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I would have bid 3♠ over 2♠ immediately, we may not have got to game, depends how aggressive partner is feeling. Sean

I went for 3♠, but how would people think if ♦ and ♥ were swapped? Sean

I am with Fred on this one, if E asked then there is a serious problem. If W asked it is really silly, you have just told declarer that ♦s are breaking really badly and that is an asset to your side until it is known. Sean

I think this is TD only too. Sean

Did you just say Bush was extremely bright? Sean

Congratulations, especially to Collingwood. It was a pity the match was marred by rain. Sean

Expanding on Richard's idea... You were born in India, hell for you. You were born in China, hell for you. You were born in Indonesia, OK, hell for most of you. Damn that is a lot of people gone. And this is looking at only a small number of countries, but a very large percentage of the world population. Sean

100% forcing. Sean

Just let the troll go. Sean

Not going to bother quoting anyone... Australia is a poor example to use, sure we have the same land area as USA (not including Hawaii and Alaska). However the USA is a goldmine of arable land compared to Australia. The main problem for Australia and immigration is the fact we need to be able to support the people that live here. Water is a problem that can be overcome, but only with a small increase in population but would be very expensive (desalination plants etc). Food is a far greater problem, given that most of this country/continent/island is desert, where exactly is the food going to come from? Given most of Australia has been in crippling drought for over 10 years, where is the water going to come from for the food? Some reservoirs for major cities are now down under 25% capacity. What are you asking of this country, we import all water and food so we can hold more people? Good way to destroy the country financially. Our only real resource is mining whilst the drought has it in its grip, a FINITE resource. So to take on too many would cripple the country for generations. A far better solution is a very careful immigration policy. Also, we have a skills shortage as many of our best and brightest move overseas for better prospects. so therefore there is a natural choice for people with skills immigrating to this country. So whilst some of the examples given about Australia had some merit, most were in ignorance. Sean PS: And no I am not a card-carrying member of the Liberal party etc

Oh well, only two more humiliations left for the Englsih summer, perhaps it was a ploy all along for further humiliation. *runs and hides* Sean

OMG, you are talking about a bonus point for England? :P Sean

IMHO, I only open 2♣ on hands I am scared will get passed out otherwise. I would not even think about opening any of the examples given with 2♣. I have plenty of time to get back in and just bid game if need be without screwing with partner's mind. Sean

Fred, Do you think this might have something to do with the fact that noone plays rubber bridge anymore? In rubber it is all natural bidding and you have to think about the auction. Sean

Australia helped out England by beating NZ, now if England beat NZ, they are actually in the finals :P Sean

Actuallyshould play small to the K before running the 10 in case it is: Axxx J Sean

Wow, Shaun Tait just clocked 160.0kph (99.4mph). Sean

Does anyone think that an organisation or a country will have the guts to try and charge Bush with war crimes? Sean

Wow! England are batting well, 1/74 off 14.2 overs. Sean

Been years since I looked at chemistry, but itsn't C4 diamond? Sean

5♦ for me also. Maximum pressure. If it doesn't work out, sometimes opponents screw up the next hand because of over-confidence, or if a period of maximum pressure has been applied it can also work out. Sean

1♦ for me, less likely to see partner start trying to force to game while you try to convince them that you don't have a 4 card suit. Sean

RKCB after 3♠, there is an abundant source of tricks in ♦s, the ♠J is a huge card. Why stuff around? Sean

If I was trying to get to 3NT as south I also would have bid 3♠ instead of 3NT. Sean

A truly pathetic performance by the Australian bowlers. Sean