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IAC & Master Solvers Club / Re: 2024 APRIL MSC
« Last post by Masse24 on February 29, 2024, 01:47:03 AM »SOLUTIONS FOR:
Todd Holes
U.S.A.
PROBLEM A: 3 Diamonds
Although 3NT looks attractive, it can wait. I want to show my diamonds and, if partner trots out 3S next, I’ll bid 3NT. Presumably showing my somewhat dubious “stopper.”
PROBLEM B: 5 Clubs
They took away my two-suited 4NT. And 4 is majors. So 5 must be some sort of freak two-suited strong hand. Although this may not garner a lot of panel votes, it will not be dismissed completely. It also has the advantage of keeping alive 5 , something 5 does not.
PROBLEM C: Double
This seems like a no-brainer?
PROBLEM D: 3 Notrump
OOPS! Need to be more careful. I meant to choose 3 . These accidents never work out for me. I've done it three times. Hopefully, this one does.
[Added] This one won't hurt me too much (I hope) since 3NT is a viable bid and will score okay.
PROBLEM E: 3 Hearts
This is the latest iteration of The Bridge World Death Hand. Strong hand. Six of my minor. Good three-card support for partner's major.
KnR gives this a 16.45 (the HCP were downgraded), so this is right on values. It simply lacks a fourth heart. My other choice eventually dismissed was an admittedly off-shape 2NT. If anyone is bidding notrump, it should be me with the stiff honor.
PROBLEM F: 3 Notrump
Very much a chicken bid. The other choice for me would be 4NT, which could be safe. It at least invites slam. This--3NT--will put an end to the auction.
PROBLEM G: Double
Unanimous?
PROBLEM H: Diamond 4
Due to the long club suit, time is of the essence. Though a heart lead is safest, the diamonds rate to set up faster than hearts.
Todd Holes
U.S.A.
PROBLEM A: 3 Diamonds
Although 3NT looks attractive, it can wait. I want to show my diamonds and, if partner trots out 3S next, I’ll bid 3NT. Presumably showing my somewhat dubious “stopper.”
PROBLEM B: 5 Clubs
They took away my two-suited 4NT. And 4 is majors. So 5 must be some sort of freak two-suited strong hand. Although this may not garner a lot of panel votes, it will not be dismissed completely. It also has the advantage of keeping alive 5 , something 5 does not.
PROBLEM C: Double
This seems like a no-brainer?
PROBLEM D: 3 Notrump
OOPS! Need to be more careful. I meant to choose 3 . These accidents never work out for me. I've done it three times. Hopefully, this one does.
[Added] This one won't hurt me too much (I hope) since 3NT is a viable bid and will score okay.
PROBLEM E: 3 Hearts
This is the latest iteration of The Bridge World Death Hand. Strong hand. Six of my minor. Good three-card support for partner's major.
KnR gives this a 16.45 (the HCP were downgraded), so this is right on values. It simply lacks a fourth heart. My other choice eventually dismissed was an admittedly off-shape 2NT. If anyone is bidding notrump, it should be me with the stiff honor.
PROBLEM F: 3 Notrump
Very much a chicken bid. The other choice for me would be 4NT, which could be safe. It at least invites slam. This--3NT--will put an end to the auction.
PROBLEM G: Double
Unanimous?
PROBLEM H: Diamond 4
Due to the long club suit, time is of the essence. Though a heart lead is safest, the diamonds rate to set up faster than hearts.