extended Comyn family.

Paul J Scannell, 5th June 2024

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Galway Virtual Bridge Loyalty Reward Programme 2023-2024

NEW... as at 04/06/2024

Okay...a BIG CONGRATULATIONS to Lee Barton who becomes the first player to reach the 100 pt mark in our current Loyalty Reward Programme and has thereby accumulated a total prize of 50BB$! And his wife Lucille is about to join him on the 100 mark!

And Joe Walsh and Frank Browne are in the nineties! And several others are in the eighties!

The issue that had bedevilled us last week seems to have been resolved and the Loyalty Reward Programme listing/ranking seems to be accurate once again!

Paul J Scannell, 4th June 2024

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CBAI Simultaneous Pairs 2024

Coming this week...CBAI SIMULTANEOUS PAIRS...

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday ... 4th - 7th March, Galway Virtual Bridge will be running the annual CBAI SIMULTANEOUS PAIRS, the major revenue source for funding Irish teams in international bridge competitions.

Click the link below to access the Home Page on ECatsBridge for the Celtic Nations Simultaneous Pairs to access Overall Results, Frequencies, Commentary on hands.

ECatsBridge CBAI Simultaneous Pairs Home Page

Below are Quick Links to Overall National Results and Expert Commentary. NOTE: Links will only become active after each session is completed.

Day	National Results	Expert Commentary
Monday	Results	Commentary
Tuesday	Results	Commentary
Wednesday	Results	Commentary
Thursday	Results	Commentary

Paul J Scannell, 4th March 2024

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Galway Virtual Bridge Loyalty Programme 2023-2024

Galway Virtual Bridge is pleased to announce that in light of the highly successful Loyalty Reward Programme (2021-2022, and 2022-2023) it is introducing a similar programme for the the 3rd year of Galway Virtual Bridge's ongoing service to bridge players throughout Ireland and further afield.

In the coming year the Loyalty Programme will reward more frequently and with greater generosity!

For the coming year the following will apply:

1) The Loyalty Reward Programme 2023-2024 will commence on Tuesday, 8th November 2023 and will conclude on Tuesday, 7th November 2024.

2) The following point scheme will apply:

a) A player will automatically earn 1 point for each event completed on Galway Virtual Bridge.

3) All Loyalty Reward Programme payments will be made upon receipt of an email addressed to galwayvirtual@bridgewebsemail.com which contains:

i) BBO name

ii) Real Name

iii) CBAI/NIBU NBID #

N.B. Players from outside Ireland should indicate the NBO (National Bridge Organization) to which they are affiliated.

4) All outstanding claims for payment of Loyalty Reward Programme Rewards must be registered with Galway Virtual Bridge (via email to galwayvirtual@bridgewebsemail.com) by 14th November 2024.

CLICK ANYWHERE IN THIS WINDOW TO SEE CURRENT LOYALTY REWARD PROGRAMME LISTING

Paul J Scannell, 22nd November, 2023

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Irish Bridge Union Simultaneous Pairs 2023 - Links for National Results, Hand Records, Expert Commentary

Galway Virtual Bridge is pleased to announce that it will offer the annual IBU Simultaneous Pairs, a major fund-raiser to support Irish teams competing in international events.

On this page we will present a link to the ECats Bridge website with access to the National Results for each event over the coming four days. Also provided are links to hand records and expert commentary for each event. Simply click the relevant link in the table below.

Day / Date	Link to ECats Bridge	Hand Records	Expert Commentary
Mon, 6th Nov	Click here	2023-004617-IBU-Monday-Hand-Records.pdf	2023-004617-IBU-Pairs-Monday-Commentary.pdf
Tue, 7th Nov	Click here	2023-005294-IBU-Tuesday-Hand-Records.pdf	2023-005294-IBU-Pairs-Tuesday-Commentary.pdf
Wed, 8th Nov	Click here	2023-006268-IBU-Wednesday-Hand-Records.pdf	2023-006268-IBU-Pairs-Wednesday-Commentary.pdf
Thu, 9th Nov	Click here	2023-007159-IBU-Thursday-Hand-Records.pdf	2023-007159-IBU-Pairs-Thursday-Commentary.pdf
Fri, 10th Nov	Click here	2023-008614-IBU-Friday-Hand-Records.pdf	2023-008614-IBU-Pairs-Friday-Commentary.pdf

N.B. Links will not become active until play has completed.

