BunnyGo

I'd never even heard of curtain cards (the term nor the concept) while in ACBL land. If used correctly, it'd be one of the things I much prefer about Israeli bridge.

"Psychoanalyze GIB" New e-macs command?

I think you've posted a 100% question :)

Ok, besides simply voting up Phil and MrAce, I'll give a serious response: If Israel bombs Iran, it will likely be with minimal US help. There's a very interesting article to that effect by one of the pilots who bombed the Osira plant in Iraq 20 years ago. He commented that at the time the US couldn't believe the Israelis could hit such a target, and demanded to know what extra technology the Israelis had to do it. Secondly, Netanyahu is one of the more despised politicians in Israel. While there are many people who support his party, or his platforms, a majority of them (perhaps based on my biased sampling of people here and the media I consume) seem to perceive him as something of a Mitt Romney, he'd say anything to stay in power. Netanyahu will not honor any deal with Obama that he doesn't feel serves his immediate need to stay in power. Obama has just announced that either way, he'll be doing everything possible to stop oil shipments from Iran, with or without a war. The announcement states that the Saudis and other nations who also are begging for someone to stop Iran are willing to compensate the world market until the situation is resolved. So, as for your assumptions, I find them a bit uninformed. As for your questions: Yes, yes there is. The journalists and informed analysts I've been reading suggest about 50-50 odds of this in 2012. Could be if there are speculators, but I doubt--based on the Saudi commitments to Israel and the US--that this will happen simply on a supply/demand/instability issue. That's the big question. For the answer, I suggest reading "The Prince", which I think is a highly underrated book. My personal belief is that if anything will stop this it is an internal power struggle. I base this not on any extra information that isn't publicly available, but simply that "folding" would be the wrong move for the leader of a "kingdom with a discontent population." I wouldn't be as surprised if a 2nd in command uses this to usurp power, but I'd be surprised if the current leaders "change their minds".

Ok, and for those who said it was "ok" or "pushy" to double what's the partner with: KJT7, JT8, KQ9762, void supposed to do? Pull it and risk partner having it set in hand or sit and let it make an overtrick doubled?

P.S. I don't understand why your partner doesn't rebid hearts. Do you have the agreement that balanced minimum hands bypass a 4 card major for the 2nd bid?

I think 1♦ and 2♣ if it were inverted are both reasonable starts. I think I prefer 2♣ because you aren't likely to play in diamonds as you have no preference between the minors, and your partner opened 1♣. It also gets the forcing nature of your hand out. If you bid 1♦ and it comes back 1NT to you, then it depends what GF options you have. Your partner must have a 4 card club suit on this auction, so 6 or 7 ♣ is definitely a possibility (so you don't want to just bid 4NT invitational). Make a forcing bid, and if no good one exists bid 2♥...it may discourage an unwanted heart lead while also being forcing.

Nope that was exactly what I meant. It wasn't intended as a bug report, just that if it were easy to implement it'd be nice. Not a big deal. Thanks for the fast reply.

If I'm at a table with a seat reserved, I cannot click on the name to see a profile come up. Is it possible to change this?

Third seat Red vs Red you hold: A82, K54, A43, T854 The auction: 1D-(2N*)-X-(3C) P-(P)-X-AP Thoughts on the doubles?

We just recently had the following auction, and weren't 100% sure of the meaning. (1♣)-X-(1♦)-1♠ (P)-2♠ Is 2♠ just a bid to keep the opponents out, or is it showing a big hand that wants to try for game?

I've wondered if using a watch as a randomizing device is legal.

Did you really not put your answer in a spoiler at least?

This. I think that South is: a) not so sure about diamond stoppers either b) not so sure clubs is worth avoiding c) can show all this by cuebidding hearts.

I'd lead a heart. I actually think there's good merit to all 3 of them--for different reasons.

Do you think it's different if it's: 1♣-(1♥)-X-(P) 2♣-(P)-2♦? I agree with the idea that X has to promise spades here, but I don't see why it has to promise strength on a ♦ rebid.

That's my understanding, but I didn't double check the chart before posting. I just thought the whole conversation was amusing...when PP just "knows" this isn't multi-2♦ and so it must be GCC ok. Edit: just double checked. See "competitive #7(b) Overcalls of NT" and note that one suit must be known if the bid is above 2♣

The original hand was just not going to be a good overcall, even with a small 6th club (move some spade honors to clubs and then you're talking). And hopefully, when we do have 6 cards instead of 5, we didn't take it from our partner ;)

I know you said "any 2C" but do you not modify this when 2C shows the majors? If not, what's the follow up to stayman?

I was just picturing this (yet to happen?) conversation, and it gave me a chuckle: <2D><alert> RHO: What is it, please? PP(pickup partner): Multi Landy, it shows one of the majors with preemptive strength. RHO: DIRECTOR! Director: What's the problem? RHO: They're playing a multi-2♦ PP: No it's multi-LANDY, not multi-2♦ Director: multi-Landy isn't GCC either.

So a followup question: If playing weak NT, does the strong (16ish) NT hand have to bid one of 3NT, cuebid 3♠ for a stopper ask, or pass? (if unable to bid hearts naturally due to lack of hearts)

Yes, all true. Sorry to misparaphrase.

I know where I rank on these forums as a poster and player. I don't go around lecturing 655321 and Statto about math that's clearly over my head--I don't condescend to the players who know what they're talking about (I calmly and patiently consider their posts), nor do I patronize the beginners. However, I do not suffer loud fools. This game (and frequently life) make fools of us all...please consider this in your future posts; I'll likely only read the ones in response to my threads. If neither the quality of the content nor the attitude changes I won't miss them.