County match ruling

[VixTD]

[hv=pc=n&s=saj64ht8dkq42c642&w=sk98532hkdat97cq3&n=s7hqj9532d86caj87&e=sqtha764dj53ckt95&d=w&v=e&b=16&a=1s2hd2n3d4h4sdppp]399|300|2NT(A) = good raise of hearts[/hv]

2NT was alerted and explained as showing a good heart raise. This was confirmed on the NS convention card; South had forgotten their agreement.

 

Result: 4♠X(W)-1, NS +200

 

The players called for a director at the end of the hand. It was from a match between the third teams in an inter-county teams-of-eight match. How would you rule?

[paulg]

Result stands is my expectation.

 

It seems that South is the only player to have received unauthorised information but the final double looks pretty clear on this auction. I would poll some other third team players if I could just in case pass or 5H is a logical alternative, but I'd be surprised.

[BunnyGo]

Result stands is my expectation.

 

It seems that South is the only player to have received unauthorised information but the final double looks pretty clear on this auction. I would poll some other third team players if I could just in case pass or 5H is a logical alternative, but I'd be surprised.

 

agree.

[Cyberyeti]

deleted, missed the bit about confirmed on CC to only UI matters not MI

[iviehoff]

Result stands is my expectation.

 

It seems that South is the only player to have received unauthorised information but the final double looks pretty clear on this auction. I would poll some other third team players if I could just in case pass or 5H is a logical alternative, but I'd be surprised.

The key issue is whether 5H is a LA, and I think I'd be surprised if it was, but we should check as you say. I think it is likely pass is a LA. But that doesn't matter, because I don't think the UI particularly suggests pass over double or vice versa. If anything, double is the more ethical call, because pass makes sure that partner doesn't speak again.

[VixTD]

Thanks for your comments. I tried to poll other third team members, but it took me so long to explain the auction to the first player I tried that I gave up and just discussed it with the team captains (both from the first teams). The player I managed to poll doubled, but considered passing.

 

We allowed the score to stand. I think it's debateable whether pass is a logical alternative, but if it is, surely double is suggested over pass by the UI, as the UI suggests to South that their heart fit is worse than it would be without the UI. I didn't consider Iviehoff's interesting point that double would keep the auction open.