[net.rec.bridge] Bidding Problem M1

milla@cca.UUCP (Michael J. Massimilla) (08/29/83)

IMP's, both vul.  In third seat, you pick up
7642  QJ86  AJ6  AJ
You	LHO	Ptr	RHO
		1D	1S
dble*	pass	2C	2S		(* negative)
 ?
What do you bid now, and how do you follow up after partner's
possible replies?

halle1@houxz.UUCP (08/30/83)

IMP's, both vul.  In third seat, you pick up
7642  QJ86  AJ6  AJ
You	LHO	Ptr	RHO
		1D	1S
dble*	pass	2C	2S		(* negative)
 ?
What do you bid now, and how do you follow up after partner's
possible replies?
****************************************************************
Double again.  You hope partner leaves it in.  There is no guarantee
that you have game despite all your points.  Your best offensive hope
is that partner is 1-3-5-4 or the like, in which case 4H or 5C are
possible, but neither look that good.  If you can make 3NT, you're
going to murder this anyway.  Besides, partner might not have 3 hearts
or 5 diamonds (he might have 4D & 5 C minimum; unlikely but possible).
The double is not a command but a suggestion.  If he leaves it in
you will get 200 at worst (not necessarily a disaster, especially
if game won't make) and perhaps as much as 800 or 1100.  If he bids,
you will have a better idea of his distribution and can go from there.
Over 3C, say 3D.  He will know you are as strong as you are.  Over
3D, raise to 4.  (If he had spade stoppers for NT he would have passed.)
Over 3H, raise to 4 and play your Moysean fit-carefully.  Over 3NT,
pass and curse under your breath.  Over 3S, support diamonds: you are
going to slam.  Over anything else, leave the table before you are arrested
for homicide.

milla@cca.UUCP (Michael J. Massimilla) (09/06/83)

Double is the correct answer.  It rates to do well if partner leaves
it in, and leaves maximum bidding space for exploration if partner
pulls.  Unfortunately, it backfired at the table.  Partner had
Ax xx KQxxx KQxx.  RHO had KQJ10xx AKxx xx x.  3NT is cold and we
only beat 2S doubled one trick.