2007-10-08 22:29

Hand Evaluation - Pattern of patterns

PITBULLS:

I believe we have said this before . You can not play Bridge other than at a simplistic level unless you learn & apply the skill of translating information into patterns. This translating of information into patterns is the basis of your thinking in Bridge. You translate the bidding into patterns , showing out of suit & count signals into patterns. You translate “length showing” opening leads into patterns. This is Bridge . This skill is as necessary as knowing the finesse. You cannot gloss over this skill & play Bridge properly.

In order to build up this skill , we have developed one starting pattern to memorize. 4-4-3-2 this is a “pattern of patterns” . The 1^st four in the pattern represents the 4 common “6 series” where a 6 card suit is the longest. The 2^nd four represents the 4 common “5 series of patterns” where the 5 card suit is the longest. The three in the pattern represents all the “4 series” of patterns where a 4 card suit is longesr. Lastly , the two in the pattern represents the 7 card patterns that are common.

4à 6-3-3-1 , 6-3-2-2 , 6-4-2-1 , 6-5-1-1

4à 5-3-3-2 , 5-4-3-1 , 5-4-2-2 , 5-5-2-1

3à 4-4-3-2 , 4-3-3-3 , 4-4-4-1

2à 7-3-2-1 , 7-2-2-2

 This translation skill is not counting per se. It is abstract reasoning. You are translating information in a mental template to assist your Bridge visualization skills. This starting point is your blueprint for an opening lead & a plan to follow for defense. You must form this habit or you can never play Bridge properly. It is that simple.

Time to stop playing Bridge at a beginner or average level. Memorize & apply these patterns . They are essential for opening leads , defense , declarer play & Bidding. Is there anything left ? As NIKE says “just do it” . Start now.