NOTE: 'Kibitzing' on Galway Virtual Bridge will be switched off for the duration of these events.

Also, a frequent question is why my Club score differs from my National (Overall) score. Click here for explanation.

Paul J Scannell, 6th November 2023

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Celtic Nations SIMS Pairs 2023 - Monday to Thursday

Galway Virtual Bridge is pleased to announce that it will offer the annual Celtic Nations Simultaneous Pairs, a major fund-raiser to support Junior teams competing in international events.

Day / Date	Link to ECats Bridge	Hand Records	Expert Commentary
Mon, 4th Dec	Click here	2023-Celtic Nations SIMS Monday-0042238-Hand Records.pdf	2023 Celtic Nations SIMS Monday Commentary.pdf
Tue, 5th Dec	Click here	2023 Celtic Nations SIMS - Hand Records - Tuesday.pdf	2023 Celtic Nations SIMS - Tuesday Commentary.pdf
Wed, 6th Dec	Click here	2023 Celtic Nations SIMS - Hand Records - Wednesday.pdf	2023 Celtic Nations SIMS - Wednesday Commentary.pdf
Thu, 7th Dec	Click here	2023 Celtic Nations SIMS - Hand Records - Thursday.pdf	2023 Celtic Nations SIMS - Thursday Commentary.pdf

N.B. Links will not become active until play has completed.

NOTE: 'Kibitzing' on Galway Virtual Bridge will be switched off for the duration of these events.

Also, a frequent question is why my Club score differs from my National (Overall) score. Click here for explanation.

Paul J Scannell, 8th December 2023

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Irish Bridge Union Simultaneous Pairs 2023

Galway Virtual Bridge is pleased to announce that it will offer the annual IBU Simultaneous Pairs, a major fund-raiser to support Irish teams competing in international events.

Events will be run on Galway Virtual Bridge on Monday (6th Nov), Tuesday (7th Nov), Wednesday (8th Nov), and Thursday (9th Nov), in conjunction with other online services, as well as the many clubs that will be offering a face to face option.

A session will also be offered on Friday (10th Nov) courtesy of Summer Bridge @ Galway

Note:

1) For these events 'Kibitzing' will NOT be available for the sessions offered by Galway Virtual Bridge.

2) Results will be uploaded to the ECats bridge website for inclusion in the overall national results. The ECats website will also provide detailed results where players can compare their performance in the local club competition with their performance in the national event.

Note: Your percentage score in the club competition may differ from your score in the national event. For some it may increase whereas for other it may decrease! Click this link for explanation.

3) Expert commentary, arranged by IBU, will be provided for each session via a PDF uploaded to the Galway Virtual Bridge website.

Paul J Scannell, 6th November 2023

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CBAI SIMULTANEOUS PAIRS

Coming next week...CBAI SIMULTANEOUS PAIRS...

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday ... 6th - 9th February, Galway Virtual Bridge will be running the annual CBAI SIMULTANEOUS PAIRS, the major revenue source for funding Irish teams in international bridge competitions.

Click the link below to access the Home Page on ECatsBridge for the Celtic Nations Simultaneous Pairs to access Overall Results, Frequencies, Commentary on hands.

ECatsBridge CBAI Simultaneous Pairs Home Page

Below are Quick Links to Overall Results and Commentary:

Day	Results	Commentary
Monday	Results	Commentary
Tuesday	Results	Commentary
Wednesday	Results	Commentary
Thursday	Results	Commentary

Paul J Scannell, 9th February 2023

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John Comyn pens his last bridge column for the Sunday Independent...

John penned his first article for the Sunday Independent on Sunday, December 12th, 1971. That amounts to 2670 articles! John also contributed bridge articles to the Irish Independent, including session results for then current Irish Trials!

