Pattaya bridge Club News-sheets 2005 Index

 

 

News-sheet No.

 

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114            How big a hand (what does 1NT show here)? 1 - pass – pass - 1 - 1NT?

How much of a stop for 1NT after partner’s take-out double?

An advanced sacrifice? – don’t bid 5 if 3NT is an option.

1NT difficult to reach?

3NT by South whatever? – get the right hand as declarer

3NT or a 5-3 major suit fit?

Play in a major? When 5-5 in the majors a major suit contract is usually best, but …

N-S made it easy for E-W? open a shapely hand with points in the long suits.

Compressed transfers (what a silly convention).

Transfers to a specific minor.

            Count Your Cards – or get an adjusted score.

            Worth a weak jump overcall?

            What does it mean? – a jump to 3/ opposite partner’s 1NT opening.

115            Cheating yet again?

Should I give an adjusted score? – not if you make a silly bid over their silly bid.

            How many points for game? – 5 deals illustrating different aspects of hand evaluation.

            Intervening over a strong 2opener.

            The direct raise to 4/ is weak.

            The Law of Total Tricks.

            Look for the 4-4 major suit fit – 3 deals illustrating a 4/ playing better than 3NT.

116      Club Championship results for 2004

Alex answers back – a load of twaddle.

Is that double of 3 for penalty? – obviously if you slam it down hard!

Don't double with length in the suit opened.

A much more sensible double – an example of a textbook take-out double

Who overbid? A singleton (even a queen) in partner’s 5 card suit is a miserable holding.

3NT is usually better than 5 of a minor

            An amusing remark from Chuck - ‘Gee, Austin, you’re sure hard on your partners’.

            How to stop short of an unmakable game – be wary when LHO overcalls 1NT.

            How to stop short of an unmakable game – deduct a point for 4333 type shape.

Play ‘Systems on’ after a 1NT overcall.

With a good hand, take it slowly in a game-forcing sequence.

117      Chuck and Thorlief are let back in (on probation).

A well bid slam – cue bid and then use RKCB

Bad timing – You cannot pre-empt over a pre-empt

Bad timing – Pre-empt to the limit at the first opportunity.

3NT is usually better than 5 of a minor

            What’s a 2 overcall over a 1 opening? – typical Alex/Jeff theatrics

            A ridiculous 5 bid? – why, it’s Thorlief ‘cheating’.

            A Game Forcing Auction?  2 - 2 - 2♠ ….

            That flat 4333 type shape again – deduct a point

118            A sound overcall? – a great 18 count is too good for a simple overcall.

A Sound Sacrifice? – 1700 away – more Alex/Jeff theatrics.

Totally automatic? – With a balanced hand in the 12-14 point range, rebid 1NT.

How to bid the grand? – Kickback in conjunction with Double RKCB!

An automatic Squeeze – even if you’re not a squeeze expert, play out your winners.

            A few words about The Mult-2

            Defending against the multi

An outright psyche (the tables are turned on Chuck).

            That 4-4 fit again Look for the 4-4 major suit fit.

119      What went wrong? – same as always, deduct a point for the 4333 type shape.

What went wrong? – 1 - 2 - 3 shows a big hand unless otherwise agreed.

What went wrong? – understand balancing.

What went wrong? – once you have opened 2§ there is no need to leap off to game.

What went wrong? – deduct a point for the totally flat 4333 type shape.

The SOS redouble

Only pass partner’s take-out double with excellent trumps.

            A pairs double – look for the ‘magic’ 200 at pairs scoring.

            What’s it all about …? – More Jeff theatratics.

120            What went wrong? – KQJxxx is worth far more than 6 points.

Look for the 4-4 fit, even in a minor if you envisage slam.

Doubling a 1NT overcall (9+ pts)

            That Multi 2 again

            Don’t be greedy - Don’t double the opponents if they have somewhere to run to.

            A Silly Take-out Double? - 8 points is not usually enough for a take-out double.

            Who should bid on? After 1 - 1 - 2 - … 9 pts is worth another noise.

            That 4333 type shape again

121      An opening 2NT? – With a balanced 18-19 points, open a suit and then jump in NT.

Cover an honour with an honour?

