Apollo81

I'd bid RKC. Bidding 4♠ is just wrong here. Period.

Let's assume this is IMPs for the moment...I didn't want my list of options to go over a page. :( Pass then. If you bid 1NT with bad 11 counts routinely in this position, you'll probably lose more IMPs on going for numbers when LHO is loaded then you'll gain from infrequent partscore/game swings.

c. Ax Kx Axx KQJxxx d. x AKx Kxx AKJxxx

I take it the event date listed on this page is wrong http://www.fisu.net/site/page_1445.php

Dbl is normal after 1♦pp. After 1♣pp it's close between pass and 1NT. I know I'd bid 1NT all white/MPs but I would probably pass most of the time.

That auction shows a hand with clubs that was too strong to overcall 2♣. I don't think either of the hands you gave is appropriate. The first one should double again. The second one is close but a bit too strong IMO

Was any consideration given to the second week/end for these trials? Seems like there might be a fair # of people who would be interested in playing in GNTs and the trials, which now conflict.

What is the age requirement for the FISU Trials? What is the minimum number of credits participants must be taking?

Isn't the point of this constructive raise agreement to differentiate between a "good" raise to 2♠ and a bad one? Seems like you are just bidding 2♥ on all hands that would normally bid 2♠. Anyway I'd have just raised to 2♠ on this hand, but you're clearly close to your bid, as you've described it. I'm not sure I'd have sat for the double of 4♣ either...but again I don't think it's clear cut and don't have a big problem with the pass. As for the defense, I'd just go with the normal looking ♠10 lead.

I agree that it seems silly to be considered a youth by 27-28. I think a lot of 22-24 year olds are still in school though, so it also doesnt make sense to cut it off at 21.

Exactly.

Well expressed, my thoughts exactly.

I'll also vote 4♦

I almost commented on this in my original post (but I was too lazy). I think that after you negative double, the burden is on your partner to act over 3♦ (after all it is all white, MPs, and he has a singleton). It's possible others will disagree with me. If he passes, your hand's action is also not clearcut (although I suspect I would pass in tempo). The auction you originally gave and the auction after a negX are a lot different because a. in the first auction partner's 2♠ bid was free, after a neg X he has fewer options b. in the first auction you had not described your hand at all / your hand was great in context, in the second auction you already described the key features of your hand

Another in-real-life benefit to NOT bidding 5d is that when you bid and it is wrong, some partners may get annoyed/discouraged and not play to their best ability on subsequent boards. Missing a sac when it is right does not have the same psychological effect.

I play with my wife in Total Points sometimes against 2 GIB's on "fast" mode. When one of us Undos a play and plays something else, it consistently takes GIB a long time to play, if it plays at all. A lot of the time it just gets stuck and we have to undo again and make the same play just to get it 'thinking' again.

I have no idea what the laws say, but I think the most fair result would be to crash the honors when the Ace is singleton and to set the contract when partner started with Ax or longer.

100% South, first for missing an auto negative double and then for not competing to 3♠.

I'd pass. Bids like this 5♦ may work occasionally, but there's also a pretty good chance you're giving them a "fielder's choice" of 650 or (X)X00. There are other ways to get a good MP score besides a wild gamble in the bidding.

We're red on white.

pass and 3♣ are the only calls that make sense with the South cards.

3♦ then pass. I don't expect to buy the contract for our side, so I want to get partner off to the best possible lead. In the even that we do own the hand, 3♦ (values) is the best initial description. We can find the hearts later. This only really loses if we end up playing 3♦ and the field is in a superior heart partial our way. I don't think this is likely.

My bad. I should have included a "never" option.

I'd at least try for slam in diamonds. I think slam (or 5♦ being better than 3NT) is likely enough to justify bypassing 3NT.

None vul, IMPs ♠x ♥H1097xxx ♦xx ♣Axx 1♠-1NT 2♦-2♥ 2NT-??