I am not sure I agree with the BWTA answer.

What’s missing is what the OPPONENTs’ agreement is on passing the redouble.

That is, North knew South would get another bid but East knew that West might not.

Hi Jim2,

Of course, you are correct with your admonition.

However, it refers to what goes into making a first class pair, assuming that is the partnership’s intention.

As you allude, there is much to discuss, hash out, settle conflicting opinions, be together in what constitutes top level bridge logic, be responsible to remember it (although sometimes almost never coming up in practice), but then, at least, being compassionate when misunderstandings occur.

Never forget, bridge partnership competition, particularly at a very high world level, is ultra demanding, and in reality causes much anxiety, especially when event changing decisions depend on it.

The above is what some players refer to when they discuss the necessity for team chemistry which, of course, merely suggests the responsibility of all pairs on the team have to one another, both in talent, love for each other, and forcing ourselves to be in a position to play our best.

Since it directly contradicts the effect some (and I use that word advisedly) professional partnerships bring to a specific team, convinces me (because of my administrative experience) that allowing a less competent player (and I certainly would relax my playing expectations when they are involved) should be carefully gauged by the organizers, before allowing players at too low a level to play internationally representing their country, namely the USA.

If I was to say, the BUCK (pun intended) should stop there in top level international representation for our country to allow players below that level to compete in the most important world tournaments. Nothing more or less necessary to say except that area needs to be policed, otherwise our greatest worldwide events are basically a fraud, certainly not in serving the professionals with great paydays, but to the game itself, and especially the dignity of our country, we need to show more respect or, at the very least, accept our hypocrisy.

Many other big time sports and in our country, have somewhat similar problems in not allowing our college athletes to be paid until they turn professional, but, at least to me, that is the responsibility of our administrative arm, and when that arm is also made up of people with conflicting self-interests, the justice (and the future of the game) become seriously in jeopardy.

Not an easy problem to solve, but until we do, the world will never know what a truly great, best ever mind game, we are dealing with. Money, as it so often is, the root of many evils and infests human ability to be the best they can be, a cherished goal always to keep in the highest perspective.