The dog that did not bark in the night.

            Don’t open at the two level (2NT or whatever) with a flat 19 count.

            5-4 in the majors opposite a 1NT opening.

            6NT scores more than 6 - With 12 (or 13) top tricks, NT scores more than a suit.

            The Unusual NT (UNT)

            How about a pass? – no have a ‘gap’ between two openings and a one level opening.

            Chechback Stayman (or New Minor Forcing).

            Is it forcing? – 1 - 1 - 1NT - 2? 2 is not forcing unless it’s NMF.

            Don’t pass partner’s 1 opening if you can possibly muster up a bid.

            A change of partnership – what is Terry*2? - an amusing couple of sets.

            5-5 is worth a noise? – 5-5 in the majors is good.

            Simple Preference.

            Bid your hand 3 times??? – Bid your hand just once, three times really is excessive.

            Responding to partner’s take-out double and raise.

122            The 8 table Mitchell is just 24 boards, so I’ve devised a 27 (or 30) movement.

Play Stayman (and transfers) over 2NT

            So how do you bid slam? – finding a minor suit slam after a 2NT opening.        

Understanding Stayman.

The dog should not bark!

The 1NT rebid after partner does not respond.

A one-level overcall is around 7-16 points.

An easy game missed – 4144 is great when partner bids a major.

Way overboard - Deduct a point for the totally flat 4333 type shape.

Stronger than a normal reverse – a reverse after partner has passed.

A 2NT response after RHO has overcalled promises a stop in the overcalled suit.

Which finesse? – don’t take an unnecessary finesse.

Watch your partner’s discards, and keep a guard in the suit that partner is discarding.

5-5 majors opposite 1NT

Redouble is for Blood.

Play a convention over the opponent’s 1NT, but don’t play DONT.

Converting a take-out double into penalties

Sheep? – Missing (what should be) an excellent slam.

123            That 4333 type shape yet again

Don’t let the opponents bully you into 2NT when you have the values for just 1NT.

            Transfer to a minor?

            Pre-empt in the pass-out seat?

            Bidding in the pass-out seat in 4th position.

            Your hand improves – a double fit with partner improves your hand.

            Your hand improves (for offence) if the opponents bid a suit in which you are short.

            When the opponents have bid two suits, then a double shows the other two.

            Aces are for taking kings

            AQJxxx is worth far more than 7 points, (especially if partner has the king!)

            So what does double mean? – three appalling doubles in a row!

            When your NT sequence is interfered with – don’t play in 3NT with no stop.

124      Lead partner’s presumed suit (if declarer has yours)     

A 2nd double is also take-out

With 9 cards in a suit missing the queen, it’s usually best to play for the drop

Which ace? – cue bidding is the way.

Nice One Dave! – don’t get yourself end-played.

4441 type shape is a problem – Roman 2is a possibility.

Roman 2¨ or Mini Roman 2¨? – use the same range as your 1NT opening!

What to do with a monster when the opponents open?

Everyone sacrificing in a slam!

A 2 opener? – In Standard American a 2 opening should be within 1 trick of game.

125      Unless you have a good reason to do otherwise, return partner’s suit.

Good technique – it is often best to duck a round early if you have a certain loser.

The negative double – promise 4 cards in the unbid major.

Beware of mis-fits – downgrade your hand if partner bids suits that you are short in.

Beware of mis-fits – play mis-fits in a suit, not NT, unless you have loads of points.

Highly Invitational – 3 of a major having bid the suit earlier is invitational.

The Law (of Total Tricks) - in a very simplified form.

Open 1? – A 1 opening is not forcing (but rarely passed).

Coffee Housing? – only think if you have something to think about.

126            So that explains it – they got too high because of a 2NT opener with just 19 pts.

Have a good look before you complain – it wasn’t coffee housing.

            Going bananas – raise partner’s pre-empt just once and at the first go.  

Pass opponent's 1NT with a flat hand

127      If you know that one opponent has a particular card, then don’t play his partner for it!

            It’s not forcing – you can use 4th suit forcing to set up a forcing situation.

            Overbidding? – deduct a point for the totally flat 4333 type shape.

