skjaeran

1♣-1♦ 1NT-2♥ 3♥-4♣ 4♦-4♥ p 4♦=last train

Over here it's popular to play 2NT as GF with 55+ in the minors. I've also played it at a transfer to clubs.

An obvious 1♥ opening IMO. Just winning bridge tactics in my experience.

You might find something interesting on Christoffer Abel Arntzen's system page: http://home.broadpark.no/~carntz/sys_it.htm

Ehh? East has the 6430 hand. Whether 3♦ is right or not depends on what kind of diamonds you prefer it to show - and how many.

They do coplay with EBL/WBF rules, so there's no problem. The problem in the Italian Teams Championships was that someone gave Angelini's team clearance for breaking the rules.

Helgemo and Helness are full time bridge players. They are moving to Monaco. They've already applied for citizenship, which it seems they will get from 2010. This is a requirement for them to be able to represent Monaco in 2012 (Monaco rule). In addition, the first three years they can't stay in Norway for more than a short time (I'm not sure how much, 60 or 75 days per year I think) to avoid paying tax to Norway. As a Norwegian, I think it's a pity they've decided to leave Norway and represent Monaco in the future. But it's their own decision, and a decision I respect. With the amount of money involved, I doubt many (if anyone) would have decided otherwise in their position.

You can also read it here: http://bridgetopics.com/news/2010/dec/helgeness-and-fantunes-immigrate-monaco

Or play transfers over 1♠-1NT instead?

Clear pass IMO. Without interference, 3♣ would be invitationan for me. With interference it's only competitive.

North made an obvious rebid IMO. South took a very conservative view, I'd prefer a false preference to 2♥ with such a strong hand. Passing might of course be the winning decision.

4♥ for me.

1. I'd open 1♥ 2. 2NT now, inv+ with 4-card support 3. I'd not consider any other call.

North could have bid to 5♣ in a different way, showing values on his way. Bidding it this way sounds more like a gamble. And though I'm absolutely maximu,, with very nice controls, I'm afraid my trump queen is of dubious value. And I haven't got any trick source. So I'm passing.

1♠ for me. The suit is ok for the 2-level for me, but I've got too much potensial to make a weak bid.

For me 3♥ would deny any shortness, and 4♣ would show a control; 1. or 2. rokke. And still slam interest.

The ♦K would be the obvious lead from anything from KQx/KQT to KQTxx. RHO would play the 7 from 7/76/75/765 and even from T765 playing udca. I maintain that ducking is obvious, although it could be fatal.

This looks like a very obvious 1♦ opening to me. By reversing into and rebidding hearts (if allowed), I'll be able to show my hand pretty well. Over interference I'll be able to rebid 4/5♥.

Both would be forcing for me.

Ducking the lead is obvious. What next?

A tad to weak (too many losers) for 3♥. I'd bid 2♣ if I have Drury on my SC, 2♦ if I have 2-way Drury (showing 4-card support). If Drury isn't an option I'd probably (over)stretch to 3♥ anyway.

A team mate of mine once played 3NT after LHO opened 1♥ showing 5+. He had eight top tricks and seemingly no way to a ninth. He had a 7-card heart suit concealed in hand and at trick two lead the duce to the trey from LHO and the singleton four in dummy winning the trick and the contract. :)

Double and raise 3M to 4M. Over 4♣ I bid 4♠. And 5♣ I raise to 6.

The normal thing to do in Norway (where most peaople don't play 5cM) is to open 1♣ with 3-3 and 4-4 and else open the longest. Some open 1♣ on all balanced hand outside their 1NT range, making 1♦ unbalanced and 5+/4441 (a few open 1♣ even on 4441). In one partnership I open all 11-14 balanced hands 1♣, and all 18-19 balanced hands 1♦ (1M with 5cM), making both minor suit openings 2+.

3♦ is clear imo. Partner didn't double 1NT (t/o of ♠, so he's not prepared to play there. 2NT should show clubs and tolerance for one or both red suits here.