Playing with GIB

I think we're on to something. At bridge base you are now able to open a table and play against the Gib robots. GIB (Ginsberg's Intelligent Bridge Player) is billed as one of the world's strongest bridge-playing computer programs. As noted on bridge base, "GIB sometimes makes silly mistakes, but overall its play is strong..." You can play individually against 3 robots or you and your partner can take on a pair. I have tried both in the last few weeks.

I will confess that I kind of like playing against 3 robots and indulging in undisciplined bidding and play, unlike that of my normal, sober bridge persona. Frank and I have also played as partners against a couple of gibs and we may have discovered a tool of some value.

The gibs don't bid or play too well, but the value I perceive is the ability to discuss every aspect of the hand at your own pace--bidding, play and defense. It is also a relaxed atmosphere because there is nothing at stake.

I am currently on vacation in the midwest (smoke really does rise from the Smoky Mountains!) so Frank and I have played a couple of sessions against the gibs. Here is a hand I found interesting.

Kx
AJx
A10xxx
AQx

Frank opened 1C and I bid 1D. He bid 1H and I have some choices. I'm too strong to jump to 3N--plus I don't want to bid notrump with a single spade stopper, a marked spade lead and the chance that we belong somewhere else--like 6 diamonds. So I temporize with a forcing bid of 2S. This alertable bid is forcing, without as many as 4 spades.

Frank now bid 2N, so I know that he has a spade stopper as well. I decide to jump to 4N, invitational, and he jumps to 6N.

Kx
AJx
A10xxx
AQx

A10x
K9xx
KQx
Jxx

He gets a spade lead and we count tricks. (I'm glad I'm not playing it...:-) It appears that he needs a maximum number of tricks in the heart suit and will probably also need the club finesse to work. There are squeeze possibities as well. As it turns out, the hearts are unfriendly, even though the club finesse is on. Not a great slam and it goes down.

The point is that we were able to leisurely discuss the bidding and play and we received average defense from the gibs. I will keep you posted on using this as a tool for improving your game. I will also be exploring the notion of using the format as a teaching tool. I refer frequently to bridgebase, either announcing great kibitzing opportunities or alluding to the fine declarer play program featured: Bridgemaster 2000. You can also practice partnership bidding and, of course, play with real people. Check it out at http://online.bridgebase.com/!

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Note: Blogger has a new feature which permits you to add a poll to your blog. I have created one--see it under my profile. Try it and let's see how it works and whether it is valuable. (P.S. The poll may not yet work properly--it seems to be a feature in progress.)

See you at the table!