What the hell.  I may as well embarrass myself.

SOLVER: Babs Giesbrecht
       Qualicum Beach BC
       Canada

Your Solutions for the October 2018 Contest 
-------------------
PROBLEM A: 4 Hearts
PROBLEM B: 2 Notrump
PROBLEM C: 3 Hearts
PROBLEM D: Pass
PROBLEM E: 5 Diamonds
PROBLEM F: 2 Notrump
PROBLEM G: 2 Spades
PROBLEM H: Diamond 10

Ken - is there a way to access what Todd has already done on BWS?  I would love to see it.  Thanks!

I tried a test on the new calendar site but it didn't work for me.  But then again I could not add myself to the partnership desk when I tried a few months ago.  Everything worked before the new format was introduced, so something on my machine must not be compatible.  Alas.

Wow, I think bidding practice anything BUT boring.  I find it hard to understand how a partnership can be effective without hours and hours of practice, yet so many seem to just want to jump in and play.

As for inverted minors, I play it GF, opener's rebid on this hand being 2NT showing stops in both majors.

I hope your class is a go Ken!

Anyone out there who would like to practice bidding on a regular basis?  I am seeking a 'bidding buddy' - not necessarily to form a partnership but to practice and have some fun.  My favourite CC is accessible on my profile.

Time zone is Pacific.  Days - free most afternoons, Saturday and Sunday all day.  I like to use Skype for discussion.

Leave me a mail on BBO if interested.

Yes sensei - but I also have a feeling that many do not come to the IAC site either.    Just a thought.

Maybe the question to address is "What is the purpose/goal of the IAC?" 

On the home page it states 'This is the website for the BBO Intermediate / Advanced Club, a private Teaching club on Bridgebase Online.' 

Mike's take "the intent was to screen out beginners and Goren players, so we could find a game with relatively high standard, with a definite emphasis on 2/1."  "My goal is still the same, though: for the club to be a place to peek into, find a game with at least intermediate level players; NOT to sign up for tournaments and/or team matches."

Personally, I joined for the teaching sessions.  I knew I could not play at more than a beginner level at the time, but I hoped to learn and advance through the offerings of the club. 

I liked the idea of having hosted tables at a specific day and time.  A calendar was put up on the website showing scheduled sessions.  I offered to host a session on Saturday mornings.  Most mornings I closed it down after 10-15 minutes as nobody showed up. (Though maybe at the time I was recognized as a weak player which scared everyone off.) 

So not sure what to suggest.

Regarding Sanya's original post.  Way back when (just after Ally vacated) Pam and I discussed most of what has been mentioned.  At that time the "hosted" sessions were waning (not that they ever caught on to my knowledge) and things were in a bit of a upheaval.  We discussed holding back-to-back all day team matches (much like the ones held by toniwacok), doing tourney's using vugraph deals (which actually can not be loaded directly from vugraph archives into a team match - I tried yesterday), doing sessions using vugraph deals with discussion (like Ken mentioned) and various other things to get members involved.  I have organized some special guests along the way (Pete Holland, Mike Dorn Wiss were two) and Dave Greenough at present.

When I joined the IAC we had Shep, Chick, Memti, Hoki, Hondo and maybe another (bad memory).  It takes a huge commitment to hold a class week after week (as you must know Oliver).

I like the idea of inviting an expert/star for a couple of hours each week to go over some vugraph or tourney hands.  Maybe approach some of our expert members (Phil, pawn9, braden, come to mind) and ask them to commentate/review?