Questions and Answers
Vil recently proposed a set of posers for his readers. He says:
Just let me say that there is a lot of misunderstanding about the situations
I have outlined, and I'm not surprised that disasters occur. I suggest you
and your partner take a few minutes and agree on what you do in these
situations. Here is my very simple view, take it or leave it!
Subject: Double Trouble
Some questions:
What would you understand from partner's bid in each of the following
situations? You are SOUTH each time and let's say neither side is vul.
1. Dealer South
| South | West | North | East |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | X |
The double is TAKEOUT. It should GUARANTEE at least FOUR HEARTS and enough
strength for partner to play in hearts AT THE NEXT LEVEL, hence 10+ HCP, if
she also has hearts as a second suit. NOT, as some have said "Hearts and
some points". Simple, huh? And if you are South and have as much as a 15
count and four hearts, don't bid only 3H, bid game as partner will pass with
any minimum double.
2. Dealer South
| South | West | North | East |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | X |
2C is a big hand, forcing to game or 22-24 balanced. 2D overcall is natural
I can't believe the redundancy of some responder, who would double because
THEY would have bid 2D. Don't these people know that PASS is also a
legitimate bid? I suggest PASS with 0-5 HCP, DOUBLE with 5-7 and bid a suit
with 8+ (a 'positive' response).That is similar to what most 'big club'
players, e.g. Precision, do.
3. Declarer South
| South | West | North | East |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1NT | 2 | X |
Again, horrified how many don't have a specific agreement what to do after
such basic interference as a double of 1NT or an overcall, be it natural or,
as in this case, Hamilton. Playing transfers after an overcall is NUTS.
North's double is NOT saying "I would have bid 2D". Why would you transfer
to hearts when your opponent has at least four of them? As for 'lead directional'
- that is a term I personally don't like. Would you double just because you
have the DA? Your double should show a diamond SUIT and say you might compete
in diamonds and for partner to also do so if they see fit. Lead directional
against 2H or 2S? - makes no sense does it?
4. Dealer South
| South | West | North | East |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1NT | X | 2 |
Agree with partner that 'all systems are OFF when 1NT is doubled' that is
the simplest solution. 2C being Stayman makes little sense, there are going
to be many more times when you just want to play in 2C.
5. Dealer South
a)
| South | West | North | East |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1NT | X | 2 |
Just to reinforce what I said earlier. You also have REDOUBLE available to
use however you wish but let's leave that for now.
b)
| South | West | North | East |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1NT | X | 2 |
No, that should NOT be a transfer to 2S. Nor should 2S be a 'range finder'.
Why let opponents off the hook when you KNOW 1NT doubled will make?
c)
| South | West | North | East |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1NT | X | 2NT |
I have seen this auction a number of times, with the 2NT bidder having 11 or
12 HCP. Don't DO that when you're doubled in 1NT! Best to forget about
bidding 2NT UNLESS you agree with partner that it asks the 1NT opener to bid
their BETTER MINOR, the only sensible and logical thing.
It is now YOUR TURN to ask some questions - villyn@xtra.co.nz
