MarkDean

Or give east a heart ruff.

[hv=d=w&v=b&s=sq965hak5dq843ca4]133|100|Scoring: XIMP[/hv] The opps are playing some weird big club system. (1♥) P (2♥)* P** (P) dbl (P) ? * = constructive ** = do you agree? Now what?

I mean, sure. It could happen. Bad things could happen with any decision. If you double, you could also end up in 2♠ when partner has ♠xxx ♥Qx and the opponents start the obvious tap in diamonds. I think you would usually end up in clubs opposite xxx Qx in the majors. I would double, but agree it is not without risk. The biggest one I see is when we end up in clubs instead of hearts, particularly if we have a game. Partner could be 3325 or 3334 with some values and it is unlikely we will find 4 hearts.

What would you do with Jxx xxx AQJx Qxx playing standard negative doubles? That's an ugly hand, I think I might bid 1NT. I would not double with xxx in hearts. If you were making a point I missed it. I was trying to make a point, but now that I reread your post, perhaps I misunderstood the reason for your question. So, feel free to disregard.

What would you do with Jxx xxx AQJx Qxx playing standard negative doubles?

IMO 3♠ > 2NT >>> anything else.

I was watching on Vugraph. The pause was over 3NT. The hesitation was long enough that the vugraph operator commenting on wondering what Feldman was thinking about. Of course that does not mean it was obvious to the other side of the screen that there was a break in tempo. I gave the lead problem to a few people not of Zangorin's level, and they lead a club, and all said that the hesitation suggested a heart lead.

1♣ for me. With one partner I play a 3NT opening asks for specific aces, so I would try that.

2♠ for me. I really do not like double: 2♠ is going to play as well as 3m quite often, and it will be tough to find some 53 spade games if we start with double.

I am watching the Cavendish on BBO, Rodwell just doubled after (P) P (1♦) x, all red, with AKx Qxx QT87 Axx

4♥ for me, would like another heart, but it was not dealt to me.

OK, saw two more doubles which made me cringe recently, both by good players, and I was wondering what the forum members think. Both were IMPs, unfortunately I do not remember the vul on either one. 1. Kxx Axxx Qxx Qxx third seat after P (1♦) ? 2. AQx AKxx xxx xxx (might have been a ten in a minor) second seat, (1♠) ?

I am going with the unilateral action: pass.

Good luck, hope you finish the tournament a richer man.

[hv=d=n&v=n&s=sk4h83dkjt74cqj63]133|100|Scoring: IMP[/hv] The opponents are silent: 2♣ - 2♦ 2♥ - 3♦ 3♠ - ? Your agreements are that 2♦ is waiting, and that 3♣ would have been negative. Do you agree with 3♦? What now?

Nope. Not close to me.

[hv=d=w&v=n&s=sakq974hakj63d4c6]133|100|Scoring: IMP[/hv] Three passes to you, what do you open? I opened 1♠, and with the opponents silent: P 1♠ 1NT 3♥ 3♠ ? What now?

[hv=d=e&v=n&s=sakj32h9dakqt2c64]133|100|Scoring: IMP[/hv] (3♣) 3♠ (5♣) dbl (P) ?

I would bid 3♣ NV, was just answering the problem as given.

4♠, very clear to me. Double, but less clear...what does LHO's double mean, btw?

I would not, but expect to be in the minority there.

I will try for +620.

I cannot imagine doing anything but passing in either one of these auctions.

I think this is an interesting auction for us having a stiff spade. It seems likely that LHO has 7+ spades or partner has 3+, which for me at least, means he is likely to have a big hand. So it seems rather likely the auction is going to proceed in one of two ways: either 4 spades on my left, or pass then 3NT/3S/4H from partner. If it is the first auction, I want to have bid to help with the lead/saccing decision, but if it is the first, I may wish I had kept my mouth shut with the weaker hands. Anyways, I voted for QQ, but would also probably bid on x KTxxx xxx xxxx.

OK, I will bite, can you give me an example of a hand which opens 1♠, raises to 3♥ and is a minimum?