Bridge learning curve analyzed

Hi all,

The other day I was asked by one of my partners if we were "incompatible". Hmm the thought had not occurred to me. True, we had misfired and defended 3HXX making. We had also slipped up and let 2SX make. We languished in 2N making four for a major imp loss. I suppose my partner had a right to question the "incompatibility" factor.

As a seasoned player I know what incompatibility is, but from my POV it had little to do with these poor results. From my assessment, right or wrong, it was but a fact of performing at different spots on the bridge learning curve.

Let me explain using two example hands from last weekend's set. Curiously enough both hands involved competing over nt with "red suited" hands. And, as "luck" has it for illustration purposes, in both sets and partnerships we were competing using suction methods.

At imps at all nv I held this gem: Q92,AJ97,AQ32,T6 and passed over a 1N opening. My opponent at the other table launched in there with a 2S suction bid, requiring to show these two suits at the three level. It would not occur to me to try anything with this balanced hand over nt because the hand is not shapely enough. Certainly not forcing to the three level. "Shape" for bidding over nt precludes 4333, 4432, 5333 hands and starts mostly with 54 patterns. (You and the opponent may want to review my blog/Trumpet article on the matter.)

The same weekend the bridge Gods dealt me these tickets: 62,J8732,KJT954,v all vul at mp. Note the appreciable "shape" in the reds. I thought briefly about 2S but discounted that because the suits were very unequal in length and strength. I chose to show "diamonds". I was commended by that decision by a true expert player --showing diamonds was very much more "good bridge" than showing reds. However, here is the rub. The expert preferred passing with the entire hand and waiting until a nv condition? Why? Because competing in suits lacking in appreciable high cards wasn't his standard MO or good bridge.

So what am I saying put more succinctly? That as we grow in our bridge journey, communication becomes more concrete. It will take a while as long as you're "compatible" initially, and remain so in other ways of that journey.

Level 1: Competing over nt with reds Q92,AJ97,AQ32,T6
Level 2: Competing over nt with reds 64,J8762,KJT954,v
Level 3: Competing over nt vul at mp with diamonds 64,J8762,KJT954,v
Level 4: Pass and wait for nv conditions.

Do you get the picture? It's a process based solely on communication levels and the strength of that communication. Enjoy the journey with your proteges, partners, teachers and mentors! I certainly have. But if you want to learn the best, play with the best against the best. And work hard. You always want that opportunity to compare your actions with the finest! ~~~and learn their language.

I'd be happy to answer any quesitons.