Hello Bridge friend!
This is the first in a series of newsletters from Topbridge. Here we would like to keep you updated about the latest improvements, and we will also give you hints on bidding and declarer play.

Coming Features:

  • A new version of the Topbridge-client
  • Possible to play Topbridge behind firewalls
  • Replay of earlier boards. Do you wonder how a Topbridge friend managed to get more tricks than you? Find out by viewing the auction and declarer play at his table.
  • Help system in client. Get advices on bidding and the client's functionality.
  • System Declaration will soon be available in French. We are also planning to translate the system into Dutch, Italian, German, Spanish, Swedish and Danish.
  • There will soon be possible to log-on to Topbridge's server and change the data registered on your userID. This is important to do if you have changed e-mail address recently.
  • Improved rating is another feature coming soon on Topbridge.
 
System
I would like to inform the players about Landy, a convention in use after the opponents have opened 1NT. A 2club overcall is showing at least 4-4 in the majors, and a 2diamond relay from partner is asking the 2club bidder to show his longest suit. (The 2diamond overcaller is typically 2-2 or 3-3 in the majors). Note that the convention is in use both in 2nd and 4th position. Here is an example of the convention in use at the 2001 European Teams Championships. I was sitting North, partnering Geir Helgemo in Norway's match against Sweden.
  		 
Dealer: South, None Vulnerable
  K 10 8 6 3
A 10 8 7 4
-
A 9 8
A 5 2
Q J
K Q 6
Q J 10 4 3 		  Q J 4
9 5 3
J 10 7 2
K 7 2
  9 7
K 6 2
A 9 8 5 4 3
6 5 		 
 
 
West
Andersson		 North
Helness		 East
Gullberg		 South
Helgemo
      Pass
1NT 2C* Pass 2H
Pass 3H   4H
All Pass
 
Andersson for Sweden opened a strong 1NT, and I bid 2clubs for the majors. Geir bid 2hearts, showing his best major. Remember this was a team's event, I had to make an invitation with 3hearts, and Geir was happy to accept with his king to three in trumps and an outside ace. With the suits behaving very nicely, Geir had no problems collecting 11 tricks and some valuable IMPs for our team. More information about the Topbridge system is available at our nice web pages.
 

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