| | a. South's misplay on the first trick gave W the opportunity to not make that mistake. A simple holdup play gives S control of the club suit and takes away the chance for W to switch to hearts.
b. If S plays the hand correctly, then N is not in this position, but let's assume that he is. The underlead of his Ace (diamonds) in a 5 card suit is not that unreasonable. While it may be true that S has a legitimate 7 bid, it's most likely a desperation call. That's why it's imperative for S to take control of the hand (and be the captain). Only S knows the true nature of the situation!
c. South's lead of the King of spades is dictated by the desperate bid and should be made by any expert.
d. N didn't necessarily know that the diamonds were 3-3; however, this suit needs to "break evenly" for him to manufacture some extra tricks. Sometimes the only way to make a hand is for "x" (the unknown) to be true. If that is the case, then you must assume that "x" is true (favorable) and play accordingly.
e. Again, they didn't know they had 5 spades. To make their bid they need the spades to be split evenly (3-2 or 3-3 as the case may be).
South's final comment is off the mark. This deal required NS to be both good and lucky.
| |
| Live Spades Tournaments: Past and Future
Many other Classic Card Games have very active live communities. The American Contract Bridge League, which has been around for decades, conducts three annual National Championships. The ACBL also holds hundreds of local tournaments, many well-attended regional events, and has active clubs in most cities. Any Bridge enthusiast can find a live Duplicate game within a reasonable distance
Cribbage players are represented by the American Cribbage Congress, which has several thousand members, and schedules scores of live events every year. The annual ACC convention in Reno, NV draws more than a thousand players! Other card games such as Gin, Euchre, and Pinochle also have loyal live followings.
And for good measure, I must mention the meteoric rise of Poker, especially the Texas Hold-em game, and the huge stakes tournaments which are all over the TV channels and the Internet!
How does live Spades measure up to its fellow card games? First, a brief glimpse of the history of the game is in order.
Spades was created in Cincinnati, OH in the late 1930's. The original Classic version of Spades featured no nils, no bags, and the use of Jokers. It had a loyal following after the Second World War, especially on college campuses. However, the ACBL was also growing, and Bridge had tremendous publicity and promotion. Legendary players such as Charles Goren, Oswald Jacoby and Fred Sheinwold were household names. Bid Whist and Hearts were also popular as well, and Euchre flourished in the mid-west. Spades became relegated to the second tier of card games.
Changes to Spades were made during the 60's and 70's to include Nil Bidding and the Bag Rule. The Jokers were dropped and a restriction on leading spades (until the suit was "broken") became the standard. The original "Classic" Spades became a variation.
Then came the Internet in the mid-90's. Almost as if by magic, Spades was the rage! Its numbers were blowing away most other card games. By late 1997, it was the most popular partnership card game on the Internet. It was only a matter of time before live events would be off to the races! At least that was the prediction.
In 1997, Nancy Landau, of Indianapolis, IN, organized the first Spades convention. More than 150 players assembled for a weekend of fun and games. This group later became the Spades Connection. Then came the first National Spades Tournament, the forerunner of the Grand Prix. It was Zone-Sponsored, and 240 players came to Las Vegas to play for cash prizes. Other events followed, some sponsored by the growing number of Spades communities on the internet.
Surely, this much effort would have resulted in a Spades organization as strong as the ACBL. Alas, it was not meant to be, and it became obvious that only a major sponsor would ensure the success of a National Spades Organization. Live Spades events dropped like flies. Travel costs and expenses became a big factor, and free games were always available on the 'Net. However, there was a certain allure to meeting your friends and playing with real cards!
The only two survivors are The Spades Connection and The Grand Prix World Series of Spades. The Spades Connection is the epitome of Zone camaraderie. It is well represented by various Zone clubs and groups who have known each other for years. It reminds me of a family reunion! They conduct two events each year in Nashville, TN. The Grand Prix World Series of Spades (scheduled for Cleveland, OH, Sept. 16-18) is a tournament with a multi-round progressive format, intense competition, and a guaranteed cash prize.
Both of these events are scheduled on back to back weekends in September. For true "Spade-aholics" (and music fans), I suggest going to the Grand Prix, and then checking out the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. From there, head on down to Memphis, TN (Beale Street, and Graceland). Then slide over to Nashville and the Country Music Hall of Fame, as well as the Grand Old Opry. Finally, check in at the Spades Connection gathering and meet your Zone friends!
| |
