mikl_plkcc

At MPs, I double more often: If I think that the chance of setting the contract is more than half, I double it (a 50/50 bet on top or bottom). If the chance of making the doubled contract is more than 80%, I redouble it (to make a single top instead of a shared top). Even it does not succeed, it is only a board, which can be caught up later fairly easily. However, at IMPs, a failed double/redouble results in about -10 IMPs, after that there is no hope to win in the event.

I've found that the "redouble" call is nearly useless. For high level contracts, I absolutely never redoubles because the risk is too high (usually when I place a high bid, I'm not sure if it can be made, especially when the opposing contract has a high chance to be made; moreover, a double usually indicates awkward distribution). For a low level contract, I've found only 2 uses of redouble in my system: 1. For bids between 1H and 2D, I redouble the double when I feel that it can be made, i.e. redouble to game. 2. I use redouble to replace a raise to partner's bid if it is doubled by the RHO, as to save bidding space. Moreover, I never double a bid between 2H and 3D for penalty unless I can guarantee an immediate set (like holding AKQJT9 when RHO is the declarer of a 2NT contract), because if it is made, they would be doubled to game. When will you redouble opponent's double in your method? I would like to know.

What does it mean?

Hand 1 [hv=pc=n&s=shakjt75dkjcakq96]133|100[/hv] 21 HCPs, 2 losers Hand 2 [hv=pc=n&s=sha9dt5cakjt96542]133|100[/hv] 12 HCPs, 3 losers I opened both hand 2♣, feeling they were too strong to open at the 1-level by counting losers.

I dare not open 4♥ without the ♥A, even at the 3rd seat.

1H at first seat, perhaps 3H at third/fourth seat.

How is your style of 2C strong opening?

pass, then 4S I'm afraid that bidding 4S will get an immediate raise of 6S by partner. Also, passing out this hand is not a bad thing, especially 4S may not be made. However, once the opponents come in, the situation becomes clear. I will bid 4S to shut their hearts game out.

What is the largest board number you have seen in BBO?

"Normal 3NT" : 25-27 HCPs, balanced

but the responses to a "normal" 3NT and a "gambling" 3NT are very different. With 0 HCPs, you will pass after a normal 3NT, but will bid 4C after a gambling 3NT.

Gambling 3NT? but there is an outside ace!

Discuss the bidding system to ensure that no misunderstanding happens in IMP events. Focus on playing in MP events.

[hv=pc=n&n=s4hj7dakqj8652ca5&d=e&v=n&b=2&a=ppp]133|200[/hv] If at the 1st/2nd seat, I would certainly open 1D to see the situation. At the 4th seat, I opened 5D, hoping it would make. The result was -1, however, half of the field made. What's your preference on opening shapely hand at the 4th seat?

In my school, we play takeouts up to 2-level only, so I will certainly double it for penalty, hoping an immediate set by cashing the aces/kings.

[hv=pc=n&s=sa93h4dak82ckjt93&w=sq542h8dq9654cq54&n=skhakqjt976532dtc&e=sjt876hdj73ca8762&d=s&v=0&b=11&a=1cp5hppp]399|300[/hv] result: +2 -11.1 IMPs You know, this is a guaranteed 7H, but how to bid it?

[hv=d=s&v=b&s=sj9765hq2d5cakqjt]133|100|Scoring: IMP[/hv]

direct raise to 5♦, any other suit is dangerous

3♦ 9 tricks are all.

4♣ I don't want the contract to be pushed too high.

[hv=d=w&v=b&n=s7hkj92dakjt873c9&w=sj32hq863d9ck6542&e=st6ha75d654caq873&s=sakq9854ht4dq2cjt]399|300|Scoring: IMP[/hv] My table plays: N [space]E [space]S [space]W [space] [space] [space] [space] [space]/ 1[di] / [space]1[sp] 2[cl] 4[di] 5[cl] 5[sp] / 6[di] / [space]/ [space]// Open lead: ♥7 Result: +1 Another table plays: N [space]E [space]S [space]W [space] [space] [space] [space] [space]/ 1[di] / [space]1[sp] / 2[di] / [space]4[sp] / 6[di] X [space]/ [space]/ // Open lead:♥a 2nd trick lead:♣a Result: -1 Conclusion: Leading a non-trump A is good for defensing a large suit contract.