[net.rec.bridge] balancing bids

rainbow@ihuxe.UUCP (10/24/84)

Hand four of the last bidding contest generated some controversy.
What do balancing bids mean? For discussion sake, lets say the
auction goes 1D or 1H followed by two passes. I checked with two
sources to find out what they had to say. The solution is no more
clearer now. Please present your views and comments.

Lawrence:
  2S-6 card suit, a hand which at least evaluates to 15 points.
  dbl-balanced, minimum about 8
      unbalanced, minimum about 16
  1NT-a good 11 to 15.
  new suit-8 points or so to 15.
  cue-game force.
  +++++++++++++++
  a raise of 1S to 2 by responder is made with 9-11 give or take a point. and
  A cue bid in response is articifial showing an opening hand. and
  1NT shows 9-11.                                    (in response to 1S)

Sheinwold:
  2S-6 card suit, opening hand or better.
  dbl-an opening hand, balanced or unbalanced.
  1NT-8 to a poor 11.
  new suit-less than opening hand, about 8 to a poor 11, often 4 card suit
  cue-game force.
  ++++++++++++++++
  a raise of 1S to 2 by responder promises at least a good opener. and
  1NT shows at least an opener. and
  a cue bid shows better than a full opener.          (in response to 1S)

I tend to prefer the first method. So did the panel of experts from the
midwest. However there were considerable dissenting views from the east and
west coasts. Obviously no one method is correct.