pbleighton

This is quite theoretical, as the powers that be banned Forcing Pass systems before people got used to them. But the rest of your point is obviously valid, how can you explain the pathetic record of failure that Meckwell have accumulated playing their light opening system. Card players like these guys should be able to win a national championship or two, their failure to do so must be a result of their aggressive bidding... :) Peter

Game before slam, but if 3D is truly slam invitational (that's the way I play it, I know others don't), then we're definitely in slam try mode with a double fit. If you play that 3D can be a 1543 9 count (not wrong, but not my style), then I agree with you. Peter

Where I play, it's 5-4 or better, with slam interest. I also bid 3H, to conserve space. Peter

2NT, wtp? Peter

Since 3NT was bid by lefty, not an unsual play. Peter

3D, because it's matchpoints. 2D if it was imps. Peter

You can choose how you deal with it. For myself, if it happens in a tourney (it hasn't so far), I would call the director. In the MBC, I ignore it. Peter

Double. Peter

1. 3S. I would bid 2S at imps, it's close, but 3S really puts the pressure on the opps, and -1100 is just a zero. 2. Any other vulnerability I bid 4H, but unfavorable it's 3H. Peter

Musharraf *is* the military, a garden variety, corrupt, incompetent military dictator. The kind we apparently love to support. Peter

Partner made a very unilateral bid. Trust him and pass. Peter

Sorry, but the "1NT" is a rebid by opener. Peter

Yup. Peter

LOL, you mock the Online Bridge Bible? Peter

From the SAYC booklet: It's forcing. It shouldn't be, but it is. Peter

Yes, a new suit by responder is always forcing in SAYC. However, responder's auction makes no sense, as he made a weak response (1NT), followed by an invitational plus response (2H). In 2/1, 2H would be weak with hearts, and would usually be passed. Peter

Mike, I can do destructive, obstructive bidding with the worst of them, but I can't understand taking 5D as showing a weak hand, it has to be forward going when spades have been agreed, else just bid 5S. Peter

Bidding theory isn't the whole story at all. I really miss California, especially the level of intellectual discussion... Peter

Phil, this must vary by region, this is a fairly unusual treatment in the Northeast U.S. among A flight players. Peter

3H seems clear, regardless of the definition of the opening bid. The hand is just not that good, even opposite 11-21 5cM. Peter

Agree. With this hand I would bid 4. Peter

I would take 5D as a first round control in diamonds (could be a void), and slam invitational. Peter

Got you! I knew I was missing something. Peter

I'd bid 3C, and pass after that. Peter

I'd be in 6NT as well. Sometimes you bid 6 and make 7, no big deal. Peter