finnigan1

;) A rather simple one, get close enough to see an other inmate's eyes clearly. no need to ask or communicate, but look carefuly and you will see your own number reflected [in reverse] in the other inmate's eyes. Next question .... :lol: :lol: B) :lol:

B) If memory serves me right the ACBL has in th4e past endorsed political and acts of war ; conducted by the US Military on the behest of the current administration. Between supporting the troups and supporting an open act of warfare is 2 things. When an uncaused act of war is initiated by any NATION, then the very people that it claims to represent have a right to claim their displeasure in any form that does not cause to brake the LAW nor cause harm to anyone. From my perspective these ladies have shown to one and all where they stand on the issues brought about by the current White House Administration; as guarentied under the US Contitution [ FREEDOOM OF SPEECH] . In the poster there was, NO ENDORSEMENT OF VIOLENCE , but a statement that they do not agree with President Bush's policies of preemptive warfare; in stating that he was not their choice. In my upbringing POLITICAL and RELIGIOUS personal views aree taken very seriously, and as such are dicussed in public only as a last option, when either the Clergy and/or the Political ruling body is acting agains the better interest of the common good. It may not of been the best platform to make such a statement; but it did get the message across. For those woundering the ACBL CEO and Board of Directors have supported the war in Iraq, as well as honoring a Col. [field Doctor] at the Chicago Nationals 2006 in the course of the Goodwill Commitee. Myself sitting but a few meters away from the gentleman felt ill at ease about these actions, mind you this gentleman was involve in promoting Bridge amongst the Military serving in Iraq; in that I find no fault but to use platforms like the ACBL Goodwill Commitee banquet , is beyound my keen to keeping politics out of Bridge.

:ph34r: The thing that represent the main crux of the position with Ogust is that ; yes it tells about hand and suit quality. But the con is; that with 2 NT asking for feature and 3 ♣ asking for a singleton or void allows a better location of values and shortness. Mind you should partner ask for a singleton/void and it is a ♣ with a decent set weak 2 bid 3 NT indicates a singleston ♣ vs 4♣ as a void. As for the journalist leads [coded 9's & 10's] ; as a declarer , I would gladly take it as it rectifies the distribution early on allowing to rectify the count at trick 1. Personally these leads give up 75% advantage to the declarer. Where as an attitude/neutral lead with soft values to protect will hinder the chances of success on a contract, less action from the defenders early at the right time will force a declarer to do it's own dirty work himself/herself . As a general rule vs suit 1st - 3rd- 5th , attitude and neutral [trump] vs NT 2nd-4th-6/5th attitude and neutral leads Will more often payout for the defense, but of course the auction will also dictate a given lead , for example 3 suits are bid by ops. with a fit in a minor the 4th suit would be indicated if my hand has 3 or less in the said suit. ;) Afterall the lead is critical as to wether a contract sucsseeds or not and should not be a robotic lead, but with a plan.

:ph34r: As to wether it is forcing or inviting , breaking down the auction should be a priority. 1st 1C, 1 D, 1 NT, 3C , the 1D responce using the Walsh principle are either very weak , invitational or game force, pending on sequence. This sequence does show strenght with game values, where as 2C over 1NT is weak , and on a crisscross or inverted minor 1C 2D , would tend to present invitational values; by deduction 3C must be a game going auction, with the D King 3rd and the A K in harts, vs Q XXX in spades 3 options present themselves. A- raise the D to 3 D , thus impllying that the majors are very weak [ not really] B- bid 3 H as a cooperative bid with tolerence for D [cheapest control card] C- bid 3 NT with a wide open spade suit, hoping to catch P with the 10 X . Keeping in mind that 1 NT limited the hand, with a posible 5/5 in the minors or better P would lean to the minor suit contract, if not holding the 10 X in spades or the J X . A cooperative bid of 3 H would stand out , with the ever existing bailout bid of 4 C . :D