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I am a staunch advocate of "less is more." My
observation is that at every level of the game, players are using
too many conventions. Too often I see players (from beginner
to world champion) misusing or forgetting their methods. Everyone
would benefit if they would just KISS. (Keep It Simple, Stupid).
If I had to choose just 4 conventions, this would be my list:
A)
1) Stayman
2) Blackwood
3) Negative doubles
4) Weak 2-bids with 2NT ask
If you made me choose 4 more, this would be the next batch:
B)
5) Jacoby transfers
6) Methods (I prefer "DONT")
vs. Opponents' Notrump
7) Weak jumps in competition
8) 4th Suit GF
I could live happily with those 8, but since I play
bridge for a living, I suppose I'd like 4 more, so would take
these:
C) Unusual Notrump/Michaels, New Minor Checkback, Jacoby 2NT,
Support Doubles
I know, I know. Some of you just have to fill up those
convention cards, so if you really want 4 more--but these are the
last 4, I'd go with:
D) Splinters, Lebensohl, Drury, Inverted Minors
Honestly, I think it would be counterproductive for 99% of
players to go any further than this. The memory strain is not
worth it. Someone once said, "The Road to Hell is Paved with
Good Conventions."
For descriptions of most of these conventions, see the ACBL
page on Commonly
Used Conventions.
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