Big Slam Magazine - Flipbook - Page 78
Butler bleat
Match 10
Over the two weeks, there have been 20 sessions of Swiss Butler IMPs, two matchpoint pairs
sessions, and two Swiss Teams sessions.
Not only that, there have been two or three separate Butler events running on most days of the
second week.
Too much of a good thing?
I think so. Teams events – however they are
scored – are more social and also fairer in a way.
One of the Butler problems is running into a set
of boards where the points run the other way.
How often is it right to sacrifice in six over five?
WEST
NORTH
EAST
SOUTH
1}
3{
3] ! (Courtney)
4[
4]
no
no
5{
no
no
5]
6{
X
end
Double fits see people do strange things.
6{x is par this time.
If you sit and watch your opponents bid and
make a close but cold vulnerable game, you
know you will lose about six IMPs. There are always underbidders and plotchers to skew the
datum.
In teams, you might lose 10 or 12 IMPs on those
hands but at least you know whom to blame.