[Ant590]

Scoring: IMP

(2/3♠) - pass - (pass) -

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Do you balance over 2♠?
What about 3♠?

[karlson]

I would balance over either one 100%.

There's a mildly strange effect about balancing at higher levels -- it's not clear that the danger is as high as it seems (on average), since partner would have needed a better hand to act in direct seat.

[jdonn]

2 yes 3 no.

Sorry didn't see scoring and vul. Ok vul at imps you got me 3 yes. (I typed that after Phil agreed, so this may not necessarily reflect the opinion of all my avid supporters)

[pclayton]

Same as Josh. Man's gotta know his limits (except vul at IMPs where there are none).

[Echognome]

When given this problem I wrote 2 Yes and 3 very close. I eventually decided no against 3.

I would double with, xx Axxx AJTx QJx or probably even xx Axxx JTxx AQJ. I'd also double with say xx AQxx JTxx AQx. I just don't like that Ax of spades comprimising a third of my values.

[655321]

Double both times.

Don't think it is that close, although the hand is close to a minimum 2443 that would act over 3♠.

[Apollo81]

I wouldn't balance over 3♠ red at MPs. Otherwise I would. I don't know my limits =)

[Cascade]

I pretty much don't balance over pre-empts.

I act with the same hands I would act in direct seat. There are some exceptions but they are relatively rare.

I would double 2♠ but not 3♠ I simply don't have enough to force to the four-level.

[Codo]

2 clear double, 3 close, normally not

[whereagles]

dbl dbl

ggogogogo next hand