Balance or no Balance

[eagles123]

Form of scoring = Matchpoints

 

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Thanks,

 

Eagles

[ahydra]

Not for me, the SQ is wasted and LHO likely has the honours we're missing in the minors.

 

Hopefully we play scrambling 2N so that if we do stick our neck out and partner is 4-4 in the reds, he finds the fit rather than just going for the major.

 

ahydra

[helene_t]

Absolutely. The question is if double shows this hand. I am inclined to say yes: a balanced 18-count should probably just pass. Also, since we didn't double 2♥ I am not too worried about partner thinking we show four hearts. Also, we have two aces so if partner passes the double it should be ok.

 

The safer action is 2NT, assuming that partner is intelligent enough to realize that this can't show a strong balanced hand. Pass is no good imo.

 

In a way 2NT is illogical: If it is the correct bid now, it would be even more correct on the previous round, wouldn't it? Maybe 2NT on the previous round could show long club but wanting a diamond lead.

[nullve]

X. 2N from partner is then "two places to play".

[broze]

Yes, double. Being NV makes this clear imo.

[Zelandakh]

What would X, 2♠ and 2NT have meant for us on the previous round? There are several defences to transfers possible, all with their different strengths and weaknesses, so the pre-requisite for giving a sensible answer here is first to know which method we are using.

[eagles123]

What would X, 2♠ and 2NT have meant for us on the previous round? There are several defences to transfers possible, all with their different strengths and weaknesses, so the pre-requisite for giving a sensible answer here is first to know which method we are using.

 

good questions. To be honest me and P play very simple methods - 2s would be takeout of spades, 2n i guess natural although I agree it makes little sense and I guess X would show hearts?

[billw55]

Yes, double. Being NV makes this clear imo.

Yeah, favorable at matchpoints I'd balance my drink on my pinky finger http://www.bridgebase.com/forums/public/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif

[wank]

perfect shape and it's 50s, what's not to love?

[nige1]

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Form of scoring = Matchpoints

[/hv]

I rank

1. Double = T/O. You passed 2♥, so this shows the minors with ♥ tolerance. Allows partner to pass with a ♠ stack.
2. 2N = UNT, Attempt to show longer ♦s than ♣s but removes ♥ from consideration.
3. Pass = NAT The consensus seems right that this is pusillanimous.

[rmnka447]

Dbl.

 

I'm definitely balancing on this hand at matchpoints. Vulnerability is favorable, you have distribution, and 2 ♠ making probably isn't getting a lot of matchpoints.

[ggwhiz]

At matchpoints I would often open 1♦ on these colours (not always) and bid 3♣ directly over 2♥, maybe enticing a 3♠ bid from lho that they will regret but hey, I live for danger.

 

On the actual auction does a balancing double really show this hand? Only if you reverse the red suits. Three petunias in hearts turns my stomach whether it gets to a heart moyse (I don't know anyone that bids diamonds with 4-4 in the reds here) or gets me a heart opening lead and may well turn partners.

 

ps. 2♠ over 2♥ directly would show a takeout double of spades by my partnership agreement and acting directly or not at all seems like the right approach.