Pass opponent’s 1NT with a flat hand – another example

            When they interfere with Blackwood – DOPI (Double 0 Pass 1)

A little agro – Don’t ask silly questions.

Unsportsmanlike behaviour – at our club ask an opponent if you know he’s revoked.

128      Reaction to the unsportsmanlike behaviour article

            Don’t pre-empt twice – having pre-empted do not bid again unless partner asks.

            A signal is sometimes very important.

            Don’t be bullied into 2NT        

            Count your cards – some ‘experienced’ players are incapable of obeying this rule.

            Natural or transfer? If partner doubles after you open 1NT it’s penalty.       

            5-5 in the majors opposite partner’s 1NT – repeated yet again.

            Two amusing contracts (3-2 fits!) – don’t bid Stayman if you can’t cope with 2.

            3NT of course, but how do you bid it? – a decent minor suit

            Don’t remove 3NT to 5/!!

            5-3 fit or 3NT  ? sometimes correct to play in NT (get the correct hand as declarer).

            Not enough for slam - 15 points opposite partner’s 1NT is not enough to bid slam.

            Quantitative, Normal Blackwood, RKCB, Gerber, Splinter or what?

            With a 5-4 fit you don’t need the usual 25 points to make game in a major.

            Nice one Monte! – put the pressure on opponents.

129      Who's running the club? – seems someone else wants to take over?

            What should be in the news-sheets? – seems some people disagree with me.

130            Don’t pass partner’s 1 opening with a singleton

Bid the higher ranking of two 5 card suits in most situations.

            Why no slam? – deduct a point for the totally flat 4333 type shape.

            Standard Responses to Gerber and Blackwood.

            Discarding – Suit preference.    Lavinthal (aka McKenney)

            What’s going on? – When RHO bids your suit, pass is usually the best bid.

            Obey the Law  – and if the opponents are too high, you can double them!

131      Nice ‘n Easy – don’t overbid when partner responds in your 4 card major.

Raise partner if RHO doubles – it can be weaker than usual.

The Michaels cuebid and the UNT.

            A Penalty double! – don’t double if you don’t know what it means

            A 10 is sometimes worth a lot !

132      The ‘committee’ does not work and is disbanded.

Raise partner's pre-empt to the limit - at once.

A 1NT response to a 1/ opening followed by a new suit at the two level is weak

            Transfers really make life easy … also over 2NT.

            When they overcall our 1NT opening… play Lebensohl.

            Don’t miss that 4-4 fit - Stayman followed by 3NT promises a 4 card major.

            The jump rebid to 2NT shows 18-19 points and does not deny a 4 card major.

            No rebid? – When you have a monster, don’t make a weak (passable) bid.

133            If you don’t want to lead your suit, then lead partner’s.

A 1NT response to a 1/ opening followed by a new suit is weak

            The 2NT response = 11-12 (at least that’s what most play)

Raise 1NT to 3NT with ‘just’ 7 points?

5-3 fit or NT? – with 3 card support and a doubleton, support partner’s major.

Penalty pass when playing negative doubles

            A Jump rebid shows a good long suit.

134      Raising partner’s 1NT response to 2NT (a good 16-17).

            A Reverse shows a strong hand

            Raise partner’s 2/ to 4/ with a singleton?

            Ogust – asking how good partner’s weak two opening is.

            Does partner have 3 or 4 card support? (Support Double)

            The negative double

135            Our bridge club is licensed, affiliated to the CBLT and is legal

The bid of the opponent’s suit generally asks for a stop (sometimes a ½ stop).

What’s your discard? - plan out your play and preserve entries.

Enough is Enough. Abusive/rude players will find they have no partner!

Return partner's suit – not always, but usually best.

            Raise Partner’s Pre-empt – first go and to the limit.                   

136      A one-level penalty double? – look for the ‘golden 200’ at pairs scoring.

            Don't use Blackwood to gauge strength

            How many times should one bid one’s hand?    

            Intermediates count – combinations like 109 or 987  in long suits are good.

            Intermediates count - Jacks are poor cards but decent when backed up by 10’s and 9’s.

            If you double and bid again then that shows a good hand wherever you are sitting.

