Mr. Wolff, in today’s column you advocate a range of 11-16 HCPs for a balancing seat 1NT overcall of a major. Does this not violate the ACBL rule that the range is restricted to 5 points, or is an overcall of 1NT exempt from the rule? Thanks much.
Bobby WolffApril 6th, 2020 at 1:32 am
Mr. Wolff, in today’s column you advocate a range of 11-16 HCPs for a balancing seat 1NT overcall of a major. Does this not violate the ACBL rule that the range is restricted to 5 points, or is an overcall of 1NT exempt from the rule? Thanks much.
My guess is that NT overcalls are exempt, but if not, they should be.
However, with both of the following hands, if my LHO opened 1S and
it was passed to me in 4th seat, with either s. Kx h. Ax, d. Kxxxx
c. Jxxx or s. QJxx, h. KQx, d. KJx, c. KJx I would then bid 1NT.
To bid anything else or pass would be, in my view, very unsatisfactory and, after all, at least to me, that is why I play
the game and my suggestion to you, is that you do the same.
Bobby WolffApril 6th, 2020 at 4:33 pm
Hi (Not me, but someone who wrote through Word Press),
The above is a practical application of why it is so very important to have people who make bridge rules adept with the enigma of making practical rules which directly fit the game, rather than attempts of general rules while only attempting to just be close enough.
Obviously, in this specific case, whether a player was a passed hand or not becomes critical since it would then normally rule out 13-15 hcp hands (and likely a decent 12).
Also with either of the example hands to bid anything else but 1NT, especially at matchpoints, would, if authenticity was important, border on the ridiculous.
However, without throwing brickbats or much less trying to insult the ACBL or people who are filling in as part bridge player, part rules maker, the subject, especially when trying to regulate the game, is nothing less than imperative that the bases are covered in every area.
Strong letter to not follow, unless the ACBL doesn’t try to do something about some of their failed attempts at governing the game, an extremely necessary enterprise.
Sorry from me to whomever is the individual who asked his thoughtful question and deserved a legal and bridge playable answer.
Bobby WolffApril 7th, 2020 at 3:08 pm
The person who wrote in, asking this question is, I believe Richard Nelson. If so, I believe the above two comments answer his question with my opinions, of course, included.
It would be helpful to me, if instead of word press submitting future questions, the poster merely asks his or her question directly on the site of AOB.
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Mr. Wolff, in today’s column you advocate a range of 11-16 HCPs for a balancing seat 1NT overcall of a major. Does this not violate the ACBL rule that the range is restricted to 5 points, or is an overcall of 1NT exempt from the rule? Thanks much.
Mr. Wolff, in today’s column you advocate a range of 11-16 HCPs for a balancing seat 1NT overcall of a major. Does this not violate the ACBL rule that the range is restricted to 5 points, or is an overcall of 1NT exempt from the rule? Thanks much.
My guess is that NT overcalls are exempt, but if not, they should be.
However, with both of the following hands, if my LHO opened 1S and
it was passed to me in 4th seat, with either s. Kx h. Ax, d. Kxxxx
c. Jxxx or s. QJxx, h. KQx, d. KJx, c. KJx I would then bid 1NT.
To bid anything else or pass would be, in my view, very unsatisfactory and, after all, at least to me, that is why I play
the game and my suggestion to you, is that you do the same.
Hi (Not me, but someone who wrote through Word Press),
The above is a practical application of why it is so very important to have people who make bridge rules adept with the enigma of making practical rules which directly fit the game, rather than attempts of general rules while only attempting to just be close enough.
Obviously, in this specific case, whether a player was a passed hand or not becomes critical since it would then normally rule out 13-15 hcp hands (and likely a decent 12).
Also with either of the example hands to bid anything else but 1NT, especially at matchpoints, would, if authenticity was important, border on the ridiculous.
However, without throwing brickbats or much less trying to insult the ACBL or people who are filling in as part bridge player, part rules maker, the subject, especially when trying to regulate the game, is nothing less than imperative that the bases are covered in every area.
Strong letter to not follow, unless the ACBL doesn’t try to do something about some of their failed attempts at governing the game, an extremely necessary enterprise.
Sorry from me to whomever is the individual who asked his thoughtful question and deserved a legal and bridge playable answer.
The person who wrote in, asking this question is, I believe Richard Nelson. If so, I believe the above two comments answer his question with my opinions, of course, included.
It would be helpful to me, if instead of word press submitting future questions, the poster merely asks his or her question directly on the site of AOB.
Thank you.