[carl3]

A matchpoint event for newbies.

To use minibridge in a matchpoint event for newbies is
not a good idea. Having to choose the right bonuslevel
without any experience will be too hard. Then the so called
"Top game" works better. Here the choice of level is automatic
and the only choice is between NT and suit which is usually
not so difficult.

Dealer starts to bid. Instead of saying your hcp you say your number of
"tops"(= A,K or Q ) but if you cannot say at least 2 or higher than
the bid before (if any) you must pass. The highest bidder becomes declarer.
The distribution of dummy can be shown as in minibridge but if you use the
game in a matchpoint event it is better just to show dummy's whole hand.

The sum of dummy's number of tops and the winning bid is called the
"playnumber".If the playnumber is 4 the hand is passed out. (This is
extremely rare.) If the playnumber is 5 declarer has the choice between
passing out the hand and 1 of a suit. If it is more than 5 declarer only
has the choice between NT and suit.

The number of tricks you must take to make your contract is the playnumber
+ 1(2) if NT (suit) is chosen. Making it gives 4 points and each overtrick is 1
point and each down is -2. If you want the game to be even sharper you use
+2(3) instead but then one down should be 0 points.

You may now object that giving A, K and Q the same value could hardly
result in reasonable contracts but (for some reason that I admit I do not
understand) this is not the case. To check it you can go to say BBO and
see what would have happened if the above game had been played there.

As for the matchpoint event you ask members to bring their
friends to the club. Then you divide the ones who want to
play in pairs (randomly) but if the number is odd, one of
the members will instead help at the tables.

When all have sat down (also randomly) you explain
the rules and also how you score in matchpoints.
Even if it is easier to count tops than hcp you should ask
the players to check their bid an extra time before dummy is
shown and declarer decides between NT and suit.
( Exclude hands where the playnumber is 4 or 5.)

You play say 6 rounds. The easiest is of course now to let
the players stay at the same table but it is more fun if
they move around as usual. And in case there is a table
where two players are missing this is what you have to do.

At the play of the cards the defenders are expected to "keep
track of" declarer so he does not revoke or play from the
wrong hand. Advice like drawing trump and blocking a long
enemy suit in NT is also ok but only before or after the hand
is played. "Try to be as strong as possible when you let the
opponents come in" is a selfevident but still good general
advice.

When all the hands have been played there is a review. Then
not only the bidding and play in the games played but also
a comment of what would have happened in regular bridge
is given. The hands played with results should be available
at the internet. To have bridgebooks as prices (but only for
the newbies) is also a good idea.

In my opinion a matchpoint event like this would be a good
way for clubs to get new members.

The game can also be played three-handed. Then the player who does not
have the opening lead gives the information about dummy. An
advanced version is at https://people.kth.s...nr/article7.htm This is
a good alternative if you are having an evening of bridge and one player
could not make it.