First hand I pass. I don't understand Luis' conclusion that I have no defensive tricks. It might work out that way but it seems rather pessimistic. The higher the level of the double, the less is required in distribution for the double, so I am not as sure of 11 tricks as others are who choose to commit to 5-minor, which I reckon to be a speculative bid compared with a rather more likely plus score in defending. I guess it might depend a bit on your doubling agreements.
On the second hand I double. I agree that partner leading Spade Ace is would not be welcome, but I do not expect that lead to let the contract through.
Two Decisions over 4H
#21
Posted 2006-April-24, 15:09
Psych (pron. saik): A gross and deliberate misstatement of honour strength and/or suit length. Expressly permitted under Law 73E but forbidden contrary to that law by Acol club tourneys.
Psyche (pron. sahy-kee): The human soul, spirit or mind (derived, personification thereof, beloved of Eros, Greek myth).
Masterminding (pron. m
s
t
r-m
nd
ing) tr. v. - Any bid made by bridge player with which partner disagrees.
"Gentlemen, when the barrage lifts." 9th battalion, King's own Yorkshire light infantry,
2000 years earlier: "morituri te salutant"
"I will be with you, whatever". Blair to Bush, precursor to invasion of Iraq
Psyche (pron. sahy-kee): The human soul, spirit or mind (derived, personification thereof, beloved of Eros, Greek myth).
Masterminding (pron. m
s
t
r-m
nd
ing) tr. v. - Any bid made by bridge player with which partner disagrees."Gentlemen, when the barrage lifts." 9th battalion, King's own Yorkshire light infantry,
2000 years earlier: "morituri te salutant"
"I will be with you, whatever". Blair to Bush, precursor to invasion of Iraq
#22
Posted 2006-April-24, 17:58
1.
I passed and lead a spade for +500. There was, perhaps, one additional piece of relevant information. EW were trailing in this match and I suspected that East was swinging. I'm not sure that makes pass right, but I was hopeful of a decent number if I lead a spade. This time it worked, next time it could be a double game swing. At least it was MPs.
2.
This time it was partner's problem. I agree that my 2♠ was very aggressive. It's not clear if it was right to bid. As the cards lay, 6♦ makes by South and 5♦ is an excellent contract. 4♠ by North will make on a non-club lead.
As it was, it turned out to be an interesting defensive problem and one of the few I got spot on. I lead a fortunate diamond. Partner took his A and laid down the ♠K. I overtook and played the ♠Q and another spade guaranteeing the set.
I passed and lead a spade for +500. There was, perhaps, one additional piece of relevant information. EW were trailing in this match and I suspected that East was swinging. I'm not sure that makes pass right, but I was hopeful of a decent number if I lead a spade. This time it worked, next time it could be a double game swing. At least it was MPs.
2.
Scoring: MP
4♥ - P - P - X
All Pass
4♥ - P - P - X
All Pass
This time it was partner's problem. I agree that my 2♠ was very aggressive. It's not clear if it was right to bid. As the cards lay, 6♦ makes by South and 5♦ is an excellent contract. 4♠ by North will make on a non-club lead.
As it was, it turned out to be an interesting defensive problem and one of the few I got spot on. I lead a fortunate diamond. Partner took his A and laid down the ♠K. I overtook and played the ♠Q and another spade guaranteeing the set.
"Half the people you know are below average." - Steven Wright
#23 Guest_Jlall_*
Posted 2006-April-24, 18:07
Your partners X is crazy on the first board.
I like your 2S bid on the second one (although for phil i guess its like 2 tricks too weak
). I wouldn't consider it very agressive.
Stuff happens. You happened to be void in hearts and have a 4 card fit for his 7 card suit.
I like your 2S bid on the second one (although for phil i guess its like 2 tricks too weak
Stuff happens. You happened to be void in hearts and have a 4 card fit for his 7 card suit.
#24
Posted 2006-April-24, 18:10
I agree with that. The double of 4H is crazy, the 2S bid is fine, and passing 4H on the second hand seems right, but unfortunately, wrong as the cards lie.
Please note: I am interested in boring, bog standard, 2/1.
- hrothgar
- hrothgar
#25
Posted 2006-April-24, 18:47
Justin - whenever I play with Chris, he is always criticizing my preempts for being too lite. I counter that he is the only person I know that expects to MAKE the contract when he preempts 
I see a positive correlation between age and preemption. One decade = 1/2 trick LOL.
I see a positive correlation between age and preemption. One decade = 1/2 trick LOL.
"Phil" on BBO
#26
Posted 2006-April-24, 20:15
I agree that double is crazy on the first board. The second looks like a 3♠ bid to me
ok I would make do with 2♠. But it is close.
#27
Posted 2006-April-25, 00:37
Even without being a result merchant, the double worked great for them.
So, I think crazy is much too harsh for pds double. It is just a matter of style, if you go quietly with this hand or take a risk, hoping that the quick tricks compensate for the missing distribution.
Obv. his pd was on the same wavelength, which makes bidding much easier. So, guys, you may wait for the perfect 4144 hands after opps preempts, they took the profite..
So, I think crazy is much too harsh for pds double. It is just a matter of style, if you go quietly with this hand or take a risk, hoping that the quick tricks compensate for the missing distribution.
Obv. his pd was on the same wavelength, which makes bidding much easier. So, guys, you may wait for the perfect 4144 hands after opps preempts, they took the profite..
Kind Regards
Roland
Sanity Check: Failure (Fluffy)
More system is not the answer...
Roland
Sanity Check: Failure (Fluffy)
More system is not the answer...
#28
Posted 2006-April-25, 05:16
About the double, not the ideal bid, but it IS Matchpoints, and a pass ends it. It has at least one too many trumps, but other than that, is not all that terrible. Matchpoints and all (it should be for takeout, of course).
--Ben--

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4♥ - P - P - X
All Pass