mr1303

I don't understand the support for rulings like Ave+ / Ave - on hands where a result has been obtained. These are illegal rulings surely, unless someone has either a) fielded a psyche or b ) played an illegal convention?

1 hand doesn't prove anything, but 4CX was -500(for not very many matchpoints) and 4D made. Unfortunately I don't have hand records, but partner had his bid. I passed as well FWIW.

My 2p worth is that some of the posts in this thread need censoring/removing. Getting back to the point of the thread, I wouldn't appeal this as either side. I think the ruling is about right, since the exact layout isn't necessarily clear even after the ace of diamonds switch. However, with the possibility of a 2 card suit in the West hand, it may occur to North to not continue clubs immediately, so there is some possibility of a diamond switch. As to the exact percentages? I think getting it right 50% of the time (as North) may be a bit high, but I'm not convinced that strongly.

What should double by you show. Not suggesting that I would do it (I would pass), but on a theoretical basis, what should it be? a) take-out, usually 3 spades and extra values, short in hearts B) Penalty c) Optional, e.g. likely flat 18 count or so.

[hv=d=n&v=b&s=s1098xxhxxdk98xxcx]133|100|Scoring: MP[/hv] Partner opens 1C, and the auction continues: 1C (1H) 1S* (3H**) 4C (P) P*** (X) P (P) ? * 5 + spades. Do you agree with this? I didn't think this one particularly controversial. ** Limit raise, roughly 10-11 support points. NOT pre-emptive. *** 4D here would be forcing. Do you put down a worthless dummy, or hope for a better fit (and hopefully result) in a pointed suit?

I think this is a brilliant idea. Much better than showing some sort of max 4333 or anything else that I've seen for a super accept.

Anyone for a pre-emptive diamond raise as South? 4 trumps, a stiff and a doubleton?

I bid 2NT on the first time round. Surely this is forcing. If partner raises to 3NT I bid 4NT, showing 18-19 instead of 12-14.

I tried setting up a camp in the UK last year. I had everything organised, but no-one bothered to sign up. The official organisations didn't bother to advertise anything, nor to reply to my requests that they did. In the end I had to cancel and lost a large amount of my own money on the venture.

CLose but a pass for me. If X is optional I'd be happier, but I prefer this is be strongly for take-out.

I REALLY can't bring myself to bid on this pile of ****

I went for 5D, deciding that partner could have something a bit ropey. Anyone else think that partner's 4D bid was fruity at unfavourable?

Presumably partner's 3S is of the flavour "I want to bid 4H but won't know what to do over 5C" and is therefore forcing. This brings me close to thinking about bidding as we do have a double fit. However we are 4-3-3-3 and have a quacky 5 count. Therefore pass says I don't know whether to bid or double, and therefore I do this to transfer the decision to him.

Hmm, I thought it was a 2C overcall, not a 4C overcall. In which case I retract my statement.

Partner's bidding was off the planet. Whatever 4H shows there, he doesn't have it.

Agree. The only possible course of action on this hand was a direct 3S over 2S. Now I have to pass, and expect -670 or worse. Incidentally I lead a trump.

Agree with Hrothgar's 7-4 open at game rule on this hand. Agree with 5H here. Why do I have a feeling partner has a flat 13 count over there and they're getting murdered in 5C with 5H 1 off?

I was a 4S bidder, despite how it should have turned out.

Definitely, I want a club lead.

I want to be able to pre-empt on this. However, forced to pre-empt normally (by which I presume involves 3 weak 2s) I dare not, since the possibility of a missed spade game is too great.

I remember Fred once said that you should only GF if you can control your auction and know what to do next. Here I don't know what my next rebid will be , and so I decide to take the slow approach with 2C.

Why is it whenever an opponents bids like this (3S .... 4S) they always end up with an undeservedly good dummy?

Borderline 2D. Close second choice is pass. I feel that a diamond lead may be important, so that's the only reason why I bid.

It's a shame the authors gave up on the site. I can see that a weekly column is a lot of work, but maybe a monthly one?

I'd much rather finish last in my local duplicate successfully bidding a cold grand that no-one else managed to find and making a contract on a compound squeeze than win playing boring bridge. Different matter if it's the national trials or something though.