[Cyberyeti]

paulg, on 2014-August-26, 13:08, said:

I agree that it is quite possible that passing will not work out well. Although I think your example is an easy double, many have shown possible hands that are even more worrisome on this auction and there are a number of 9-10 counts that will fit that description.

If I double, partner has Ax, xxx, xxx, AKJxx (a far from terrible hand) and we can't make more than 7 tricks in anything and might not even make that many.

[helene_t]

mikeh, on 2014-August-26, 08:32, said:

I don't understand the urge to force the partnership to the 3-level with what may well be a misfit and minimum values.

No but so far the poll is unanimous.

[paulg]

I thought this was an easy pass.

Some have already said what they'd do next but I decided to see the miniseries through and there is a third part.

[rhm]

cherdano, on 2014-August-26, 11:56, said:

This is only an issue if partner has three hearts - with a doubleton heart and 9 points he will find a bid.

So let's give partner three hearts. He is more likely to have 8 points or fewer, than 9 or 10. In that case, we want to defend 2♥ undoubled. (He will almost always find a bid with 11 points.)

I've got a feeling that the only path towards reaching 2♥ undoubled is to pass 2♥ for now.

I do not think that follows. Assume DBL shows support, not ideal here but popular with strong notrumps.
What partner should realize is that notrump has often to be played from partner's side.
I would bid 2NT with 10 HCP and the right half stopper or better in hearts. ♥Qx or ♥Qxx is sufficient.
If he does not have this it might be best defending and securing a plus score.

Rainer Herrmann

[whereagles]

Very easy double, even if you play it as.. penalties!!!

[nige1]

paulg, on 2014-August-26, 02:33, said:

Love All, IMPs, 48-board knockout match
In the first part, there was a very small majority for opening 1♣ instead of 1NT. I also selected 1♣ at the table and then faced this problem. I suspect the 1NT openers are feeling, at least a little, vindicated at this point although they're not aware of the problem that they may have faced!
What is your choice now?

---

For me, like Paul, Double would be support, hence Pass = 10, 2N = 9, 3♣ = 8, 3♦ = 5.

[cherdano]

rhm, on 2014-August-27, 03:50, said:

I do not think that follows. Assume DBL shows support, not ideal here but popular with strong notrumps.
What partner should realize is that notrump has often to be played from partner's side.
I would bid 2NT with 10 HCP and the right half stopper or better in hearts. ♥Qx or ♥Qxx is sufficient.
If he does not have this it might be best defending and securing a plus score.

Rainer Herrmann

I have read your post three times now, and I still haven't found anything we disagree about.

[benlessard]

Both 2NT and pass are fine. The well placed Qh and the lenght in clubs are nice plus.

Usually 2NT here show 6 clubs with extras and a H stopper. With 18-19 bal I rarely bid just 2NT.

[MrAce]

Pass

[gszes]

I feel at least a little vindicated as my 1d opener would have allowed me to
bid 3c w/o panic and this is especially true if x shows support for spades.
NVUL not overly concerned about getting slaughtered at this point and there is
just too much risk passing here. If I had opened 1c I would have to pass or
take a much riskier 2n approach and feel bad that p may well take me for a
balanced minimum (if I pass) when I am more than an ace better and have some
extra distribution to boot.

[helene_t]

Having opened 1 ♦ I would be a bit nervous that partner would put me back into diamonds at the 3-level