            If you play Stayman and transfers over 2NT then it’s the same after 2 - 2 - 2NT

            Overcall or double with a 4 card major and a 5 card major?

            The rule of 7 – how many times to hold up.

137      Don't double (take-out) with a flat hand

Responding to a take-out double

Bid a new suit or rebid a 6-carder?

            Is opener’s rebid of his major always a 6 card suit?

How many ’s? – bidding after a 2NT(18-19) jump rebid

A word about Qx.

A 2-level overcall is close to an opening hand.

138      The Price of Bridge is going up  - membership fees etc.

You don’t need to rebid if RHO bids.

Upgrade a hand with AKQxxx

Game try or just competing?

You need 11 points to respond at the two level (playing a strong NT)

Stayman after intervention.       

Opening in 4th seat – the rule of 15.

Bidding in the pass-out seat (balancing) and 4th seat openers.

3NT or the Moysian fit?

Raising responder’s major with just 3 card support

139      You overcalled, so I assumed you had an opening hand – correct?

Multi 2 - one pretty good variation.

Namyats (4 or 4 to show sound 4/ openers)

That Moysian fit again.

A possible Moysian fit again?

Simple preference.

Simply giving preference shows a minimal hand and does not promise a fit.

A Pre-emptive jump raise? – jump to 4/ over partner’s 1/ opener.

140      4th suit by opener natural or 4th suit forcing?

            A take-out double is playable in the other 3 suits.

            Don’t bid again having pre-empted.

            Sportsmanlike behaviour.

            That Moysian fit yet again.

            Redouble is for blood.

            If 3NT is an option – then bid it!                                              

141      That 4333 type shape again

            Open a 4 card major?

            Vulnerability and ‘The Law’.

6-5 is excellent shape and has great trick making potential.

No natural 4 opener (because of Namyats)

142      The direct raise 4/ is pre-emptive.

            If 4 is a poor contract, what about 6?

Game tries in competition – a bid of your agreed suit is simply competing.

            Still look for the fit after a 2NT jump (CBS or NMF).

            How was slam bid? – a splinter agrees partner’s last suit (usually a major).

            Only one down? – because it was mis-boarded!

143      That infamous Unusual 2NT (UNT) again.

Who should bid 1NT? – deduct a point for the 4333 type shape.

            Another easy 3NT missed – with stops, overcall in NT rather that a minor.

            How to get a penalty when playing negative doubles – go for the vulnerable penalty.

144            That infamous Unusual 2NT (or Michaels) yet again – they are pre-empts, not 13 pts.

Look for the 4-4 major fit after partner’s 2NT jump

3NT is usually better than 5/

4th suit forcing – asks partner to define his hand further, with showing a stop 1st.

Pass and/or double need to be alerted?? - sometimes, if they are conventional.

Balancing 1 – ‘borrow a king from partner’.

Balancing 2 – so deduct 3 points from you hand when partner balances.

145      Is 4NT Blackwood? – not over partner’s 2NT bid.

A lucky hand for the system – a 6-card 3 pre-empt because they play strong twos.

Don't double with 2-suiters – double and bid again shows a good hand.

How to bid slam? – Open a 10 playing trick hand with 2, not 2NT.

When partner's 2 opening is overcalled.

Incorrectly criticise me?... then expect to get it back

When you open (or overcall) 1NT you have said it all.

The Final Straw – don’t call me stupid.

146      Namyats (4 or 4) means you say your hand.

Off to slam again – 4NT in quantitative over partner’s 2NT rebid.

The 2NT rebid if RHO chips in with a 2-level overcall over partner’s 1-level response

There’s no such animal as a pre-empt in 4th seat

            What does the 2 bid mean? : -1NT - 2 - 2 - 2

The 4-4 fit is best – locating the 4-4 // fit is what all bidding systems are all about.

Playing neg doubles if opener bids rather than the ‘automatic’ double it’s shapely.

Crowhurst, NMF or CBS?

An Adjusted Score? – if partner doubles Stayman – then lead §’s!!

A Jump after a two level response is forcing – play 2/1 and you don’t have to jump!

Don’t deny a 4-card major

147      Play 4th suit forcing as a game force – it’s easiest.

1NT or a negative double?

