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I've often thought about this from what seems to me like another perspective: Teach the computer how to efficiently encode information and then have it chose a definition of bids depending upon the auction thus far (with partner doing the same thing of course) Then make the bid representing the partition into which it's hand falls. Make the cheapest bids represent the largest bins The idea would be to use something much like arithmetic compression where the transmitted symbols are the bids and the model used to estimate the probabilities of various hands is based on some assumptions about the auction so far. Of course this may not get you to a playable contract but it will take advantage of the computer's strengths. Getting to a playable contract would need to take the weakest hands (by what metric?) and put them at the cheapest call (pass). Just something I daydream about as I mow my lawn...

It is true that we can know the partnership number of controls but setting trump has some other advantages doesn't it? Or am I missing something? Playing Precision 1♣ opener is captain. Therefore you dont set trump, captain decides the contract. How can I ask about the trump Q? Ordinary way or look into Power Precision OK I was not clear. How does opener set trump after (for example) 1C 3D big; 4144 or 4414 2-3 controls fewer than 13 HCP 3H 3S shortness?; Diamond shortness So if opener now bids 4M that is to play. So my question is how does opener set trump and still be sure to get another bid?

It is true that we can know the partnership number of controls but setting trump has some other advantages doesn't it? Or am I missing something? Two questiosn come to mind 1) If we have 10 or 11 between us is it a trump honor we are missing? 2) How can I ask about the trump Q? Isn't it normal to count extra length as making up for the Q once you get to 10 combined trump... i.e. with 9 I think I'd still like to know?

In a precision framework 1C 3m shows a 4441 hand pattern short in a black suit (for 3C) or a red one (for 3D) Then Openers S1 asks for the shortness bid in steps so 1C 3D 3H 3S shows 4414 So how does opener set trump before keycarding? Usually bidding responders shortness is a ask for # of controls but that will not help with trump honors in particular. How do folks address this problem? Thanks Collins

MP all red You hold 63 Ak AJT95 KQJ7 You are dealer and open 1D (your NT range is 11+ to 14) the auction proceeds 1D (1S) P (P) Do you double or bid 2C or something else? I chose double so the auction concluded 1D (1S) P (P) X P 2H P P P Partner held 854 QJ43 Q6 T532 The outstanding Hearts split 6-1. -200 was worth 0.5 MP out of 12. So... what should we have done better? Thanks Collins

OK thanks... Are there specific methods for unwinding 3 vs 4 card support when responder has at least some interest in going forward? Or can this further development be handled naturally?

In a precision/weak NT framework my partner and I are having a "discussion" about the following shape x xxx xxxxx xxxx After the auction begins 1♦ 1♥ We are trying to civilly come to agreement about when it is right to raise to 2♥ as opposed to bidding 2♣. Is there consensus about this or is it really a matter of discussion and style among experts as well...? Are there other criteria that are brought to bear when choosing? Thanks Collins

This is interesting b/c it will give responder lots of extra options... But don't you worry that defenders will be know too much about declarers hand? the acceptance implies at least two cards and the original opening implies six... Collins

We play 10-12 NT and... 2NT is shows 5-5 or better in the minors (less than opening strength NV) minimal opener Vul. So those hands would not need to be show here.

In precision with the standard nebulous 1D, what are useful meanings to assign to opener's jump rebid of 2N after responders 1M? For that matter, does 1D-1N-2N have any meaning? Thanks Collins

Partner is showing natural hearts and nothing he must protect in NT. In my agreements he has also denied as many 3S (independent of having shown a 3 suiter). I bid 4C to set trump and indicate that slam is still on the table from my point of view. Collins

My parnter and I are in the middle of taking up precision and we are moving to a weak NT (10-12) . One of the things we are wrestling with is the implications this has for 3rd seat. We have played Drury as part of our 2/1 card for years (I'm not sold on it but it's not worth fighting over) In this structure (limited openers and 10-12 NT) do people modify their 3rd seat actions at all? If so do you play Drury or something like it? If not, do you have other modificiations that you make in responding to a 3rd seat opener? Thanks Collins

Playing pretty basic precision the auction begins: 1C (P) 1D (1S) 1C=> 16+ unbalanced or 17+ balanced 1D=> 7 or fewer HCP (also does not have 6 of a major with 4-6 HCP). Are there standard agreements with how to deal with the 1S interference. We have practiced dealing with direct seat interference but this one caught us off guard. (only played precision for 4 sessions thus far). Thanks Collins Collins.Williams@alumni.duke.edu