vbartone

For 4-suit transfers, in the minors consider reversing the responses by opener. So over 1N-2S, 2N DISCOURAGES, and 3C encourages (same over 1N-2N. Reversing these responses became popular in NYC in the '70's. There are more advantages to using the reverse responses. First and foremost is right-siding the contract when partner has a fit/maximum and responder has no bid. This is the more likely scenario depending on what you call a fit/maximum. At IMPS, it may be more important to show a fit with a minimum so responder can bid 3N w/ xxx Ax xx KQxxxx. Additionally, it allow you to "transfer" to diamonds when responder has x-x-5-5 in the minors. With 3+ diamonds he would bid 3D. If he bids 3C, you can PASS knowing you have found an 8-card fit! So now you can use the direct 1N-3M more constructively (such as 6-card minor, any side 4+ card suit, GF).

Gave the West hand to my wife (Adair Gellman). Will admit that having a regular partnership helps with hands like this. Systemically, our 1D shows 4+ (an advantage here), and although 3D (over 2N) would be forcing, who needs the headache of lots of cuebids when FOUR DIAMONDS over 2N is Keycard (far superior to the USP/kickback use of 4H): ---- 1D (4+) 1S 2N (18-19) 4D (RKC) 5C (2 + Q) 5H (K's) 5S (spade K) 5N (K's) 6C (club K) 7D (knowing only 15HCP in the East hand)

Simple request - align the suits in declarers hand and dummy. Yes, trumps go on th eleft, but the rest of the suits, and the hands at NT, should at least start with the suits aligned. doesn't everyone do this at the table? BTW, having the human play the hands in ACBL robot games is a great idea. I think it will greatly increase participation. I know I've pretty much lost interest in the ACBL robot games due to robot insanity while declaring... Thanks, Vin