I am really happy to see this forum. I have long thought it would be useful to have a place where we can discuss problems that arise. Frequently we are unsure of what partner intends.
Yleexotee has recently written up a spreadsheet on suggested default agreements. His choices are not always the choices I would make, but nonetheless I can happily play them with the benefit that everyone is on the same page.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1jO2sp_kWS5DJRveNIEZ0HNprxDUyzTcNgsd1ex-A-9U/edit#gid=864562715I really advocate looking through this. Of course everyone can play what they want, but often neither partner is quite sure what they are playing.
I will give two examples from recent play.
Here is something that came up in Hoki's tourney today (April 5).
The deal is on my left, I hold
JT98
KQ
A762
Q82
We are vul, if it matters.
The bidding begins
Pass 1S Pass ?
Ok, this is worth a limit raise to 3S.
BUT
Perhaps partner will take 1S-3S as Bergen?
I solved the problem by borrowing a point or so and bidding a Jacoby 2NT.
All was well, 4S making.
This happens often.
Here is a hand from the other day:
This time I am in third seat, everyone vul.
AKQ843
54
JT
A74
P P 1S P
3D P ?
Ok, we have agreed to play Bergen. But by a passed hand? Well, what else could 3D be? But reverse Bergen or straight Bergen? Well, I should have a good shot at 4S no matter which, so I bid it. Making 5.
There was some friendly discussion after this one. Partner, yleexotee, had only three spades but just under an opening bid and we had not had enough discussion for him to be sure what I would take as what. So, in much the same way as I did in the first hand above, he took a practical approach. BillHiggins, a kib, commented that many use Drury. I do so myself, but I know the coyote doesn't.
Comment: Whatever the relative merits of Bergen, or Drury, or neither after a third hand opening, clearly you do not want to be using both Bergen and Reverse Drury. If you do, then after a third hand 1S, the calls of 2C, 2D, 3C, 3D all show spades. That's overkill. So choices have to be made. And it's best if we agree.
The two examples that I gave above worked out fine. But sometimes the confusion is insurmountable.
So I am thanking Joe (ylee...) for writing his document and I am suggesting that people consider using it as as a default when there has been no opportunity for discussion. I'm not fond of Bergen, I like Drury, I am ok with either, but what I really like is to know which one, if either, we are playing. And when. On over a double, for example?
Again I am really glad to see this Forum and I hope we can have many productive discussions.
Enjoy
Ken