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To Balance or not to Balance


Your bid  

40 members have voted

  1. 1. Your bid

    • Pass.
      15
    • Dbl
      25
    • 3 CL
      0


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Partner has either a very bad hand (and RHO trap-passed) or he has diamonds and will be happy about our double. If RHO trap-passed I don't think we'll be too many downs playing at the 2 level (if we play at the three level 'cause partner has clubs great, if partner jumps...). I just double and see what developes.
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There are other holdings that partner could have.

 

He could have a hand very much like your hand. This hand is not strong enough to act in direct seat over a 2 preempt (IMO). Quite frankly, partner's hand could be better than your hand. IMO, one does not act in direct seat over a preempt with mediocre hands. A direct action should show a good hand.

 

Given that, it is necessary to balance with this hand. Whether you should balance with a double or with a 3 call is the only matter that is unresolved. If the clubs were better, I would balance with 3 on this shape. But with only AJxxx of clubs, double is fine.

 

I would not pass out 2. We could miss a game or a large penalty depending on what type of hand partner has.

 

That is not to say that balancing is without risk.

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Vul vs. not-vul, direct seat is not overcalling on borderline hands opposite two unlimited hands, which means that with the right shape [translate that = short in their suit] the balancing seat must take action. I suppose Jx is shortness though I'd like it shorter...
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I would like to have a real shortness, or the majors, or a good hand to act.

I have nothing, I go quitely.

 

I know this is not popular at BBF, but this no popularity contest anyway.

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For me it's an normal pass. We don't have the proper shape or strength for a reopening double (we need either a better shape or a better hand). The limit of trap passing at the colours is up to 2NT. Double may produce a jump response from partner and that may not work properly.
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Agree with hanp. This would've felt like an auto double because I have a hand that fits in perfectly; short diamonds, enough values to compete in the bal seat and I want to fight for a partscore.

But never considered it can go really astray

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