SB escapes

[barmar]

In the EBU, the following are considered ‘natural’ for the purposes of alerting and regulation of partnership understandings:

( c ) A pass which does not unexpectedly convey values or specify suit holdings.

 

It does not say how many values have to be conveyed, or whether those values have to be guaranteed systemically.

What does it mean for a call to "convey" something other than it's part of your systemic agreements? But I agree that the case where it shows two possibilities, only one of which includes values, does not "convey values".

 

Outside of HUM, this doesn't usually come up with opening passes. But it's not uncommon for a player to have more values than they've previously shown, but no good bid available. This usually comes up in competitive auctions -- you'd normally show your extra strength with a NT jump, but you don't want to do that without a stopper in the opponent's suit, so you end up passing.

[lamford]

I agree that the case where it shows two possibilities, only one of which includes values, does not "convey values".

This would be my ruling too if pass was 9-11 or a Yarborough. I think if Pass showed a weak NT or a Yarborough, however, I think the opponents should be informed before the round, but I cannot find any law requiring it. I would say the CC should clearly state on the front that Pass will usually be a weak NT. If it is forcing, but can include a balanced Yarborough, it is alertable, as its forcing nature is unexpected.