John wrote 'Doubled Up - Laughing at the game of Bridge' in 2010, which is a personal reflection of his bridge adventures over the 60 years that he had been playing bridge up to that time. An entertaining read which is filled with anecdotes of many of the Irish players that were prominent in the game during those years, many of whom are sadly no longer with us. And John was the inspiration behind the legendary Rothmans Kings, a team of players that also included Pat Walshe, Micheal O'Briain, and Donal Garvey, later joined by others. John had asserted that all good bridge players came from Dublin which prompted a T/4 challenge from Paddy Kiely (Cork). After the match was played, the Kings winning, additional challenges were issued from teams all around the country. John reckons that the Rothmans Kings played 70+ matches and lost only two! Some record!

John sat opposite various partners over his bridge playing career and all the time promoted the game in the pages of Ireland's foremost Sunday newspaper.

John, with his wife Anne in Warsaw in 2006 at the European Team Championships, where John was a member of the Ireland Seniors Team.

John has been a huge supporter of Galway Virtual Bridge since it first launched on November 8th 2021.

Enjoy your retirement, John. It has been well earned...and we look forward to your continued presence on Galway Virtual Bridge.

Paul J Scannell, 5th February, 2023

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Galway Virtual Bridge celebrates its First Anniversary...

We started out one year ago on Monday, November 8th 2021...

We would like to say a Big Thank You to all who have supported us over the past year.

To celebrate the occasion we are offering a Free Lottery Draw which will occur after each of the eight rounds of the games taking place NEXT week, i.e. Monday 14th, Tuesday 15th, Wednesday 16th, and Thursday 17th.

The winner of each draw will be the player seated at the table and position as indicated by the draw, e.g. Table 3, South; Table 15, East, etc.

We extend our sincere thanks to the team at CBAI Head Office who administered all of the draws.

Rules:

1) No player can win more than one prize on any single night.

2) Where the initially designated winner is deemed ineligible (previous winner or a Robot) then the next player, using the cycle N, E, S, W, becomes the winner. If no winner at the initially designated table the winner will be selected from the next higher numbered table.

3) Each winner's BBO account will be credited with 10BB$.

Thank you for supporting Galway Virtual Bridge in our inaugural year.

Paul, Miriam, Robert - 8th November 2022

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Sean Glynn (Loughrea) R.I.P.

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Sean Glynn (Loughrea) who died om Monday morning.

Click here for tribute by Paul Scannell.

Funeral arrangements can be viewed on this RIP.ie link: Click here for funeral arrangements

Note also that there will be a live streaming for those unable to attend: Click here for live streaming of funeral service

Paul J Scannell, 17th October, 2022

Comment

Changes re role of Robots partnering a human!

RE ROBOTS IN A HUMAN/ROBOT PARTNERSHIP - IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ

Galway Virtual Bridge recognises the choice of those players, who, for whatever reason, opt to play with a Robot. While appreciating the clear benefit that this offers to those who choose to play with a Robot we are also aware of the fact that some players have expressed concern about playing against Robots.

We are now about to implement a change to the way in which Robots are used in these Human/Robot partnerships. Specifically, we will implement a change to our competitions which will require the human partner to play all hands that are initially contracted by the Robot. In essence this means that where a Robot is initially deemed to be declarer the human will TEMPORARILY switch place with the Robot partner and will then play the hand. Upon completion of the hand the human and Robot will be re-seated in their original positions for the start of the next hand.

This will happen for each and every hand where a Robot is initially deemed to be the declarer upon conclusion of the auction.

We hope to implement this change on Monday, 22nd August 2022.

Given that this will be a major change from current practice we envisage that some players, especially the Robot's human partner, may initially be confused and not realise that they are declarer and not dummy! Opponents should be alert to this situation and should take the following actions if necessary:

a) Prompt the human via chat to Table (or private message) and remind them that they, and not the Robot, are declarer for this hand.

b) If the above referenced prompt does not produce the desired response then please contact the TD.

A Human playing with a Robot should be aware that they will automatically declare ALL hands that his/her side contract.

Also, the Human should be aware that their original hand becomes dummy. Declarer may need to re-appraise his/her line of play given the re-orientation that takes place when he/she swaps places with the Robot for the duration of the play, especially if the opponents have.bid during the auction.