Garbage Stayman. – weak 4441 type hands with short ’s or 54xx or 45xx hands.

Bid first time or later? – support partner’s pre-empt 1st time or not at all.

Double with a flat hand? – when you can double 3/ with just 3 in the other major.

A jump response to a take-out double is around 8-10 points.

148      Who bid too high? – deduct a point for the 4333 type shape

Lucrative Low level doubles – take the money.

            Lucrative Low level doubles – remember the ‘magic 200 (and 500)’ at pairs scoring.

If your hand is too strong to simply overcall, then double first.

Don’t be bullied into 2NT if you can double the opponents

A defence against Michaels/UNT.

What to do with a long minor and a 4 card major opposite a 1NT opener.

            Sometimes you can still compete without over-bidding (play negative doubles).

149            Don't abuse the reverse.

Be wary if LHO bids NT.

Points in the suit – deduct a point for any 4333 type shape.

Knock off a point? – same again.

Bidding After Partner’s 1NT rebid. (NMF/CBS)

Which is best – Checkback Stayman or New Minor Forcing?

150      Take-out or penalty double?

            No need to jump in a game-forcing sequence.

Open 1NT and you’ve said it all!

A help-suit game try.

The power of aces – Aces are good cards.

False preference - false preference to a major suit usually only shows 2 card support.

A void – your hand improves every time the oppents bid your void.

Roman 2 - what range?

Always Transfer - always transfer with a 5 card major, regardless of strength.

Balanced hand Bidding – a summary using Strandard American.

            Rules - Don’t open 1NT way out of range, count your cards.

151            Don’t pre-empt then bid again! – pre-empt to the limit first go.

Don’t double with flat hands  – unless very strong.

Don’t double with flat hands  – a double should be playable in the other 3 suits.

            Don’t double with the wrong shape  – double and then bid NT is a strong (19+) hand.

            Bidding the opponent’s suit – it can mean different things in different situations.

            A 50% chance is 100% better than a 0% chance – keep your guard     

            The Negative Double – shows 4 cards in the unbid major and an unlimited point count.

152      The Police Raid – no problem, we’re totally legal and do not gamble.

            3NT from the right side! If you have the (double) stop in the opponent’s suit, bid NT.

            Don’t Deny a 4-card major – it’s the same old story …

            Don’t double with just one suit! – unless it’s very strong.

            The 2 opener; seems to be getting weaker and weaker?

            Time to move on to Benji?

            Contacting Others – contact details for members are on the web.

153      The police raid – I’ve been assured that there will be no future problem.

            Contacting Others – ask me if you want your contact details known.

            Don’t Bid Blackwood with a weak doubleton.

            Baby Blackwood – a rather uncommon convention but perhaps useful.

            A cold slam played in a partscore (4 times)! – 1 - 1NT - 3 is game forcing.

            A dubious double? If the opps have taken you out of a good spot, then double them.          

            The UNT – the UNT promises 5-5 in the two lowest unbid suits.

            The UNT – a UNT over a 1 opening promises ’s and ’s, even if 1 may be short.

            A balanced 26+ hand? 3NT sucks – only Benji works.  

154      Bidding in the pass-out seat – a typical scheme.

            Giving Count.

            No such thing as a pre-empt over a pre-empt – a jump over a pre-empt is strong.

            Invite with a good 11 or 12 – Intermediates count

            Penalising the opponents when you can’t penalty double.

            3rd hand high – unless there’s a finessable honour in dummy

            How do you reach 6NT – AKQxx is more than 9 points!

            Combining chances – try to set up a suit before resorting to a finesse.

            Who should bid Blackwood? – the captain!

            Raise partner’s pre-empt with 3 card support

            (Usually) don’t rebid a 5-card suit

            Force partner to do the right thing – make him ruff by not leading the master.

Overtake partner if you need the lead – make life easy for partner if you can.

155            About our clubs – I run Mon/Fri and Dave runs Wed.

            A comedy of errors? - bidding after a 1NT opening has been overcalled.

            Who’s the dick-head? – nobody will lead A fro AQX when RHO has opened 1NT!

            A word (or two) about upside-down Attitude

            The Trump promotion – and Look at partner’s signals.

