January Guesses:

Problem A: X. Double seems clear. Too much to pass vul at IMPs. A close second is 2NT. East's failure to further the preempt increases the possibility that partner has three or more spades.

Problem B: 3 . IMPs, vul. Too much to give up on a 9 trick game.

Problem C: 2 . Originally thought showing a limit raise best, but will now go the other end of the spectrum with a simple raise. It is, ostensibly, a flat 10. At MP it would be a easier to choose 1NT, but I'm going low--even though the panel more often shoots high. (Heaven help me--do I see that Blue also went with 2 here?) 

Problem D: 4 . With Pass the other option.

Problem E: Pass. Changed my mind here as well. With four spades, I do not like the preempt. Pass is what I would do at the table. Previously, my 1 was my attempt to guess the panel's choice--always my goal. But I think they will be wildly split among the three (or four?) choices. Hopefully the Pass is the plurality choice.

Problem F: 4NT. Conveys a lot of information. Avoids the lead through the K and possible ruff. I look forward to the panel's opinion. Fun problem.

Problem G: 3 . Enough to probe for game. This shows my values and where I live.

Problem H: T. Passive. My gut reaction lead without much thought. If I think hard I may go in another direction.

2022 MSC Honor Roll
The Bridge World publishes a yearly honor roll. IAC members making the published list are below.

BBO NAME	NAME	RANK	YEARLY-TOTAL
Masse24	Todd Holes	5	8250
JCreech	James Creech	43	7790
CCR3	Pat McDermott	59	7680
BabsG	Babs Giesbrecht	74	7590
. . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . .

Good job! On to the new year. May it be a good deal better than 2022.

---

---

December Results

BabsG led the IAC solvers with 680.  Masse24 and Wackojack were tied for second with 670. All three made the honor roll this month.

NAME	BW-SCORE	RANK	MPs
BabsG	680	1	30
Wackojack	670	2	10
Masse24	670	2	10

Also participating this month were:  JCreech, Blubayou, Hoki, CCR3, and Peuco.

Congratulations to all!

Blu, I get your 5 lead. I don't think it crazy at all.

On H, East's shape seems to be 4=1=3=5 or similar. So if west has the presumed five hearts, that leaves partner with five also.

I'm leading the T.

P.S. Still not fond of lead problems.

NOVEMBER MSC GUESSES

SOLUTIONS FOR:
Todd Holes

PROBLEM A: 3 Notrump
I had a chat with Hamman. A misfit in all suits, but maybe we can build our tricks in the Moysians?

---

PROBLEM B: 2 Notrump
Pass is also tempting at these colors.

---

PROBLEM C: 3 Diamonds
This one stumps me. Pass? 3NT? 3H?

---

PROBLEM D: 3 Spades
Pass seems too timid. That leaves me with a simple raise.

---

PROBLEM E: 3 Diamonds
Generic game try that highlights a possible 9-trick game.

---

PROBLEM F: Double
Several on this panel like six card suits to overcall at the two level. That heart suit barely looks like five.

---

PROBLEM G: 3 Diamonds
Game is possible. I need to let partner in on it.

---

PROBLEM H: Spade 8
Passive. Sorry partner! An attempt to make sure partner also hates my leads.

---

---

I'm in.