Note:

1) At the start of play the Declarer's screen will now show the Robot's hand at bottom of their display and dummy will be positioned at top of their screen. This means that the Human/Robot hands have been switched and declarer should thus be aware that the defenders hands have also been similarly re-orientated and declarer should accordingly mentally switch any bidding by the opponents.

2) The change will not impact the defenders whose screens should continue to display the original layout with respect to the orientation of the four hands as at the start of the auction.

3) Upon conclusion of the hand the Human Player will be re-seated in the position that they occupied at the start of the round.

Please note the following screen captures, recorded by Robert Delargy, which illustrate the Human's (Robert) screen during the auction and also at the start of play.

The image above shows Robert in the West seat and his Robot partner has opened 1NT. Robert made a transfer bid of 2♥ and the Robot bid 2♠ which becomes the final contract.

Robert now assumes the role of declarer and his screen is now reflected by the image above, Note that Robert, as declarer, is now holding the Robot's hand and the defender on declarer's left leads ♥ A. Note also that this defender was originally on Robert's right DURING THE BIDDING, as shown in the first image.

NOTE: The defenders screens will remain the same throughout bidding and play.

Paul J Scannell, 17th August 2022

Comment

Results

27th February 2025

BBO Pairs @ Galway Virtual Bridge

26th February 2025

BBO Pairs @ Galway Virtual Bridge

25th February 2025

BBO Pairs @ Galway Virtual Bridge

24th February 2025

BBO Pairs @ Galway Virtual Bridge

20th February 2025

BBO Pairs @ Galway Virtual Bridge

Calendar

3rd March 2025

CBAI SIM Pairs @ Galway Virtual Bridge

7.45pm

4th March 2025

CBAI SIM Pairs @ Galway Virtual Bridge

7.45pm

5th March 2025

CBAI SIM Pairs @ Galway Virtual Bridge

7.45pm

6th March 2025

CBAI SIM Pairs @ Galway Virtual Bridge

7.45pm

10th March 2025

BBO Pairs @ Galway Virtual Bridge

7.45pm

Galway Virtual Bridge

Galway Virtual Bridge was established for players from Galway and environs, and friends, who would like to play bridge online, in particular while the threat posed by Covid-19 remains strong and deters many from resuming face to face bridge at this time.

Galway Virtual Bridge offers a venue for individuals to gather and play bridge online with fellow Galwegians, native or domiciled, and friends from further afield, who enjoy a friendly and competitive game for which Galway Bridge has become known since the start of the lockdown.

Competitions will take place on BBO (Bridge Base Online) on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wenesdays, and Thursdays. Competitions will be listed under the name Galway Virtual Bridge (BBO hostname: CBAI125674) and can be found on BBO under Virtual Clubs\CBAI & NIBU - Ireland. Alternatively simply use the BBO search option with the word 'Galway Virtual' OR 'Galway Virtual Bridge' OR 'cbai125674'.

Unless otherwise stated competitions will start at 7.45 p.m.

Entry Fee is 3BB$. All welcome.

Galway Virtual Bridge is brought to you by Miriam Moloney, Robert Delargy, Paul Scannell, all of whom have previous experience in delivering online bridge via Summer Bridge @ Galway and The Sunday Game @ Galway.

Paul J Scannell. 3rd November, 2021

updated 21st February, 2022

Comment

Summer Bridge @ Galway / The Sunday Game @ Galway

Please note that team that runs Galway Virtual Bridge also runs the weekend competitions which are held under the banner of Summer Bridge @ Galway (Fridays and Saturdays) and The Sunday Game @ Galway.

Website, including links to results, can be found here.

Paul J Scannell, 28th February 2025

Comment

Galway Virtual Bridge - Loyalty Programme 2024/2025 - Payments

Current standings as at Monday, 24th February, 2025. Note that the current Loyalty Reward Programme ends after play on Thursday, 6th November.

Details about the Galway Virtual Bridge Loyalty Reward Programme 2024-2025 in the window on left.

N.B. ♥ denotes payments made since previous disbursements.

