Explain explained Some explanations are useless
#1
Posted 2020-October-31, 09:49
Examples:
1) Jump shift outside of competition. Ask for explanation, get something useless like [suit they just bid]. No way to ask whether they're playing it strong or weak without getting the attention of their partner.
2) Defense over 1NT, receive only "long suit" without a clue as to whether the bid specifies that suit or not.
3) 1NT opener, strength not Alerted, would also like to know whether they bid NT with a singleton.
#2
Posted 2020-October-31, 11:52
if you hit "explain" again, you might get a better explanation, and again, explainer's partner won't see it. The problems with "hit explain again", however:
- If the player thinks that's a sufficient explanation they certainly won't understand what more you're asking for
- because of the odd UI, many people hit the "explain" button thinking it is a "close explanation" button, so many players are used to "it comes up again" meaning "I don't know the UI"
In both cases, the bidder will just assume you don't have a clue, and return the explanation they already gave.
Private message to one opponent avoids all this because you can ask the specific question. The only problem is that users on phones tend to minimize chat and they don't see your private message. It's still the best option.
#3
Posted 2020-October-31, 12:18
mycroft, on 2020-October-31, 11:52, said:
- If the player thinks that's a sufficient explanation they certainly won't understand what more you're asking for
- because of the odd UI, many people hit the "explain" button thinking it is a "close explanation" button, so many players are used to "it comes up again" meaning "I don't know the UI"
In both cases, the bidder will just assume you don't have a clue, and return the explanation they already gave.
Sadly true. The best solution of course would be for BBO to improve the UI, both making it more intuitive and allowing questions as the OP requests.
mycroft, on 2020-October-31, 11:52, said:
I've not had much success with it. If you ask the opponent who gave the insufficient explanation he will often not reply (for whatever reason), or reply to table. If you ask the other opponent he will often ask why you are asking him, perhaps rightly too (there are no regulations that specifically cover this).
#4
Posted 2020-October-31, 14:24
pescetom, on 2020-October-31, 12:18, said:
In the Scottish Lockdown Teams, if you tap on an unexplained call, you are likely to shoot yourself in the foot As Pescetom explains, the offender normally treats this as justification to enlighten the table, including his partner
#5
Posted 2020-October-31, 15:14
nige1, on 2020-October-31, 14:24, said:
It's a mess, due to lack of on-line laws.
But at least BBO could improve their mechanism to:
- demand an explanation for any self-alert
- offer a 'dismiss' button for pop-up explanations
- offer a 'query' button for pop-up explanations to ask a question about the explanation provided
- disable chat to opponents and table during the auction, eliminating ambiguity and the possibility to transmit UI.
#6
Posted 2020-November-01, 03:25
Not so keen on pescetom's last suggestion "disable chat to opponents and table during the auction, eliminating ambiguity and the possibility to transmit UI". In the EBU league games we get some good-mannered "wpo" "thanks for the match" type stuff as well as further enquires.
#7
Posted 2020-November-01, 07:55
Douglas43, on 2020-November-01, 03:25, said:
I did say "during the auction". I agree that it is nice to be able to chat with opponents between hands.
Of course I was assuming that the system does not throw you all into the next auction without your consent, as BBO currently does.
#8
Posted 2020-November-01, 11:46
#9
Posted 2020-November-02, 16:52
#10
Posted 2020-November-03, 15:27
chigal64, on 2020-November-02, 16:52, said:
And if North has a different profile from South, which one are you going to believe?
Agreements apply to pairs, not individual players. The profile is just a hint for prospective partners about what you're willing to play.