PROBLEM A: 2
. Looks like the HCP are split evenly. This should generally show five, since with six I may have preempted. Shows
tolerance, too, I think. I do not relish the location of my
K, but you can’t have everything.
PROBLEM B: Double. Down the middle. 1NT was my sexy choice, but I just don't have the guts to try it here. Partner’s expected spade length (4?) would reveal that 1NT is based on having hearts stopped. The "gutsy" MSC call in my opinion. But Kleinman will be brutal if this it does not win, so my choice to go safe with double. I also like 2
, but my at-the-table choice would be double. On this auction, partner is quite probably 4=2=3=4. So if we end in 2
, we're likely playing a Moysian. Not awful at the two-level.
[Added] Double at least consults partner.
PROBLEM C: Pass. There will be bidders. Hope there are enough passers to make this score decently. The only other sane possibility would be 3
. The hero bid is 3
, which will score 100 or 50. But with Kleinman the director (he tend toward conservative), the "safe" Pass seems best.
PROBLEM D: A. (2
then 4
Auto-splinter). My conservative nature tells me to transfer at the 2-level then bid 4
(mild slam-try). The reasons against doing otherwise are plain: 1) Splintering a stiff Ace is undesirable. How can partner properly assess the value of
KQx? I know some do it, but I do not—unless my hand is strong enough to bid on. 2) Texas followed by RKC with two fast spade losers breaks a basic RKC rule. However, the “mild slam-try” approach with this hand seems far too timid. Which means the panel will choose one of the other choices.
I think this falls into the “better than a mild slam try” category.
Which means we should probably be safe at the five-level. Only a very unfortunate minimum holding by partner (off the three missing keycards) makes the five-level too high.
Texas then RKC could result in partner bidding 5
with the
AK and off a
control. Oops! Or partner bidding 5
with two Aces off the trump K and, small slam is very safe with even 13 tricks possible. So RKC off two quick losers is frowned on for a reason.
The splinter seems most flexible. If partner cooperates with 4
, I’m bidding 5
. If partner dislikes my splinter and bids 4
, I’m also bidding 5
. Hopefully this should highlight my lack of a
control. But does it oversell my hand? Maybe.
PROBLEM E: Pass. Partner psyched. Does that mean this is the best call? No.
PROBLEM F: Double. First stab was Pass, then I changed to 3
. I want to show extras and bring partner into the conversation. However, I hate the location of my
K. Considered 3
, but partner can still (although unlikely) chime in with something or even pass whatever comes round to him.
PROBLEM G: Double. Leading the
2.
PROBLEM H: My highest trump. I would lead my lowest trump, but I believe this one better expresses my dislike for lead problems!
Submitted:PROBLEM A: 2 Spades
PROBLEM B: Double
PROBLEM C: Pass
PROBLEM D: (a)
PROBLEM E: Pass
PROBLEM F: Double
PROBLEM G: Double
PROBLEM H: Spade 8