Galway Virtual Bridge - Loyalty Reward Programme 2024-2025

Player	Pts	25=BB$5	50=+BB$10	75=+BB$15	100=+BB$20
Lee Barton	58	♥	♥♥
Lucille Barton	55	♥	♥♥
Michele Heaslip	47	♥
Angela Dunne	43	♥
Guy Gill	42	♥
Piotr Lisiak	39	♥
Frank O'Gallachoir	35	♥
Mary Treacy	33	♥
Paschal Browne	33	♥
Sean Kirby	33	♥
Frank Browne	32	♥
June Turner	32	♥
Mary Santry	31	♥
Surgeonj11	31	♥
Eileen McCabe	30	♥
Mary Hackett	30	♥
Elaine Doyle	29	♥
Aidan Cleary	28	♥
Anna Glavin	28	♥
Brendan O'Donnell	28	♥
Una O'Gorman	28	♥
Bridie Redahan	27	♥
Danny Liddy	27	♥
Freddie Langford	27	♥
Martyn Moxley	27	♥
Catherine McCann	26	♥
Emer Roberts	25	♥
John Crowe	25	♥
Margaret Holmes	25	♥
Marian Davenport	25	♥
Phidias Stylianou	25	♥
Teresa Keegan	25	♥
fabianbyrn	25	♥
paradise c	25	♥
Eoin MacNeill	24
Sean Connor	24

Paul J Scannell, 24th February 2025

Comment

CBAI Masterpoints won since 1st September 2024.

CBAI Masterpoints won in current season (started 1st September 2024) via participation in competitions on

Galway Virtual Bridge / Summer Bridge @ Galway / The Sunday Game @ Galway

Note. Names are in BBO format and are listed alphabetically.

Data as at 24th February, 2025.

NOTE: Reciprocal arrangements exist between CBAI and NIBU, EBU, WBU and SBU for exchange of Masterpoints won in each jurisdiction.

