SOLVER: Ken Berg
Eldersburg MD
U.S.A.
Your Solutions for the December 2019 Contest
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PROBLEM A: 2 Clubs
PROBLEM B: Double
PROBLEM C: 1 Notrump
PROBLEM D: 3 Hearts
PROBLEM E: 2 Notrump
PROBLEM F: Pass
PROBLEM G: 3 Spades
PROBLEM H: Heart 10
As always, I have no idea how this will score. Just a couple of thoughts. On A, I would bid 2 D if I were not a passed hand since a 2C call would then be forcing. As a passed hand I think 2 C is a bit safer.
On B, there was some doubt about the X being responsive and I understand that but I did find this in the add-ons:
System change: In a competitive sequence, when a pass would be nonforcing and no special agreement applies, a double is penalty if the doubler is limited, cooperative-takeout if the doubler is unlimited.
So "cooperative-take-out" might not be exactly the same as "responsive", but close enough I am thinking maybe.
I see the value of these as being that we will find out!
Maybe more later.