sner66

Another vote for the Lawrence CD. It is more current than his book and goes into much more depth on some advanced treatments. I think biggest difference with Hardy/some others is that Hardy says that opener's rebid of 2M promises six, while Lawrence says may be only five (to avoid having to rebid 2NT with suit(s) unstopped). I tend to like Lawrence approach better but there are advocates for the other side as well; I think ACBL bulletin discussed this issue a couple of years ago.

Anyone who passes deserves what they get when opponents rack up nine tricks in 3NT on a non-heart lead.

The instant ACBL tournaments are very nice; main advantages are 1. No wait for next tourney to start 2. If you get called away from computer you do not have to worry about time 3. At "slow times" you don't have to decide between playing in a 6-person event or waiting 15 min for next tourney 4. Flexibility to pick between IMPs and mps To those who think its not "real": 1. Really no difference than playing in live tourney; you are just "time-shifting" much like using a DVR for your favorite TV show; it's not a different show than had you watched it live. If the same players were playing these hands with you "live" you would achieve the same results. 2. Maybe GIB bid differently when tourney was first played but you know how GIB bids now and can take that into account. Much like saying you can only play with partner A because partner B bids differently. True, for a given hand, the A and B systems may give different results, but net/net it will average out between good/bad and no difference. Good job BBO! (only downside is that in the two instants I've played--> the ghost of Leo past has been in both! :rolleyes: )

I think neg X is best first but the second X should suggest a more balanced hands with max values or the original X. Instead, S could bid 2NT at second turn as a "scramble"(if the opponents have agreed on a suit then 2NT is never to play in this agreement). It is for takeout suggesting a doubleton in pard's suit and length in both minors.

Yes, depending on skill level of opponents you might try to duck a spade immediately and hope they don't continue trumps. You can then ruff TWO spades and make on a 3-3 diamond split. Double-dummy you can make by winning opening lead in N-hand and leading a diamond, ducking into the W hand (if E plays K, win A and then duck diamond). Since E has no trump to return, you make the contract with two spade ruffs, 5 trumps, 1 diamond and 2 clubs.