BBO Name	TOTAL

1070	1148
2015ward	134
2020vision	1001
37frascati	93
62torlea	250
a49er	494
abcxza	92
acealan	1686
aceylan	655
ACOLM271	92
AcornADal	189
acornjd	189
adn1	55
adrianna1	38
adrina	242
Aebr	695
aefowlie	745
agusaris	156
aidanRC	604
ajmurtagh	167
akqjron	88
aksooted	2455
alicetoni	55
alidon	460
allegro1	92
Allways3	3162
aloisauer	451
alsuin	1135
ammonite05	226
amsk999	229
ana8888	93
andycap	200
angelastar	449
anglesea20	242
ankuwa1848	111
anna2006	519
Annamoe11	451
annao	425
anne1	136
annemgv	344
AnnieK11	171
ardee26	111
arkle2	476
ash009	335
assafchik	95
auck50	879
aufhoose	423
b_dobroyko	78
balzar	514
barnets	117
barry baca	92
barton	5767
Bbdprenderg	1075
bbmmcc	188
bbrie	93
beatrice02	110
bermuda12	1604
bettycot	713
bglera1938	136
bidbold	49
bigswingin	172
Bill Hook	18
bjbrian11	155
bjoboru	196
bkop	256
blackjet	286
BlackrockP	39
Blaithin22	548
blakeshe1	206
blarneygal	1307
bmate	766
bmbray	46
brayhead	840
breakley15	18
breda4	313
breeeeee	563
breen	337
bren22	58
brian256	141
brighidin2	19
bruree2020	879
buttonsbut	467
cairnsie	488
Caitlindav	357
Camp14	39
cantpass54	119
caoimhe712	2955
captain47	59
cara	4004
cara111	56
carolnn	1594
carolynmcc	452
catch99	390
Cath1998	19
chantalmcc	1348
cheryl88	137
chillichic	76
chrispe1	156
Churchave	1130
clincher61	476
clrya	3095
clt1036	39
CMEMCC	2494
cneasta	123
cnocaine	130
coconhugo	320
colettefox	345
colin99	147
comeford8	277
connell 1	226
coolspex	2342
covid69	218
coylerj4	964
craigtom	388
Cranmer22A	39
crimper1	214
cristinamc	185
crona38	778
CRR2	1276
cstewart81	185
cuberoot	1556
culbaire	482
cullion Be	79
cunn1ng172	3960
curragh8	1262
d0r0th1s1m	433
D2Me	121
dadscar	1472
dagtanimaz	1418
daithi09	859
dandyman1	1885
danjomahon	37
danmce	302
daphnemorg	669
davidmryan	185
davy41	820
Debie57	376
debtman	147
declan99	29
deedod	285
deirl	379
devider	3576
Dgal	114
dinny12	668
Dinosaur 1	156
dinzypops	951
djamesb	663
dlidd	4769
dmdempsey	1462
dodang	837
doneill1	169
doneks	324
donoel	97
DoreenMc	409
Doublinman	3361
dpm111	1277
drbrigid	93
dreamgenie	504
dscannelEP	2567
duke67	218
dunhill144	130
dutchdoll7	170
duzieh	122
dvoyles	93
E Keaney	187
Eamonnjk	298
edenderry1	302
eibhsw	281
elizmea	117
elsino	646
emily19	1902
emmet1803	192
Ena_12	688
enrightw	547
eoin MN	3295
eoinshay	375
eveandjack	37
eviebee1	130
ewion	543
fabianbyrn	862
fainbow	435
fcwdoyle	280
feenac	111
Fifi La	20
fingill	58
fionuna	2569
fitzgb	514
fogaslan	1608
fonaplace	266
forest395	205
foxyyy	33
franki2013	370
franzfan	1248
fulldiRe	252
garveydon	1446
gearyL	79
georgio vi	245
geraldo51	548
gerhardp	132
germull06	312
GerryOKee	144
ghorst v	346
gildap	502
gillan m	130
gillian591	49
giusleo	185
glad123	1561
gmcal	134
godfrey tj	113
grace2008	263
Granagh56	1115
grattan1	75
GSL2020	221
hadleigh3	136
hakiemm	188
hallinan	56
hannelorem	357
heart1	150
Heathclif	564
heludy	516
henrif	446
henriksh01	111
hewibill	1639
hfcomet	172
highrock	149
hlah	524
hndxpjc	37
Holdfast13	150
idoella	306
irb13	1986
irl	1343
jacktrades	208
jakeslam	56
james_H	315
Jamesod	102
jandives	19
jasondoyle	252
jdm42	56
jeanmi13	255
jennyxing	49
Jess61	78
jillbaca	92
Jim bernie	78
jimboyjohn	110
joankenny	2070
john Macnamara	98
johnkork	1461
jongav	136
jonny2111	211
joondanna	226
jopow	78
joseph007	110
joseph1978	1291
jsj3	649
Julietpk	298
K McCay	1125
kahleen	78
kailuacher	137
kandy9	481
kanestrong	958
Kathd20	321
