UI with the bidding box

[jerdonald]

BBO forum,

Playing west in an open game today my partner opened 1C and my

RHO bid 1D. We both continued bidding our minors to the point

where my partner bid 5 clubs. My RHO paused and then reached

into the bidding box, pulled the pass card half way out and

dropped it back in the box. This was repeated 2 more times and

then the 5D card was pulled out and played. My holding and the

vulnerability were such that I was able to bid 6C. Now my LHO

paused and finally just doubled.

 

It was pretty obvious that the action by my LHO had alerted

his partner to the fact that it he wasn't even sure about his

5D bid and 6D was probably out of the queation. That seemed

like UI to me so I called the director who said he saw nothing

wrong a with it.

 

If this is legal why wouldn't I use it at every opportunity?

 

Jerry D.

[blackshoe]

Giving UI is not illegal, unless done deliberately. It is a bad habit, and your director should have said so.

[billw55]

Giving UI is not illegal, unless done deliberately. It is a bad habit, and your director should have said so.

But using UI is illegal, and the doubler may have done so. We would need the compete hand, bidding, and circumstances to decide whether pass or 6♦ were logical alternatives.

[barmar]

While the UI may suggest against 6♦, does it demonstrably suggest Double rather than Pass?

 

If RHO had been fiddling with the Double card rather than the Pass card, then it would clearly suggest doubling, and LHO should not do so unless he has no other LA.

 

This is why it's a bad habit to touch the bidding cards while thinking. A long hesitation before bidding also sends UI, but the reason for the tank is less obvious (you can't tell whether he was thinking of doubling or passing rather than the bid he eventually made).

[blackshoe]

But using UI is illegal, and the doubler may have done so. We would need the compete hand, bidding, and circumstances to decide whether pass or 6♦ were logical alternatives.

Of course.