Word: culbertson
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Dates: during 1930-1939
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...Conferences now being held at Basle, although they have yielded in interest to such epochal events as the Lenz-Culbertson bridge contest, are, to those concerned with the economic future of Germany, of superior importance. Attempts by the French to sidetrack discussion of the whole German economic situation failed, and the hope was thereby renewed that the Committee's repot may be a fairly accurate and authoritative statement of Germany's ability...
...Lenz and Culbertson systems, one of which will supposedly be proven superior, differ chiefly in that when Lenz makes an opening bid of two in any suit, he invites (without compelling) his partner to make an answering bid. Culbertson's initial bid of two is a command for partner to respond, no matter how weak partner's hand may be. Here is what each expert feels he must have in his hand for opening suit bids of one, two or three: Bid Lenz Culbertson 1 2½ tricks 2½ tricks No difference...
...strong enough for a forcing bid. The Lenz two-bid works well with this type of hand, since it encourages partner to reply if he has a little help but does not compel him to reply even when he has no help. To bid two, Mr. Culbertson's hand must be so strong that if partner replies with two no-trumps (standard indication of a "bust''), Mr. Culbertson can either let the declaration stand or take it out with a bid of three in some suit. Opponents of the Culbertson system maintain that...
...less vital difference in the two systems lies in Culbertson's strong preference for an opening suit bid as opposed to an opening no-trump bid. In estimating the trick-taking possibilities of high cards, Culbertson counts ace. king and queen in one suit as two tricks, Lenz counts the same holding as three...
...doubtful whether even 150 rubbers will prove anything as to comparative merits, since the result must also depend upon the distribution of the cards, the skill of the players. Both Culbertson and Lenz will get a great deal of advertising, and all bridge teachers will profit by having two systems to teach their pupils. Public interest in the match may also assist contract to withstand the onslaught of back: gammon as a leading indoor sport...