[babalu1997]

I am not very fluent in the theory of balancing bids, but I have found much success using OBAR BIDS.

From what I have read, the idea of balancing rests on the premise that the bidding sequence by opponents might headed towards a partial contract and a reciprocal fit by the opposing side is likely. So, for example:


1h-p-2h - (2S) would show 5 spades and shortness in hearts.

Examples of sequences in Larry Cohen's To bid or not to bid are all sequences where the opposing side is going to sign off at a low level-- page 114.


Now, a Jacoby transfer can be made both when the opponents will sign off at a partial or a planning to bid Game, so I question whether a balancing dbl in direct position is advised, as that might even warn the opponemts as regards the placement of trump cards.

The sequence I am talking about is this:


1nt-p-2h (jacoby)-p- 2S- DBL


Responder here has yest to limit his hand, whereas in the sequence 1h-p-2h the forward movement depends on the holding of extra features by opener, who in reality does not have many tools to force to game.

I am in search of some logical reasoning which would justify the thoughts i have expressed above.

thanks all.

[helene_t]

This is more dangerous than in the OBAR situation, because opps might be in a 5-2 fit in which case we might not have a fit either.

[jtfanclub]

helene_t, on Apr 19 2008, 03:31 PM, said:

This is more dangerous than in the OBAR situation, because opps might be in a 5-2 fit in which case we might not have a fit either.

Also, pre-balancing doubles have a negative pre-emptive effect. The opponent can XX to show a good invite to 3NT, a pass to show a bad invite, and 2NT to show a game force with an unknown minor, for example.

[pclayton]

OBAR

[babalu1997]

Well I must say i love OBAR.

In fact, I welcome any conventions which would allow me to bid with zero points, so if y'all know of nay, send them on.

But after several inquiries, and many private answers, there is another aspect to this sequence 1nt-p-2H-p-2S, it is the fact that the no trump bidder did not super accept making it less likely that there is a fit.

Thus, i think an obar double there might not be so useful.

However, there is one obar bid which i think would be very useful there and that is

1nt-p-2d transfer- 2S or 3S with the appropriate suit, what is the no trump bidder going to do?

[Apollo81]

babalu1997, on Apr 19 2008, 03:47 PM, said:

Now, a Jacoby transfer can be made both when the opponents will sign off at a partial or a planning to bid Game, so I question whether a balancing dbl in direct position is advised, as that might even warn the opponents as regards the placement of trump cards.

The sequence I am talking about is this:

1nt-p-2h (jacoby)-p- 2S- DBL

Prebalancing in this situation is much more dangerous than after a single raise for a few reasons:

1. The opponents do not necessarily have a fit.
2. The strong hand has the shorter trumps, increasing the likelihood that he has a good 4-card holding in your partnership's best suit (the case where you would be doubled).
3. The limited hand is much stronger.

That said, prebalancing here has some merit since partner won't balance with a good hand and spade length. This tactic is most appropriate non-vulnerable at matchpoints, where small minus scores can be big wins and huge negative numbers don't have as much of an impact on the final session results.