Thoughts while waiting for the 49ers/Packers game -- not quite the match-up we were hoping for (or that it once was):
A) 4N. Wasn’t there a problem like this some time ago? I’m not (quite) geekish enough to keep records of the MSC hands and I can’t seem to find past contests. If memory is accurate, the same “pass or 4N” debate uncovered the panel’s preference for 4N. But, my memory …
B) x. OK, the Q of hearts may quickly be relegated to making tarts, but she could be of some use, and a double shows the strength. If partner bids 2H or 1S, I will bid 3D. If partner bids 2m, I can bid 2H.
C) 2C. Bridge World says, “After a one-level new-suit response and opener's simple new-suit rebid: a fourth-suit bid at the two- or three-level is forcing to game”. OK, I’m a bit short, but if we play in NT it’s partner’s clubs that need protection – that’s if he’s not got 3c H support.
D) 1N. This feels a bit wimpish but I imagine partner can make a negative double at the 1-level with 6 or 7 HCP. Bridge World doesn’t say a negative x necessarily shows 4 cards in the missing minor, so 2C has the weakness that it might hit a 3c suit … and the much graver weakness of hiding my H stops. Bridge World says under negative doubles, “After opener's one-notrump rebid, responder's two-level cue-bid shows invitational-plus strength. If partner has 10+ HCP he can invite.
E) 2N. 2N or 1D? How bad will playing in 3Hx be in a xxxxx/xx fit? Partner will surely choose H when 22 in the red suits. He is a passed hand, so opponents could well have a vulnerable game. Then again, perhaps I’m pessimistic; partner is bound to have 3c support for one of my two suits! Bridge World; The requirements for initial pre-emptive defensive actions (jump overcalls; the weak version of two-suited actions) are possibly light. So, there’s that excuse for the bar afterwards. Besides, on the day I overcall 1D, partner will have four hearts and one diamond.
F) 2C. 1N shows the HCP, but 2C shows the hand. Partner could well be starting a Walsh-like/invitational + sequence and then the choice doesn’t matter too much (if at all). If he’s weak with say 3343 then 2C looks a better spot to play than 1N. One problem might be if he is weak with long diamonds – say 3361 or 3352. Then he will bid 2D over 1N which looks safer than 2C with such hands, but maybe not 2D over 2C. Still, I’m the weak one in the partnership, so 2C it is.
G) 2H (3C?) What does the raise of clubs mean? Bridge World says that responder’s single raise of opener’s 1m after an intervening double is natural, similar to a single major suit raise. If that applies to a simple overcall too, it makes this a 20/20 hand. What then does partner’s double mean? Bridge World is not much help: Among advancer's actions when responder raises opener: a double is not for penalty (for takeout or showing general values, depending on level). If partner’s double shows general values, then deflation has set in, ‘cos he’s got only 6 or 7. I have a choice of bidding one of his suits, with only 3c support, or showing the 6th heart. Admittedly, the 3 cards in either case are spiffing, but if partner is 4243 and his values are in his long suits, then hearts looks the best spot. So, I’m tending towards 2H. 3C is exerting a strange pull, however … must find my pills.
H) Partner’s a passed hand and I don’t think he will have that much. West could easily have 14 HCP to go with his 4/5 spades. I’m going to be end-played often, so the temptation is to get rid of the AS and have a look at the world. Surely that’s not going to cost with 10 or 11 trumps with E and W (and might help if - fingers and toes crossed – partner has Kx in S). After that I can see what W holds and probably bang out with the JC.