Friday, August 23, 2002 12:10 AM
Know Thy Partner
PITBULLS:
While it is necessary to master your partnership’s conventions, it is crucial to understand your partner’s style.
You need to know what to expect from partner, before you can make good
bidding decisions. Keep in mind that it is not necessary for you
and partner to have the same bidding style. In fact, it is impossible. Make
allowances for partners strengths and weaknesses. Make decisions based on
your hand and your partners style
In the situations below, you must know what partner is likely to do. With a close decision, does she:
· Open light?
· Preempt aggressively?
· Overcall aggressively?
· Make light takeout doubles?
· Dramatically change her style when vulnerable?
· Aggressive slam bidder
· Aggressive game bidder
· Makes “tight” penalty doubles
· Knows when to pull penalty doubles
· Good judgment in balancing
· Trap with very big hands
· Opens 2C light
· Will gamble when appropriate
· Will psyche or make similar tactical bids
· Good judgment with forcing passes
· Has good self discipline
By the way: It is essential to be consistent — “to thine own self be true.” Whether you are a solid citizen or loose as a goose, stay in character. Dealing with a chameleon is just too tough on the partnership.
ª © ¨ § ª © ¨ § ª © ¨ §
It is hard to play like a
champion, but easy to behave like one.
A
Chump:
A Champ:
gives “free” lessons
does not
preach
sides with opponents
sides with partner
berates partner
treats partner with respect
dwells on bad results
moves on
makes partner wish
allows partner to enjoy
he were elsewhere
the game
is in her own world
knows that bridge
is a partnership game
thinks he knows it all
is willing to learn
insists on
playing only
is open to partner’s
her
conventions/style
suggestions
never makes
mistakes (delusions of
grandeur)
to err is human
competes with
partner –insists on being the “boss”
competes with opponents
blames partner
for own mistakes
accepts responsibility
Criticizes partner
behind her back
keeps mouth shut
Always negative
re-enforcement
positive re-enforcement when appropriate
Self centered
with inflated opinion of her bridge “team spirit “ a
true partnership
Never agrees
with partner
Supports partner
Pessimistic
outlook
Optimistic , positive outlook
Insecure
egotist
Bridge self confidence
Shows anger when
things go wrong
Poker face
Discusses hands
at table
Waits
until event is over
Criticizes
opponents
Polite to opponents
Unlucky
expert
Has good “luck”
Induces
stress
Relaxed and friendly
Eventually runs
out of partners
No problems finding partners