[This blog used to be stuck to the front page. It has now been allowed to drop to its natural position at the bottom of the blog, with the latest version of the system as described during the blog now stuck on the front page]
Hi to those interested.
This is about an as yet untried (though somewhat tested) bidding system. It’s working name is DIP. It is primarily being developed by me, with the help of one other significant person, but like all such things, stands on the shoulders of others. As this method is somewhat MOSCITO-like, those shoulders are predominantly Roy Kerr from the theoretical standpoint and Paul Marston from the practical.
I thought it would be useful writing the thinking down over a period of time. In part, it will document the thinking so I don’t lose it. In another part, I hope it will invite external critique (and perhaps even discussion if I’m lucky) which will hopefully be of benefit to me and others. But, to be clear, the side discussion of ideas is an added-value advantage. My end goal is the completion and refinement of DIP.
OK, to start with nomenclature. For strength ranges, I will be using Kit Woolsey’s PPC (Practical Point Count). This is A=4.5, K=3, Q=1.75, J = 0.75. This still gives a 40 point deck, so you can think HCP instead if you like. Whether you use ppc or hcp is not relevant overall.
Like most MOSCITO’ish systems, there are three opening strength ranges, which you might refer to as Strong, Intermediate and Weak. Today, I’ll just deal with Strong and Intermediate. In part, this is because in theory, you could simply take these, and graft on your own Weak structure if you don’t like DIP’s.
1st/2nd Seat Openings
1C: ART(ificial), 15+ ppc
1D: 4+H, 10 to 14 3/4 ppc: not H<S unless 5S/4H/4m, can be 4H/5m but not 4H/6+m, not 3=4=3=3
1H: 4+S, 10 to 14 3/4 ppc: S>=H, can be 4S/5m but not 4S/6+m, not 4=3=3=3
1S: 5+D, 10 to 14 3/4 ppc: 6+D unless 5D/4+C, can be 6+D/4M
1NT: BAL, no M unless 4M333, 12 to 14 3/4 ppc
2C: 5+C, 10 to 14 3/4 ppc: 6+C unless 5C/4D, can be 6+C/4M
In the Intermediate range, all 3/S’s (three-suiters) with H’s go through 1D. Primarily, this is because it makes the relay structure work a little better. 4H/4S hands are opened 1D(=H). 5S/5H hands are opened 1H(=S) mainly to facilitate a H showing rebid in competition.
I hope this first blog piques the interest of some.
Regards, Dipbridge