kathrynr30	360
katie121	1288
kaymm	19
kcschwols	74
kdjf	284
keevansn	18
kernsy	37
kilcock123	927
killuird	663
kinara12	900
kinggg2	325
kksutton	271
kozuch	247
L_barton	6160
lahinch	5211
laineymac	177
lamata25	323
laragh3	428
Laurf2020	775
layde136	241
Leamber20	19
leedevelin	92
legbar	1063
lelia5	38
lemonfield	157
leyes	147
liam37	327
libet	1765
lietofine	286
lily f14	312
limericke3	926
lindyloo6	54
liszka	156
LizBea	718
liznotrump	174
loyols20	117
LuRuEz	150
lyngdyrup	111
lys45	39
mabk	111
macfrank	1170
macguffin	124
mackbrown	59
maddybooh	771
madra1	1158
Maebhdh	136
maesteg	519
mag 1	39
magcull	150
maggieford	553
magshen1	117
MaireadW	397
maitennis	1440
manometry	206
mar1ewhyte	598
marathon5	261
marge2008	669
maria89	2362
MariaATKP	206
marian w	195
marian25	34
marjy1234	20
marquecio	136
martinp77	973
mary p f	188
mary1001	607
maryelizad	452
MaryFlynn1	477
maryhacke	558
maryptee	1112
Maura22	535
mauramct	172
mauraw	117
maxwell123	20
maylward1	282
mcbear	480
mccague	333
MDavenport	1111
me20101949	19
meb	372
mecbyrne	780
mel4992	185
melbeaury	97
melwyngo	272
mfitz	356
MFORegan	168
Mgtrod	113
mikemac	196
mikkabouzu	192
minorprob	764
missbj	256
missyd8813	206
mksutton	271
moc26	280
mog44	37
momeom	231
MOMOMARY	1413
mon read	301
monklady	223
morocco202	117
moron	1374
moss40	285
moya2	19
mozart90	147
mrharvey	519
mrscard	242
Mrsplaza	20
MTFCratloe	20
mursheen	2101
Mwalsh2020	286
mwcc	151
mwob	177
nealac	207
neild292	188
newbridfep	250
nhojc1	297
niamhf	721
nicola2021	93
nilbud66	92
noelef	206
noirin	825
norita12	530
norman4292	446
nosder	447
npstewart	195
obrie	244
olithelil3	724
olly65	774
orla10	2138
orla4635	39
ositapalam	255
oskar6	1437
ourmindo	1325
owenbeg	322
painters20	670
pamacska	192
pamathside	282
paradise c	4145
Pat Coffey	117
patd52	167
patjaykay	723
patsy2592	34
pb15	1089
pdw1940	336
PEB1955	2065
peony	351
phar3	1336
Philo Mena	78
philod1963	37
phyl21	1355
pinder1234	778
PiotrClonm	1700
piper10	713
plastoww	16
plieber	33
pmw	19
poeny	128
polmiw	187
ponteamans	118
PQ2	2246
prunchkav	155
ps40	1003
qcsorter	1560
queen1e	509
queenvikki	37
quoile	136
rafju	247
Rdelargy	1292
rendant2	38
renena	1006
reshadbr6	447
Ro1111	223
Robin70	114
rocksxx	265
rolly 600	1964
ronaele20	176
Rosarie18	438
rosyoc	453
roundstone	223
rover246	37
rrrana	672
rubyccm	35
rwwolfe	94
s7529	39
sabcbmcm	159
Sabcnf	368
sadnorth	353
sahillis	669
samgood	39
samhraidh	538
santrym1	1142
schustmozz	540
sconnor	3281
seanmcn	36
serpark	337
Shammer19	97
shannon64	302
shawke4568	20
Sheelagh89	215
shelbourn8	130
shellohope	1683
shoein4	715
sigiuna	156
SiobhanOS	671
sirenewno	222
skibb12	322
skryne	117
slim065	20
sloe64	94
Smudgy	16
soph1702	5156
sottan	156
spaceace6	301
Sprouts	335
spurdog	844
stammer19	132
stevemale	2644
steveo_h	489
stevesas	311
su3ie	2270
suilte	136
Surgeonj11	1506
suzylawson	37
TAWall	194
TC Allo	92
thabo	215
themason	715
thugs	861
timoc	1365
timoneks	175
TinaSABC	527
tom two	242
tom1049	19
tomb1947	118
tomnotrump	695
tonycooks	20
TonyMol	564
TopTilly1	441
toscap	2141
transiton	312
Trudycham	795
ts90	1277
tuukka22	19
ucdze	65
udbturned	148
ufly2	774
uinsionn10	130
unamarian	1301
val hand	1596
vbrownlow	717
ver meer	366
Veronica A	37
vinmar14	93
Waggy1	409
walshjgw	896
weston4	3636
wicker1	92
willfarmer	337
williamko1	357
Woody1980	148
xto17	1902
yewthree	37
yogirox	111
Yourwayok	1392
Zaczaczac	604
zeka13	1917
Zopuh	1429

