Balance or not?

[twcho]

IMP, Both, you hold KT9xxx Ax xx QJx

LHO open 1NT follow by 2 passes.

 

Will you balance? Will the vul affect your decision? How about if this is MP? If opp's 1NT is wk (12-14), will this affect you? Will your balancing method play a role too (e.g. you can't bid 2♠ directly but rather you have to bid 2♦ first, sort of multi)?

[Guest Jlall]

I would balance always, it's not close.

[helene_t]

This is a good hand for DONT because p may be able to convert my double and maybe come up with an inspired spade lead. With other methods I would balance as well, though. My defense against 1N is not great if p doesn't lead a spade. Playing multi-landy the problem is that opps may be able to find a red suit fit if they play an X on 2♦ and/or 2♥ as showing length in the suit bid, but even then I would balance.

 

Against a weak NT, the aim should be strictly constructive, at least at IMPs all vul. I think we might still have game an 2♠ does not overstate my values.

[ochinko]

I may hesitate a bit to balance at IMP but never at MP. I like to have an agreement that after opps open strong NT or precision 1♣ we almost never look for a game, and this gives us the opportunity to fight for the part score extremely aggressive yet without fearing of exciting partner too much.

[Finch]

I would balance always, it's not close.

I agree. This is a clear 2♠ bid at all vulnerabilities and all forms of scoring, against any normal 1NT range.

[pbleighton]

2S all the time, even unfavorable at imps.

 

Peter

[ArtK78]

If you are playing DONT in balancing seat, this is not a double. It is not good enough. It is a 2S bid.

 

And, yes, it is a balance.

[ralph23]

2♠ always.

:)

[helene_t]

If you are playing DONT in balancing seat, this is not a double. It is not good enough. It is a 2S bid.

You're probably right.

[jdonn]

I hate the vul, but the bid is still obvious.

[kenrexford]

There is only one reason that I can plausibly come up with for passing this thing out. This is IMPs. If we are at the very end of the match, and if we are comfortably up, I might pass, if I suspect from some clue somewhere that Responder might have taken a wild position. Maybe he's lurking with a 9-count. I'd have to be really strongly suspicious of this chap to pass, though.

[neilkaz]

If you are playing DONT in balancing seat, this is not a double. It is not good enough. It is a 2S bid.

 

And, yes, it is a balance.

I do play DONT and I'd need a bit better hand to double. 2♠ for me vs any NT range. I'm happy that I'm not playing something silly in balancing seat which may allow the opps to get to the 3 level in another suit and make.