Well, Jock, since you ask …
B. 5
/pass. Where are the clubs? Partner looks to have 4 (possibly 5) and could be 4324 (4225). I can ruff a couple of clubs, but in 4
partner is running into a pretty grim split. Will 5
play any better?
C. 2N. Am with you – a 2
response would surely have been much better. Also in MP 2N (with overtrick) better than 3
.
D. 3
. With you again. Partner could be 5323, and min. We’ll get a red suit lead and we've got 4 losers.
E. … and again, 1N.
F. 2
. Partner must have a decent hand for a 2-level vulnerable overcall. If he has a spade stop, 3N looks possible.
BWS 2017: A new-suit bid by an unpassed advancer is natural and nonforcing, constructive if an advance of a two-level overcall. Then: a cue-bid by intervenor is artificial and neither shows nor denies a primary fit for advancer's suit. Does that mean over 3
partner is bound to bid 3
? If so, we’re not going to find out if he has a spade stop. How about 2
forcing? Best case, partner bids 2N. If he bids 3m, I can still bid 3
asking for stop, with 5m as a fallback. If he bids 3
to show 6+ card suit, I could still bid 3
--- then we’ll end up in a nightmare.
G. 4
. Partner is weak. If they finish in 5m we look to have a ruff in the other minor (against 5
, I can lead a low spade as SP lead for clubs, and win a drink in the bar!)
H. Clueless, but siding with you. West is 2425 with the diamond ace for his RKC. Will I split my club honours? If East is 3532 or 4522, that will give the contract – 3 spades (one a ruff), 5 trumps, 2 diamonds and 2 clubs. Splitting honours is not so bad if East is 4531 or 3541. Then East needs spade ruff(s) and diamond ruff(s). How will he cross? With club ruff and diamond K. That gives me one trick, then what after ruffing the diamond K? Well, I suppose I could lead a trump. If I had started by leading a low trump, then I’ve pulled two of theirs and life could be tough for declarer. Will be interesting to read the panel’s thoughts.