            Don’t Pre-empt then bid again!

            A 2 opener? – with 4441 type shape your rebid will be tricky!

            Responses to the 2 opening (2 waiting, 2 negative).

            Partner may be bust! – raising partner’s minimal response having doubled

            The 2nd double is also take-out.

            3rd hand plays high – three(!) examples from one week where they got it wrong.

            Benjamin is the way (strong 2/ openers).

            Walking the dog.

            The jump to four is weak – You need a monster for 4NT here: 1 - 4 - 4NT.

156            Benji is the way (again).

A 2 opener? – I don’t consider any 13 point hand worth 2 in Standard American.

A real 2 opener? – is A8 AJ AQJ108753 K worth a 2 opener?

There’s no negative double over a 1NT overcall.

A re-opening double is ‘automatic’ when playing negative doubles.

When not to re-open with the double.

Don’t leap off when it’s game forcing anyway.

Bidding after partner balances.

KISS – Keep It Simple, Stupid.

‘Dig up’ a minor.

A ‘limit raise or better’ over partner’s 1/ overcall – three examples from this week.

157      So what do those bids mean? – splinter and cue bid? – Dunno.

            1NT or support with 3 cards? 1 - 1 -  ? , you have  54 A85 AK5 QJ753    

            A poor slam? for small slam you generally need about 33 points with no fit.

            5-5 Come Alive – AJ1076 K8643 - J73 is worth a move opposite a 1 opener.

            Strong vs Weak NT – you get the 15/16 point rebid problem less playing a strong NT.

            Don’t put Qx’s on table! – try to be declarer.

            The 2/ and the 2/ overcall of 1NT using Cappelletti/Multi Landy.

            Don’t bid 4/ if 3NT is a viable contract!

As an aside – when opponent bids Michaels over 1/, is a or bid asking or telling?

Michaels Again! – Michaels is (nearly always) a pre-empt.

A Word about Michaels and UNT – a few pointers on suit length.

Pick a major – bidding the opponent’s suit is not natural, even if they play a short .

Pick a major – 5-5 in the majors opposite 1NT.

Mobile phones – turn them off please!

Our Friendly Club – everybody was asleep?

A negative double after partner pre-empts? – I don’t think so.

A weak two opener? –  J109874 86 AQ7 K2

Responding to partner’s negative double – 1  2  dbl  pass 2NT  is a good hand. Contacting Others – there’s a secure page on the web.

158            With a balanced 15-17, open 1NT!   J862 A85 K4 AK32 is a 1NT opener.

When the opponent’s bid and support a suit then dbl is usually for take-out.

Got no stop? – sometimes you simply have to gamble.

Redouble is for blood! – look for the penalty when partner redoubles.

Responding with (sub)minimal values – 1 - 1NT - 3 is still game forcing.

Don’t make a weak bid with game-forcing values.

‘Denying’ a 4 card major – 1 - 2 - 3NT - 4. –  what is 4, is it forcing?

Open 1NT and you’ve said it all – after 1NT - 2 - 2 - 2, pass is mandatory.

Being sandwiched – bidding NT between two bidding opponents.

The Sandwich NT   Don’t play 1NT in the sandwich position as a balanced 15-18.

159            Pre-empt in 5th seat? – Pre-empt to the limit first go and do not bid again later.

No super-accept available? You should not super-accept playing a weak NT.

A cold slam – A 26 point slam, reached only if you play splinters.

Obey the Law – raise partner’s 1 overcall to 3 with  873 A874 8653 92

The Gambling 3NT – open 3NT with:  J 7 973 AKQJ10532

            With a balanced hand, open 1NT:  J10 KJ92 AKQ10 J42

160            Rudeness – it’s unacceptable at this club.

      Unblock – throw your winner(s) away if you know that you will be end-played.

Aces are for taking kings – do not waste an ace on thin air if it can take a king next go.

Opposite partner’s balancing double, 1NT is about 10-12.  AQ6 K52 Q875 965

Blame me for your blunder – John Gavens demonstrates what a pratt he is.

Shape is more important than pts – don’t defend 4 holding AK10952 - KJ8732 4

Being devious – lie about your shape to get a good lead.