Paul J Scannell, 24th February, 2025

Comment

So, you do you fancy playing with a Robot? Do you know the Robot's System???

The following hand arose recently during an online game in Galway.

As dealer with the West hand, and playing with a BBO Robot partner, you open 1♥. North Passes and East bids 2NT which is automatically alerted as: 'Jacoby -> support; balanced -- 4+ ♥ ; 13+ total points'. South Passes and it is your turn to bid. What do you bid and why?

Paul J Scannell, 22nd June 2022 [UPDATED]

At two tables the human players bid 3♥. At both tables, East (BBO Robot) jumped directly raised to 7♥ despite missing an Ace!!! No, the Robots had not gone wild...the two humans had failed to appreciate that their 3♥ re-bid promised 18-21 hcp!!! Both West's should have reboid 4♥ which shows a minimum hand. Why did the two BBO Robots not use Blackwood? Simple...the Robots could count and knew that their 20 hcp when added to West's '18-21 hcp' meant that E/W held all four aces and all four kings!!! Justice was not served when both Norths faield to find a spade lead.

Also, at another table, the human partner opened 1♥, the Robot partner bid 2NT (Jacoby, as previously explained) and the human partner who clearly didn't read the description of the Robot's bid, simply PASSED!!!! A Small Slam was missed through not understanding the Robot's bidding system and failing to read the description of the Robot's bid!

Congratulations to Mary Santry (Santrym1) and Anne Phelan (dancinanne) who correctly re-bid 4♥ over the Robot's 2NT response. Howver, when the respective Robot's followed up with 4NT (Roman Keycard BlackWood) both humans failed to make the correct bid of 5♠ which shows 2 keycards AND the ♥ Q!!! At one table, the Robot partner Passed the human's response of 5♥ which showed 2 keycards BUT denied ♥ Q!!!

The one thing that many humans can be accused of when playing with a Robot is not reading the decsriptions of bids made by the Robot and, in particular, not reading decsriptions of their own bids before they make a bid!!! It is one of the features of BBO that a player who is playing with a Robot can hover their cursor on any and all bid options BEFORE selecting a bid, and in each case a description of the bid is shown!!! So, when it is your turn to bid, hover your cursor over possible choices and read the description that pops up on your screen. Finally, click on the bid that best reflects your hand in accordance with the Robot's system!!!

If you envisage playing with a Robot you would benefit HUGELY from setting aside a mere 25 minutes to watch the following video by Peter Hollands which discusses four aspects of the Robot's approach to the game:

1) How they work

2) Understanding the descriptions that automatically accompany each bid made by the Robot or its partner (you!). Do you know the difference between HCP and Total Points as frequently used in descriptions of bids by Robot and partner? Do you know the meaning of the + (plus) and - (minus) symbols which are featured in many of the bid descriptuions?

3) Leads, Signals, Bidding. Understanding the Robot's approach to leads, signals and bidding.

4) Capitalizing on mistakes when defending against a Robot

Click here to view the video [Thanks to Robert Delargy who found the video link.]

Paul J Scannell, 22nd June 2022

Comment

Are you familiar with standard 'interior sequence' leads?

As North, you find yourself on lead against 3NT after the bidding sequence shown above, West having opened a Strong 1NT. You decide to lead a club and the question is... 'which card do you choose as your opening lead?'

Paul J Scannell, 22nd June 2022

At eleven tables North opted to lead a club and only one player found the correct lead...♣ 10! Well done WillFarmer. The other Norths incorrectly, and to their cost, led ♣ 3. This holding (Q109x) is one of the standard interior sequences where the lead of the 10 promises the 9 and a higher honour other than the J, i.e. A109x, K109x or Q109x. Note that South can now auromatically follow with a small card if declarer does not play ♣ J from dummy. N/S will duly make 2 club tricks and declarer can be restricted to a single club trick, ♣ A.

At all other tables where North led ♣ 3 declarer could play low from dummy and South was forced to rise with ♣ K, declarer winning with ♣ A and now leaving dummy with ♣ J86 sitting over North's ♣ Q109 from which declarer will duly score a second club trick!!!

Another standard lead interior sequence features the lead of J from AJ10x or KJ10x.

Note that although these interior sequence leads are standard it does not automatically follow that the lead of a J or 10 is always reflective of an interior sequence as these leads can also be singletons or doubletons!!! Caveat emptor!

Paul J Scannell, 22nd June 2022

Comment

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