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My Impressions of Bridge University I in Las Vegas

 As many of you know, I haven’t flown for 20 years. After driving to Las Vegas for the first Bridge University, I continued to San Francisco where I met the Crystal Harmony for a 12 day bridge cruise (I know I live a tough life, but someone has to do it!) The cruise ended back in San Francisco on September 3^rd and I drove home just in time to write this article for Larry.

 First let me state that all of the Professors had a marvelous time. From our point of view it is particularly satisfying to help people with their bridge game when the interest level is so high. The students’ enthusiasm was contagious and a fun time was had by all. The key word is: FUN. Yes, everyone improved their game; everyone learned concepts that they never knew prior to Bridge University; most even learned a new convention or two (even though we shy away from teaching conventions and concentrate on explaining correct bridge thinking; but the key is having FUN. If we don’t make it fun, no one can sit for eight hours a day learning bridge.

Part of the fun was the interaction between the students and the Professors as well as watching the Professors struggle while trying to bid a difficult hand. Of course, there is nothing like listening to a panel show and finding out that the pros often disagree! The afternoon duplicate, with hand records so the Professors could review the hands in the post-game duplicate, was a big hit. Did I mention the biggest thrill of all? Each student got to play at least one board with one of the Professors.

Each student received a 36 page booklet containing notes and quizzes for each lecture as well as other informational goodies. Here’s an excerpt:

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August 17, 2005 /Wednesday  9:15

Super Convention for 203 for Juniors and Seniors

Professor Bernie Chazen

A Short Lesson Description

THE SUPER CONVENTION - PART 1

Showing vs

Asking vs

Showing & Asking 

Most bids are showing bids.

Some bids are asking bids. All asking bids are conventional. Some have special names like Blackwood and Stayman

Many asking bids are also showing bids at the same time:

            Stayman

            Negative double

            Jacoby transfer

            Jacoby 2N response to a major

            Unusual NT

            Michael’s cue

Rebidding your suit SHOWS a 6-card suit. Simple. What that means is that when you repeat a suit, as opener or responder, you are showing your partner what you have (six of them).

The logical conclusion is that it is not possible to show a 5-card suit by repeating it. How could it show a five card suit if it shows a 6-card suit? Certain bids show 5-card suits by definition.,

Logically, we have reached an impasse. It is not possible to show a 5-card suit by repeating your suit because such a repetition shows a 6-card suit. Responder is faced with this problem each time he has a 5-card suit. Since responder is unable to show a 5-card suit, he must do something else if he wants to determine whether he has an eight card fit. IF YOU CAN’T SHOW, THEN ASK. That’s right, responder will ask opener if he has 3-card support for his first suit. He does this by saying, “Partner, do you have 3-card support for my first suit?”

It sounds funny but we are almost not kidding. Responder will ask that question but he will do so by bidding the lowest unbid suit. Whenever responder’s second bid is the lowest unbid suit, such a bid will be conventional and will ask the question, “Partner, do you have 3-card support for my first suit?”

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We had an official photographer as well as professional DVD camera work and editing. The photos were distributed at our farewell party along with some prizes. The DVD will be available for purchase very shortly. You can purchase individual Professor’s lectures or individual days (all inclusive). The feedback from the students was fabulous with 90% indicating they will return to another Bridge University.

Next year we are planning three more Bridge Universities: April in Atlantic City or Las Vegas and August and December back in Vegas. We have learned much from our mistakes and we will have a better hotel, better food and equally excellent playing conditions! Breaks will be longer and there will be a choice in the evening between a regular duplicate and Prize Money Bridge. We are also planning a camp for children. It will likely be held in June and campers will learn bridge AND enjoy the benefits of a real camp. Parents and grandparents are invited to participate in their own Bridge University program at the same time.

Despite the fact that the skill level varied from 0 to 2000 masterpoints, by separating the lectures according to ability level, we were able to insure that a remarkable time was had by all. Interactive events with the professors were loved by all players no matter their skill level.