Pass for penalties? A two-way double.

That 4333 type shape again – pass partner’s 1NT holding 986 J86 J62 KQJ4

161      The ASEAN Teams Sham – Henrik demonstrates what an arrogant selfish person he is.

The jump rebid is not forcing – 1 - 1 - 2 - 3 - pass

Which card do you play? – up with the ace or finesse dummy’s jack?

A Jump Rebid? – open 1NT or jump rebid with Q5 A92 KJ763 K10 ?

Unauthorised Information – overcall 1NT and then bid 2NT is silly

A Psyche? – answering 3 to partner’s Jacoby 2NT with AQ AJ1084 7 AKQ97

Know your splinters, cue bids etc.

162      The jump shift, 1 - 2 , is strong unless agreed to the contrary.

Who should make the effort? Is J98432 AQ9 75 76 worth an effort opposite 1NT?

Who should make the effort? 1NT - 2, is KQ105 J64 K92 AQ10 a super-accept?

A strong two (or Benji 2)opener? 86 AKQ1073 A K1062, I think so.

The Competitive double. LHO opens, partner overcalls, RHO raises; dbl is take-out.

Which slam? AKQ84 A732 - 9743 opposite 75 KQ84 AJ AQJ86 bid 6.

How do you find a minor suit slam after Stayman? – SARS. 

163      Suitable for Jacoby 2NT? – part 1 – KQ965 J KQ K9853 opposite a 1 opener?

Suitable for Jacoby 2NT? – part 2 – J10943 A4 AQJ96 J  opposite a 1 opener?

Play strong jump shifts - opposite a 1 opener, bid 3 with A9 QJ10972 K765 K

Strong or weak?  play Lebensohl when partner’s 1NT is interfered with.

A 2 opener (or 2 playing Benji)? – AKQ43 7 KJ54 AKQ – I think so.

Respond 2NT (not 2) to 1 opening with K6 AK8 1083 J9643

A poor 2NT opener? – What do you open with AKQ J76 AK95 K54 ?

Ignoring the 4-4 major suit fit? –  4(!) articles where this was or was not a good idea!

4th suit forcing – A hand which prompted me to write up the 4th suit forcing convention.

The SOS redouble – 1 dbl pass pass redbl(SOS).

164      4-4 better than 5-4? – certainly when the 4-4 is a major and 5-4 a minor.

            When a double of NT is take-out – 1 pass 1NT dbl is take-out of ’s.

How high is double for take-out? – a dbl of 4 is TO, a dbl of 4 is penalty (4NT is TO)

Bid again after responding 1NT? – if you respond 1NT and later bid a suit, it’s weak.

Worth a Reverse? - 1 - 2 - 2 with A653 AK976 6 A32 ?

Play in the 5-3 fit with a (very!) weak outside suit – use CBS or NMF to find a fit.

Rebid 1NT or support ? 1 - 1 - then 1NT or 2 with A98 53 KQ64 A642 ?

Who should make the effort? 1NT - 2, is AJ83 J3 KQ6 A983 a super-accept?

Double and bid again? – only with a big hand.

Fiddling about? – make up your mind before pulling out a bidding card.

165      The 2005 championship results.

            The Club Library.

Raise partner’s pre-empt to the limit immediately.

A splinter agreeing a minor   2 - 2 - 3 - 4.

A big UNT/Michaels hand   AQ1073 J7 AQJ953 K.

Play in the 6-3 major suit fit, it’s best to play 1 - 1 - 2NT - 3 as forcing.

Bid what you can make? How many points for 3NT here: - 1 - 2 - 3NT? 18-19?

With 5-4, don’t play in NT – with AJ1076 J3 AJ94 A8 It’s 1 - 1NT - 2.

Too strong for 2NT – with  A732 A AKQJ104 K10 open 2 (or Benji 2).

A word about 2 negative. 2 negative (and 2 waiting) do not apply playing Benjamin

Cue bid or Blackwood – do not bid Blackwood with a void.

Roman Key Card Blackwood void responses – showing a void over partner’s RKCB bid

A new suit over partner’s pre-empt is forcing –  2 - 2, forcing. RONF.