[EricK]

awm, on Sep 6 2005, 07:57 PM, said:

I think the issue is more what the odds are given the bid, than given the hand. For example, it might be that I would always open 1NT in third seat holding:

Kxx
x
KQJTxxx
xx

That, in itself, may not be a problem. The question is, given that I opened 1NT in third seat, what are the odds that I actually have our normal agreement (15-17 balanced). It seems like there are issues if any of:

(1) There is a substantial probability, say more than 1%, that I do NOT have the agreed hand.

(2) Partner bids in such a way, as to give me extra leeway in case I do not have the agreed hand.

(3) Our methods permit us, in a non-competitive auction, to check back in some way for a non-agreed hand.

So even if I would always psych certain hands, as long as every bid I can make is "almost always" systemic, and we have no special agreements (or special actions taken by partner) to protect a possible psych, there shouldn't be a problem.

Assuming partner always bids and plays as if I had a 15-17 NT (until it becomes obvious that I don't) why does it matter how often I might have the "psyching" hand?

Eric

[jdeegan]

Just an historical note. The original Kaplan-Sheinwold system, circa 1963, included a controlled psychic opening bid with a very weak hand. It was not manadatory and was fairly disciplined as to its composition. Many pairs played K-S in ACBL tournaments without any comment by anyone.

[han]

addition to historical note: and then it was banned.

[slammer]

MikeH,

Yes, all you said is true. But what happens at the table versus theory is quite different. As I said, would I do it again--No. To psyche effectively one must have a table feel. It doesn't come often. Nor is it effective: witness the psychic splinter bid in the finals of the NABC team event.

My point is it can be done! And one has to exploit EVERY opportunity. Would you not false card? They are many obligatory situations. "Play the card you are known to hold" But psyching is a much deeper, fascinating and not much understood or discussed subject!

[Elianna]

slammer, on Sep 7 2005, 04:51 PM, said:

But psyching is a much deeper, fascinating and not much understood or discussed subject!

Not much understood or discussed? There is at least one book written on the subject!

[slammer]

Contrast this auction my son and I had against wryly opponents:

2H--P----2S---DBL
3H--3S--P-----4S
P---5S---P-----6S
All Pass

Who’s zooming who?
Where’s the double?

I want to add that after the 2S psyche, a double of 3S is AUTOMATIC and all consequent offers to play spades in hopes of 1) No RDBL or 2) a less expensive run out to hearts. What does he have to lose? When psyching follow up (BLUFFING) is critical to the subterfuge first done.

My point is when you enter the realm of psyching, you are playing a psychological game of intellect verses intellect. This is where the game-is-a-foot! Cross and re-cross—not for the weak of heart.