tysen2k

60% East 10% West 30% Strong 2N

The other alternative is saying, "Double - your lead, partner."

Same here.

Given the definitions you provide, I don't see any blame. Next board.

I'm preempting with this one. Usually I prefer less defense, but passing just doesn't put enough pressure on the opps.

I also bid 2♠ over 1♥. But given on this hand that I didn't... I'll start with a 2NT response. I think this should show 12-14 or 18+. The jump to 3NT should show 15-17. So I continue 2NT - 3NT 4NT - 6NT Pass The jump shift might make it easier to get to the grand. Tysen

2♣ to start. The only time I would pick 1♠ would be if playing ELC and partner would frequently double with short clubs. 2♠ the next time around. Tysen

I once read of this treatment and I've always liked it. If a preempter doubles it says: "Partner I have more shape than I've promised and I really don't want to defend. However, you are the captain and I'll let you decide..."

I also choose 3♦. It's not too much of an overbid unless partner opens light. Although if partner opens light, I should be using NFB and the correct bid for that is probably 3♦ too, although I'd like a better suit. :) Tysen

It's borderline for me, but I like to bid. Note however that if the 1NT opening was 11-13 then it becomes an automatic opener since you can shut out the majors. Tysen

I play CRASH and Inverted Psycho Suction above the 1-level. I believe it's also a good idea to make sure your Dbl and 1♦ overcalls are not very frequent. Dbl = non-weak hearts (usually opening hand or better) 1♦ = non-weak spades 1♥ = 44 or 45 (longer lower rank) of same color 1♠ = 44 or 45 of same rank 1NT = usually 54 or 45 of same shape 2♣ = 5♦&4♣ or 6♥ 2♦ = 5♥&4♦ or 6♠ 2♥ = 5♠&4♥ or 6/7♣ 2♠ = 5♣&4♠ or 6/7♦ 2NT = 55 of same shape ... Higher bids are just like 2-level bids with more extreme shape. Tysen

I think so if partner can be counted on to have 5+♠. If you only bid 2♠ and opener goes to 3♥, you don't want them to have it there. Bid 3♠ right away. Tysen

5♣. Sure passing first shows strength, but why bother? Will partner ever care that you are strong? Passing first and then 5♣ will make it less likely that they will continue to the 5-level and go down. If you jam now and it gets passed to opener, he may have to be aggressive since from his point of view you could be robbing him. Tysen

Don't like the double, but agree with 3♥ by partner. Tysen

1♠ and pass over 2♣ response. Not pretty, but it's what I'd do. Tysen

3♥ with 3♦ as a close second. Tysen

Choosing to open or not should depend on what you think the purpose of opening is. If you think it's to show the balance of strength then you should pass. If you think it's to describe your hand as best as you can then open. 2-suiters are the hardest hands to describe and so they should be opened as soon as possible. You might not be able to come back in and get the needed information across. Tysen

I think you need an "other" on your poll because I'm tempted to do a direct 2♣. Not a pretty suit, but double is not right on this hand. I do want to compete and 2♣ nicely shuts out the 1-level for the opps. Pass throughout is my second choice. Tysen

I think all the bids are reasonable except pass. I'd bid 4♣, which must be forcing. Tysen

A: xxx ATxx AKx Axx B: xxx ATx ATxx AKx C: xxxx ATx ATx AKx

I also do light openings in 1st&2nd, so our openings are sound as well for 3rd&4th. However, preempts are wide ranging from complete trash to a minimum sound opening bid. Also we expanded our 1NT opening in 3rd seat to be 8-15 (no 4cM) since partner can't have anything more than a balanced 10. Tysen

A boring 1♠ - 1NT (semi-forcing) for us.

We also reached a grand, but in hearts: 1♣ - 1NT 2♥ - 3♣ 3♥ - 4♣ 4♦ - 4NT 5♣ - 6♣ 7♥ - P 1♣ = art strong 1NT = 9+ HCP, 5+♥ 2♥ = total control ask 3♣ = 4 3♥ = TAB 4♣ = 5 w/ 2 of top 3 4♦ = CAB 4NT = 2nd round 5♣ = CAB 6♣ = AK or AQ

Our auction will not be repeated at the other tables: 1♠ - 2♠ 3♠ - 4♠ P We use 2♠ as a "poker raise": 0-8 points with 2-3 card support. Since opener is limited, he doesn't bid again 95% of the time. 3♠ shows a maximum with 6♠. Quick and dirty.

We also reached 2♥: 1♦ - 1♥ 1NT - 2♣ 2♥ - P 1♦ = artificial promising a 4cM 1NT = 11-15 balanced with 4♠ 2♣ = art checkback 2♥ = minimum w/ 3♥