[mikeh]

kenrexford, on Aug 29 2008, 02:22 PM, said:

mikeh, on Aug 29 2008, 10:23 AM, said:

I echo those who would double as West. 1N is too dangerous with Qxx of spades and a rock-bottom minimum. It's the kind of call that you know is probably irretrievably wrong if LHO says double, whereas if you double and it goes redouble the opps don't always get the ensuing scramble right.

I would pass as East if west passed.

I was actually thinking somewhat contra. 1NT as an overcall takes no real space away from our side, as 1♠-X leaves us at the same level in the event of a trap, as there seems to be little chance that partner would opt to convert the double. However, 1NT now is more feasible as a right landing zone, and more in reach.

As opposed to that, if the auction should actually be constructive for our side, 1NT seems to place us better.

It is difficult to argue the merits and demerits of 1N, as opposed to double, without doing a lengthy simulation, and I don't have the time for it.

However, in my view anyone who thinks that 1N is a good idea plays far too much matchpoint bridge and/or plays what imps they do play against very weak opponents.

[jdonn]

kenrexford, on Aug 29 2008, 02:22 PM, said:

As opposed to that, if the auction should actually be constructive for our side, 1NT seems to place us better.

Except for the part where your hand is not that good and partner will very often put you too high?

[nige1]

shevek, on Aug 29 2008, 04:46 AM, said:

Scoring: IMP

We passed out South's 1S opening. In fact, South had ♣K-x so 620 was available. Naturally, East & West each thought the other should have acted. What say you?

---

IMO

• West: _P = 10, IN = 9, _X = 8.
  
• East: _X = 10, 2♥ = 7, _P = 4.
  (Our protective notrump is strong (don't laugh). Otherwise, 1N = 8)

[peachy]

West must Dbl, clearly. I don't understand Pass at all and my guess is that 99 out of 100 would Dbl. East's Pass in balancing seat is normal. Some some might find a 2H call but my guess is that 3 out of 4 would pass.

[Lobowolf]

peachy, on Aug 29 2008, 08:35 PM, said:

West must Dbl, clearly. I don't understand Pass at all and my guess is that 99 out of 100 would Dbl. East's Pass in balancing seat is normal. Some some might find a 2H call but my guess is that 3 out of 4 would pass.

I know I'm a rare breed, but I can't be 1 in 100. Nobody's THAT unique.

[skjaeran]

Looks like an obvious double by west. It's close to a 1NT overcall, but that really risks getting hammered.

The east hand looks like a pass to me.

[mr1303]

Despite having 15 HCP, I really dislike 1NT. These days I'm much more of the 16-18 school of 1NT openers, having been murdered in 1NT X far too often. With a tenuous spade stopper, flat distribution and no real trick source, 1NT looks very wrong.

My personal view is that double vs pass is very much a 50:50 proposition. Whilst game does make, this requires South to have exactly Kx of clubs (or stiff K). Therefore you have found a fairly odds against game, that most of the time will lead to -100

[kenrexford]

mr1303, on Aug 31 2008, 03:26 AM, said:

Whilst game does make, this requires South to have exactly Kx of clubs (or stiff K). Therefore you have found a fairly odds against game, that most of the time will lead to -100

Actually, game is obviously better than that.

Game makes whenever Opener has:

1. Stiff club King
2. Kx in clubs (any K-doubleton)
3. Kxxx in clubs (10-9 doubleton to the right, if you play for that)
4. Kxx+ in clubs and all three top diamond honors, if the spade Queen comes in and if the opponents do not find the right defense.
5. A stiff diamond and both spade top honors.

Plus, a catastrophic defensive error is at least possible.

[han]

Can't pass the west hand, and I much prefer double over 1NT.

[Edmunte1]

han, on Aug 31 2008, 08:31 AM, said:

Can't pass the west hand, and I much prefer double over 1NT.

I agree with that.

[CSGibson]

West has to find a call. I prefer double. East has a reasonable pass.

[FrancesHinden]

Walddk, on Aug 29 2008, 12:10 PM, said:

FrancesHinden, on Aug 29 2008, 12:39 PM, said:

I would pass on the West hand and bid 2H on the East hand.

Different countries, different style. I would double with the West hand (1NT a second choice and pass a third). If West passes, I would not re-open with East's cards.

Roland

I asked the two people I play most regularly with...

1. Pass on the West hand, double on the East
2. Pass on the West hand, double on the East, unless playing very aggressive opponents (e.g. the Hacketts) when I bid 1NT on the West hand.

So I've changed my answer to double from 2H on the East cards.

But now I don't care you all think I'm crazy, as long as my partners don't.

[the hog]

nige1, on Aug 30 2008, 08:26 AM, said:

shevek, on Aug 29 2008, 04:46 AM, said:

Scoring: IMP

We passed out South's 1S opening.
In fact, South had ♣K-x so 620 was available.
Naturally, East & West each thought the other should have acted.
What say you?

---

IMO

• West: _P = 10, IN = 9, _X = 8.
  
• East: _X = 10, 2♥ = 7, _P = 4.
  (Our protective notrump is strong (don't laugh). Otherwise, 1N = 8)

If you really think a 1NT bid is worth a 9, then you play against too many knuckalaveys.
Its not even close to a 1N overcall.
Pass from W, 2H from east.

[nige1]

nige1, on Aug 30 2008, 08:26 AM, said:

IMO
West: _P = 10, IN = 9, _X = 8.
East: _X = 10, 2♥ = 7, _P = 4.

The_Hog, on Sep 1 2008, 06:09 AM, said:

If you really think a 1NT bid is worth a 9, then you play against too many knuckalaveys. Its not even close to a 1N overcall. Pass from W, 2H from east.

Celtic Mythology, on Wikipedia paraphrase, said:

A Nuckelavee is an elf who lives mainly in the sea. He is held responsible for ruined crops, epidemics, and drought. His breath can wilt the crops and sicken the livestock. He resembles a centaur whose legs are part fin. He has an enormous gaping mouth, and a single, fiery eye. The most gruesome detail of his appearance is the absence of skin. Black blood courses through yellow veins and the pale sinews and powerful muscles are visible as a pulsating mass.

i.e. A typical BBO member. No wonder we prefer to play online

[CSGibson]

FrancesHinden, on Sep 1 2008, 03:29 AM, said:

Walddk, on Aug 29 2008, 12:10 PM, said:

FrancesHinden, on Aug 29 2008, 12:39 PM, said:

I would pass on the West hand and bid 2H on the East hand.

Different countries, different style. I would double with the West hand (1NT a second choice and pass a third). If West passes, I would not re-open with East's cards.

Roland

I asked the two people I play most regularly with...

1. Pass on the West hand, double on the East
2. Pass on the West hand, double on the East, unless playing very aggressive opponents (e.g. the Hacketts) when I bid 1NT on the West hand.

So I've changed my answer to double from 2H on the East cards.

But now I don't care you all think I'm crazy, as long as my partners don't.

I think those answers are related. If it is your style to pass on the bounty that is the West hand, then East has to stretch to reopen. Unfortunately, that increases the variability of your reopening bids and the variability of your pass calls, which probably leads to inaccurate auctions after 1X-P-P. Additionally, you might find yourself stretching to reopen with crap, giving the other side another chance to find a fit, and possibly game.

I understand there is also a slight accompanying increase in precision in all of your other overcall auctions. I'm not willing to make that trade, but I'm not an expert, either.