Ok, I have pulled the trigger and my votes are:
SOLUTIONS FOR:
James Creech
Glen Allen VA
U.S.A.
PROBLEM A: 4 Hearts
PROBLEM B: 4 Spades
PROBLEM C: 2 Diamonds
PROBLEM D: 2 Spades
PROBLEM E: Pass
PROBLEM F: 2 Notrump
PROBLEM G: Redouble
PROBLEM H: Diamond Jack
I made two changes to my "initial thoughts" selections.
Problem A, I went with my first inclination selection - cue bid and let partner know that I have a good hand and a fit. 3
only speaks to fit, not strength. A cue bid is clear about strength and implies fit. I would hate to find us playing in 3
, which is a risk with that bid. 4
does not have that flaw, but it does eat up all of the remaining space below game. Can't have everything, especially in MSC.
Problem C: When I made my initial selection, I was focused more on points. When I looked at the hand again, I focused on tricks. Tricks make this hand worth bidding 2
(4th suit forcing); I think 4-5 tricks in my suit raises the 11 HCPs to a game force.
I am formally identifying Ken Berg as a partner - between IAC tournament play and discussion in the forums and in private, I feel like he is as close to a partner as I have in IAC. However, I do not expect our answers to be substantially greater than last months 25%. We may respect each other choices, have a good feel for what the other is trying to communicate at the table, but, in MSC, where choices are particularly hard, I suspect that 75% agreement will be more a matter of luck than a meeting of the minds.
Good luck to all that participate!