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With what (passed) hands would East-GIB re-open with a double rather than with 1NT?
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#1
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Posted 2013-December-15, 22:55
#2
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Posted 2013-December-16, 03:16
Double=9hcP+
1nt=11-12hcp
So I think double is the first choice.
1nt=11-12hcp
So I think double is the first choice.
#3
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Posted 2013-December-16, 10:16
It's not so much about points. The East hand has perfect shape for a double, and no diamond stopper. Yes, you can bid 1NT in balancing seat without a stopper, but only if you have no decent alternative.
The world would be such a happy place, if only everyone played Acol :) --- TramTicket
#4
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Posted 2013-December-16, 11:47
This hand did get me to wondering.
My knee-jerk was similar to helene-t: Double shows more of a 3-suiter short in oppo (as per OP in fact), whereas 1N shows a more balanced hand, typically with something in the opponent's suit and maybe a doubleton outside that you don't want partner to bid in response to a double (although I know that it is "avant-garde" these days not to require a guard, forgive me). But both bids would show roughly the same strength, ie maximum initial pass (or close thereto).
But then I was still in non-passed-hand-mode when I thought of that. Protecting with 1N is not without risks. LHO may have a rock-crusher ("if I can just get past this round") and there may be no fits to be found. That said, with a 13-14 count (as a non-passed-hand) you cannot afford to let them have it, so you take the risk that you might be walking into a double.
But if you have the shape (and perhaps guard) for a natural 1N balance, is the risk still worthwhile if you lack the values to open in first seat? Particularly vul v non-vul as we have in this case.
Maybe there is a case for the 1N to be "unusual" or something like that. Maybe that is the common treatment. I confess I have not really discussed it with any of my partners, nor do I recall it coming up, although I suppose it must have.
My knee-jerk was similar to helene-t: Double shows more of a 3-suiter short in oppo (as per OP in fact), whereas 1N shows a more balanced hand, typically with something in the opponent's suit and maybe a doubleton outside that you don't want partner to bid in response to a double (although I know that it is "avant-garde" these days not to require a guard, forgive me). But both bids would show roughly the same strength, ie maximum initial pass (or close thereto).
But then I was still in non-passed-hand-mode when I thought of that. Protecting with 1N is not without risks. LHO may have a rock-crusher ("if I can just get past this round") and there may be no fits to be found. That said, with a 13-14 count (as a non-passed-hand) you cannot afford to let them have it, so you take the risk that you might be walking into a double.
But if you have the shape (and perhaps guard) for a natural 1N balance, is the risk still worthwhile if you lack the values to open in first seat? Particularly vul v non-vul as we have in this case.
Maybe there is a case for the 1N to be "unusual" or something like that. Maybe that is the common treatment. I confess I have not really discussed it with any of my partners, nor do I recall it coming up, although I suppose it must have.
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
str-mnding) 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
#5
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Posted 2013-December-17, 07:42
I am probably crazy but I am no big fan of light, natural 1NT overcall in balancing seat. With 11 points and not the shape for a t/o double (i.e. 3+ in their suit) I am ok with defending. So by a passed hand I would rather play raptor.
The world would be such a happy place, if only everyone played Acol :) --- TramTicket
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