[the hog]

Has anyone looked at "The Way Forward"? This is an English bidding syste, based on a strong C, and loosely built around "The Science". It is devised by Ed Sheldon.

Peter Leighton might like this:
Strong C
5 cards H
4 cards S - the S opening can be quite weak and is used as a light pre empt and can certainly be canape.
Many fit showing gadgets, and some but not many GF relays eg 1H 2C.
I wonder whether this would be GCC legal in the States.

I had a good look at this over the last week and it is beautifully constructed and, I would guess, could be very effective.

(Email if you want a copy)

Ron

[DrTodd13]

I have a website. I can host the file if you don't have a
website yourself.

Todd

[pbleighton]

Warning - this post veers from the topic, and complains about the GCC >

Ron-

I have a document "The Way Forward", which I got off the Cambridge Bridge Society website, when I was first investigating The Science, with this identifying information:
"Summer Version: 23/6/96
Ed Sheldon
Alistair Flutter
Jon Cooke"

Is this what you are referring to? If so, people can download it at:

http://www.cam.ac.uk...bridge/#systems

It is indeed a very interesting system.

From my knowledge of the GCC, no way. 1S-2C is a relay, which is Mid Chart. Also, 1D-1H is "Hearts or a game-forcing relay or a balanced 12-count", which is multi-way. I'm sure Richard will correct me if I'm wrong on this, but I am getting depressingly familiar with the GCC.

It would also cause my pd to experience an inadvertent bowel movement

We have been playing The Science (at least the bastardized form I discussed with you) for 6-7 weeks now, and love it. Pd has gotten over fear of 4 card majors, as they are restricted to hands with <14hcp, and are therefore controllable.

He is amenable to a strong club version of something like The Science, but won't consider anything that is too complicated to start with.

I have been researching and analyzing our options. The feedback I got from an rgb post was somewhat depressing, as it appears the GCC effectively limits 2/1 responses to either GF or forcing for one round, since transfer responses and relays are both Mid Chart. Richard had a post which was typically pungent and helpful (as he could be). This means, I think, that openers should be no lower than the decent 10s we are using now. WAAAAHHH!

We will probably wind up in a fairly simple strong club, 16+, 14-16 NT, 4 card majors, openers 10+ - 15, canape openers on 5C4M hands, and maybe also 5D4H hands. 2/1 forcing for one round.

Any suggestions welcome.

Peter

[hrothgar]

"Pungent"?

I've become pungent?

Not sure what to say
then again, I'm crocked on home made rice "jiu"

[pbleighton]

Can "pungent" describe a crock pot?

[hrothgar]

Sniff
Sniff
Sigh

Unloved, unappreciated , as always ;-)

[the hog]

Yes Peter, it is one and the same. I am amazed this is not legal in the States; your system restrictions are tougher than I thought. So does this mean even a GF relay is not allowed. I thought you could relay, provided it was GF, and not like Moscito where it could be invit.

Tell me, are you allowed to play Stayman over there? It is a relay and can be strong or weak.

[DrTodd13]

From ancient memory, relays aren't completely banned
but I thought you had to start with a natural bid and
after that you could relay. Give the ACBL time and all
methods of bidding whereby one person shows their
hand and the other hides it will be illegal.

[pbleighton]

My understanding is that "relay systems" are legal under the GCC only:
1) after a strong club opener which guarantees at least 15 hcp.
2) starting at the opener's rebid or later. So a 1S-2C relay is Mid Chart.

Dwayne Hoffman's Key Lime Precision uses the following approach to get around it, which he says is legal:
1NT forcing after 1M can contain weak (with 2 trumps), invitational, and GF hands. The weak hands always rebid 2 of the bid suit, or pass if the opener rebids his suit. 2/1 responses are nonforcing.

Invitational and strong hands start a relay, which he says uses the Viking Club system. Therefore the relay "starts" on the responder's rebid. Ingenious, but seems impractical for 4 card majors.

"... the tangled web we weave.."

Peter

[the hog]

So according to that definition, Stayman is illegal, as responder to 1N is relaying.

As an aside, how/where is GCC played as opposed to Mid chart? What would a club play? Do they have a choice? What about a reasonably serious event eg a Regional?

Further questions, can anyone play Flight A events or do you have to have a certain number of MP to qualify for them? Are Flight A GCC or Mid chart?

[hrothgar]

The GCC bans relay systems, not relays. Sadly, the definition of relay systems is pretty poorly constructed:

"A sequence of relay bids is defined as a system if, after an opening of one of a suit, it is started prior to opener's rebid."

The Choice of GCC versus Midchart really depends on the sponsor and varies widely by region.
Please note that playing Midchart methods requires that the ACBL approve a suggested defense. The ACBL Conventions Committee doesn't approve very many defenses.

[pbleighton]

In my state (Connecticut) sectionals are GCC. The TD at my club is somewhat flexible, and would let me play the Multi (for example), but he said there is no chance I could play any Mid Chart stuff in a sectional, even if I played in the A flight.

Peter

[hrothgar]

My old District (District 25) has just approved the Superchart for all Flight A KO events.
I REALLY need to move back to Boston

[the hog]

The Choice of GCC versus Midchart really depends on the sponsor and varies widely by region.

So this means that there are no uniform regulations across the States, even in regionals? Sorry but this is weird. If I play a regional in Boston I can play Superchart stuff, but if I play a regional in Connecticut, I have to play GCC stuff? And the 2 events carry the same weight/prestige? I'd have to change my system as often as I change my underwear. Its no wonder that many only play GCC stuff if you play a bit.

At least here our regs are uniform so if I play in an event in NSW I can play the same stuff as I play here in Victoria.

[pbleighton]

"If I play a regional in Boston I can play Superchart stuff, but if I play a regional in Connecticut, I have to play GCC stuff?"

Actually it's even weirder than that. Connecticut is in District 25. Regionals are governed by one body, sectionals by another.

Go figure.

Peter