Echognome, on May 9 2005, 05:59 PM, said:
I certainly didn't mean to drum up so much controversy when posting this. I like the idea that a second round double is takeout of opp's second suit. My only question is how would you bid
♠ AQx
♥ x
♦ AQJxx
♣ Kxxx
(1♦) - P - (1NT) - P
(2♣) - ?
I guess you pass twice as the hand is not likely to come up this century?
I was playing with an unknown partner, so was a bit nervous to bid without any agreement, but I think the arguments made are sensible.
I would pass throughout. This hand is exceedingly unlikely. Consider that opener has at least 8 minor suit cards, we have 9, and 1NT bidder has at least 7, leaving partner with at most 2. Most partners bid with 2 cards in the minors, unless totally broke. If I pass here it is not unlikely partner will balance.
Also, it is not totally clear to me that we are setting 2
♣. If the opponents have 9 clubs and LHO is short in diamonds, this hand may not take particularly many tricks. If/when LHO preferences back to 2
♦, I can double THAT, and it should be penalty.
The problem with bidding 1NT at first turn, is that my partners inevitably transfer to hearts when I do this. Switch the hearts and clubs and I would be happy to overcall 1NT at first turn.
Adam W. Meyerson
a.k.a. Appeal Without Merit