On BWTA, I considered passing two hearts, until I thought about how good a dummy the South hand is in the positional sense.

That is, if North’s modest array included bits like king-9-spot on spades and/or queen-third of diamonds, then even three small hearts would lead to nine tricks with decent splits. So, I eventually “bid” two notrump, as well. I would hope that pard would consider those aspects as the bidding sequence basically promises a 2-5-2-4 pattern with help in the short suits.

Hi Jim2,

Thanks for the comprehensive analysis of why you decided, like what was suggested, to rebid 2NT with the BWTA question.

The only caveat I can add is that, if any possible fault is to be found, it would be a bit of too much thinking before acting, but rather I would suggest that what you said at the end of your bid promising a likely 2-5-2-4 (perhaps 2 (1 or 3)-5-2 (3 or 1)-4 with a possible singleton honor where I mention the possibility of one. Even K, AKxxx, Kx, KJxxx might qualify rather than the alternative of 3 clubs which would (should) be chosen with x, AKxxx, Kx, Kxxxx (with a orobable pass of 2 hearts at matchpoints for the greater trick score when playing a major suit and getting reasonable breaks.

All I am alluding to, is (since there are endless numbers of possible hands) do not over think before allowing the general strength of your hand together with your outside values in your short suits to do the influencing and, of course, then deciding on choosing a game bid rather than pass with any kind of close choice.

It saves energy, time and, at least to me, a lifetime winning strategy.

In a long IMP match, bidding games against many opponents saps their energy, even though good defense would likely defeat the aggressive contract, they need to find that defense as against not as much intensity being involved in defending a part score.

Consistent intelligent thinking and problem solving on defense (with sometimes many nuances) wears even good players out, particularly ones without much experience.