[bridgeboy]

Hi all,

After reading a recent thread on the general strategy adopted when playing in a long imp match (48+ boards), I have some queries.

1. In an imp game, it was reccommended that defenders should switch off and conserve energy when it is clear that the contract is cold and only overtricks matter.

Q: How do you establish the contract is cold (Exluding those where you can count enough top tricks ? Do you "switch off" once you see dummy has underbidded by maybe like 5+ HCP? Or you see a combined 26+ HCP and no bad breaks ,all key finesses on, etc? Can you rely on declarer's level of confidence: He starts playing rapidly, giving no thought to the play at all (I recognise he may be trying to hoodwink you but I am refering to cases where you feel he is confident of his play and testing out the key suits)


2. How do you build up stamina or train your consistency required for long imp games? Given it is not very plausible to play long matches against good opponents every week (or even month) , how do you train for such matches? Does playing online for long periods help given your aim is to cut down on errors and maintain a reasonable level for long periods? Or is it just a waste of time because the two types are really different kinds of bridge?

Sorry for long-winded paragraphs

[whereagles]

Hi,

Interesting topic. Non-technical preparation for a match is an often underestimated thing, yet I firmly believe it can gain you more points than any convention

1. I once lost an international match 20-10 exclusively due to those "peanuts" overtricks. Also, the tricks slopped have the effect to boost opponents' morale. So I'd say the following: if you have the stamina, it definitely pays keep attention at all times. If you can't concentrate that much, then by all means let go a trick or two if you've counted declarer for enough tricks to make his contract.

2. I usually try and save energy for the final boards. This means not worrying too much if an obscure squeeze or endplay is better than the straightforward finesse Just play an easy-going, concentrated game. Try and see in what mood you're in, and act accordingly. As the match approaches the end and opponents get tired, it's time to move in for the kill. That's the time to play a razor-sharp game and try extra-hard to get the best possible result. Count all cards, check all odds and explore opponents' weaknesses and fears.

To be able to concentrate for the full time of a match is, of course, the most difficult part of any sport, and the mark of the champion. And it depends more on what you had for dinner than the conventions you settled with pard! However, I do notice an increase in table performance if I'm in good physical shape. I get much more relaxed. You can try and see if it also works for you.

[Trpltrbl]

It takes lots of practice.
A marathon runner doesn't start out running that long in his first try.
And knowing if a contract is cold and only playing for overtricks is just experience, and even big matches have been lost by letting them make an overtrick.

Mike

[Rebound]

I have read where, when the Dallas Aces were first formed, they were brought together and forced to practice for hours on end, days at a time. Whenever they were not practicing, they were analyzing the hands that were played for errors, holes in the system, etc. To paraphrase, "How do you get to the Bermuda Bowl? Practice practice practice."

Just my $0.02