February guesses.PROBLEM A: Pass. Partner is doubling at the three level. He has some moderate values. We only need down two to better our (possible but not a sure thing) game contract. I am hoping for a heart ruff, plus some Aces, and whatever partner can contribute. I like Pass. [Edit] This one concerns me. It almost seems too easy. The expected defensive windfall somewhat hinges on a
ruff, which is not a sure thing. It requires partner to hold the
K. But there is no guarantee of this. I'm seriously contemplating a 4
rebid.
PROBLEM B: 4
. Although 4
is forcing (trump already agreed) doesn’t 4
also show slam interest with a control? 3
, I fear, would only show some bizarre shape. 3
, non-forcing and showing a delayed three card fit. The 4
call has the added benefit that it nudges right up against 4
(allowing, almost demanding partner to show the
K) which is a card I want to find out about. A perfecto in partner’s hand,
K and two keys, gets us to slam.
PROBLEM C: 1NT. The “curse of Scotland” and the "Beer Card” together equals a stopper, yes? I would not consider Pass. 2
is my second choice, but the suit is not quite good enough.
PROBLEM D: Double. Isn’t this a WTP takeout double? Minimum, yes. What am I missing?
PROBLEM E: 1
. Will need to think on this. The 1
overcall lacks the expected length. 1NT is right on values and will be a popular solver choice, but this hand lacks the stopper associated with a 1NT overcall. I could go either way.
PROBLEM F: 2NT. Flat. Ugly. My
KTx, however, is well placed. I would respond 2
without the
K. This is my one chance to show my (admittedly minimum) values with 2NT. The 2
response is a very close second.
PROBLEM G: 3
. Mildly similar to problem D last month, where several voters went low with 2M (I expect a few 2
bids this month). But that was MP—which was a consideration in their bids. This is IMPs. The scoring method changes things. Although the heart suit is awful, and is a misstatement of the suit strength, it’s the best “bad” rebid.
PROBLEM H: Q. Pretty much anything except a heart. The
King into a stiff seems pointless. A trump, attempting to cut down on ruffs, could be right. But the
Q is safe and has the benefit of cutting down transportation. Maybe. I’m not sure.