dcvetkov

[hv=d=n&v=n&n=sqxxhjxxdaxxxcaqj&s=sajxhaq108xdxxcxxx]133|200|Scoring: IMP[/hv] RHO, for some reason decides to double you in 4♥ after invitational sequence. 1D- 1H 1NT- 2C 2H- 3H 4H Lead is small diamond, how do you play this?

I think 3♠ should really show this hand, good spade support, and hand unable to splinter first time, slam interest If partner bids 4♦, then 4NT If partner bids only 4♠, then he may have lousy opener, with some hearts wastage, and 4 level may be enough, but this hand mey be worth another try

You never showed a minimum, you hold a minimum, and the hand is completely unexciting. I think this is a very easy pass. I knew that Josh has a better way of putting it together with less words then me;)

Great idea, like you say it cant hurt :) As it stands, only those players who play 'live' can progress beyond the level of intermediate. It would be nice to see similar guidelines for online players. Unfortunately, without playing in real life, we cannot even become Sectional Master (50+ 5 silver) This true. Probably I should even start on ACBL masterpoint. I think Paul Soloway, the top holder, once said it is MPs are attendance record, not measure of player skills and ability There are quite a few players, I have seen LM, with 3000 MP or so, who play at Int/ Advanced level I believe at best, and quite a few players, outside of ACBL world who have few if any master points, but their play is masterfull. Specially true for players from lets say South America, or places like Bulgaria in Eastern Europe ( very strong and talented nation for bridge, by the way:), as you probably may have noticed. Oh no, I opened another can of worms;)

Pass I think we dont have many obvious source of tricks and it will be strugle to make 12 tricks, unless partner has 19 points which I doubt it. With stronger spots in clubs or 5 card suit maybe its closer

Declarer has lots of entries in trumps, and you see it is just too likely he can establish clubs with one ruff. Best chance for cash out is D switch, and you have only one chance.

Happy New Year to all BBOers , Forumers and alike Best of luck in 2009, but dont rely on finesses too much;) Dimitar

I am kind of surprised there is no real consensus here;). Imagine what are you chances of getting it right with a pickup on BBO. My thinking is as Codo, partner negative double has to cater to a lot of hands, and asking double to promise 4-4 at 2 level I think its impractical. So I think dbl should promise both majors, and partner is to take a pick. Playing is strictly as penalty dbl also is too one sided, you will rarwely have a trump stack, although it may work at MP. I am not sure what is right or expert agreement, but there are arguments for all approaches.

Parss First double 1H second 1NT over likely partner's 1S raise 2C to 3 C Double anything they bid on 2 level, or maybe partner can whack them

I am sure quite a number of people missed this, any chance of repeat? Or even better maybe could be a regular tourney:) I know it takes time and admin effort, perhaps we can all take turns to organize or direct. Replies welcome

I dont share the optimism of other posters, that we should be in game here. Two nice cards, but its balanced, hearts are weak and it needs powerhouse opposite to make. I would not be surpised even if 3♣ make some percentage of the time, although not likely. I would bid 3H, not too happy about it If partner has 4-3-4-2, where you want to be?

What is double in this auction? North LHO South RHO 1 ♦ 2♣ X 3♣ X* - Penalty - I have 4-4 in majors, please bid your 4 carder since you may have imperfect neg. double - Showing extras, balanced, decision up to partner - Something else Thanks

There is one good reason I think for people clicking that expert level, even they are aware they are not there. It goes something along these lines ("If I put my self as an expert, chances getting a seat in Main Club or wherever are much higher" and with Advanced and Int, much slimmer). Everyone likes to play with or against better players. And if most Forumers are honest, they will admit they have rejected seata requests from Adv/ Int You have all seen how many tables announce (Experts only please;), so this argument may hold some water. There is time maybe BBO to revisit Lehman rating policy, or at least give it a try. If members dont welcome it, its easy to go back to old.

Seems that declarer has tons of clubs tricks, they are either running or easily establishable via finesse Attacking lead is called for. Partner can not have much, but he can have 5 spades to the jack and possibly one more useful card. Ill try queen of ♠, since it will be much harder for declarer to duck from Kxx. and if he does, we can decided what to do with a look at dummy

Ok, West hand was simular to given above. Do you cash the spade ace viena cup or leave it in dummy Actually west is picked on penultimate trump x - AK10x QJ K - Jxxx Kx Q xx Qx Ax

Hmm not really, sure, lets assume heart opening lead Seems, you have to come to trick 12 first,, and then squeeze someone in the other 2 suits, or if West have all 3 guards, triple squeeze yiellding 2 extratricks is possible. Ok, Maggie you got your wish;)

[hv=n=sa10xhkj10xdak10xcqj&s=sqxxhaqxxxxdqxcax]133|200|[/hv] Contract is 7♥ Ok, I will give the full hand shortly. Do you like your chances? Anyone has idea what is the best line here, mathematically and otherwise? What distribution allows you to make? ( Hint - I am told made on triple squeeze or defensive error, one of these;))

I agree. It should show 6 spades and offensive hand, but not powerhouse. But what kind of hand is then double first, and then bid 4S? Nobody gave an example Is this one close? AKQJx x KQ10 AKxx

[hv=s=sakqjxhxdk109xckxx]133|100|[/hv] This was partner's hand. Draw your own conclusions if 4S was right

LOL Josh, I must say this was cute.:P Oh, by the way, do you think 4♠, should be 6+spades, most of the time? Should it promise six 100% of the time?

[hv=s=sxxhaxxxdaxxcj109x]133|100|[/hv] you have this hand and hear this bidding LHO Pd RHO 3♥ 4♠ Pass ? Its not a great hand but you have 2 bullets and control in ♥. Do you pass and take plus or you cue 4D in support of spades ( Assuming parther will decipher that meaning?) - What kid of hand does jump to 4S show? - What kid of hand would be double, and then 3 or 4 s? Which one is stronger? Reasoning and examples, please;)

You have this hand. All vulnerable, Matchpoints 9xx AJ106 Q87x xx and hear Partner doubles opening of 2H ( weak) and righty passes. Do you pass for penalty ( wtp?) Do you pass for penaly but its close? Do you bid 3D ( assume no lebehnsol)?

Yes sorry It is seven♣

[hv=v=n&n=saq763ha1042dck987&s=sjhk73dak54caq1063]133|200|Scoring: IMP[/hv] You are onto something can you make this? Lead is 8 of spades.

Do you mean strong jump shift, Han? I am not in love with 3D, but I dont see any other forcing bid available. 2Nt would be Inbergman, relay to 3C. Now any bid is to play and shows dead beat hand.