[awm]

While the nebulous ACBL laws do create some regulatory problem, I'd be a bit more concerned about the disclosure issue. My observation is that a lot of players who like to open a 15-17 notrump often with only 12-13 hcp and a six-card minor claim that this is "just bridge" and don't disclose it in any way. This is particularly troubling because of my previous comments that in competitive sequences this works a lot better when partner gives bidder some leeway (for example by not making penalty doubles that require opener to take tricks on defense).

[gnasher]

I once asked the ACBL how I should announce an opening of this sort. I was advised to say "14.5-17". I find that rather unsatisfactory.

When the EBU introduced announcements for 1NT openings, I asked them the same question. They suggested "15-17; maybe slightly less with a 6-card minor". I find that more satisfactory, except that I've never heard anyone except me and my partners saying something like this.

[NickRW]

gnasher, on Aug 3 2009, 02:14 PM, said:

I once asked the ACBL how I should announce an opening of this sort. I was advised to say "14.5-17". I find that rather unsatisfactory.

When the EBU introduced announcements for 1NT openings, I asked them the same question. They suggested "15-17; maybe slightly less with a 6-card minor". I find that more satisfactory, except that I've never heard anyone except me and my partners saying something like this.

Announcements, and their accuracy - groan:

Partner: 1NT

Me: Normally a decent 12 to a bad 15. We have been known to upgrade an 11 with a long minor, even a 10 is theoretically possible - and at the top end we've been known to downgrade a 16 before. Oh, and once in a blue moon it could have singleton.

Opp: Say that again

Me: Normally a decent 12 to a bad 15....

Opp interrupting: 12 to 15!

Me: Er, yes (and under my breath - well no that isn't what I told you, but if you insist on being dense...)

This gets tiring after a while - one of the reasons I actually prefer my club game - at least they all know by now and I don't have to say so much. But it gets even more tiring if it goes:

Opp: Are you allowed to play a wide range no trump like that?

Me: Yes, call the director if you're unsure (and again under my breath - actually my NT range is more tightly defined than your [probably] indiscriminate 12-14 - if you only knew how to really count a hand - grrrrrr).

I do get my own back when a half decent defender goes wrong on counting my hcp and says at the end, "you only had 11, I think I should call the director". I say, "call him if you like, but I didn't tell you it was 12-15 precisely - you're the one that insisted what I said meant 12-15".

Sorry - rant mode over.

Nick