by Brenda Simpson, Washington

Attention Teachers: Here is a program that you can recommend to your students. There are 6 conventions that every student needs to know to be competitive at duplicate games. 1. Stayman 2. Jacoby Transfers 3. Weak Two Bids 4. Michaels Cue Bids 5. Jacoby Two NoTrump 6. Negative Doubles

In each of the topics, the topic is defined, examples are given of why it is useful, when it should be used, what is lost by using the convention, and examples of its use. There is a quiz for each topic to check for understanding. This is essential to do before you play the practice hands.

I especially was glad I had this program when I was reviewing Negative Doubles for my supervised play class.

I got lots of hands from the program to use for the class. Even though the class is experienced, there were a lot of hands that they did incorrectly.

One of the most common errors was over 1C-1D. The student would make a negative double and only had one 4 card major and not both. They had forgotten that this is the one time they didn't need 5 cards to bid over the overcaller. Others wouldn't bid the negative double over 1D-2C holding only one four card major and 10 points. They didn't remember that with count they can make a negative double and then correct on their partner's next turn to partner's suit or NT if partner doesn't have their suit. It was handy to have the program available for them to review.

As a teacher, I am always looking for different ways to explain a concept. Not all students learn in the same manner. For the visual, the hands on the table works but there is always a student who wants to know why. This is where this type of program comes in handy. Teachers can get lots of ideas from software such as this that explains simply without a lot of long rhetoric.

"Great Games Products" is very generous to members of the ABTA. We can get a 50% discount if we identify ourselves as a teacher and ABTA member. Plus the actual price is very affordable for the student at only $29.95. You can call 1-(800)-426-3748 or e-mail to sales@bridgebaron.com