Kipling’s words are less relevant if you’re rich enough to shrug losses off. I can only put South in the same category when he bid 6N instead of 6C on today’s hand though. Even at pairs / BAM it seems risky unless South expected more form North. An old fashioned reverse would be more likely based on KQJ AQxx KJ10xx x or weaker hearts and better diamonds so maybe North has to shoulder some blame unless 2H could be a limited opener playing 2 / 1.
Regards (and welcome back),
Iain
bobbywolffJanuary 17th, 2022 at 3:59 pm
Hi Iain,
Yes, many, if not most, sound high-level partnerships eschew extras when responding to partner’s two over one allowing suits to be named. The idea is to find the trump suit early, before delving into level, methinks a worthwhile endeavor once the value of partner’s two over one is known, announcing enough for game.
And East was no doubt taking a large gamble with his “out of the blue” double, since he strongly risked doubling an opponent who may redouble, (especially when holding the diamond ace) with what he might have thought would be a lay down small slam (very long and solid clubs) and possibly enough tricks (12) with even a shot at 13, if the opponents did not immediately cash their ace.
Also Kipling was likely referring and advising one or more of his children, when and IF he gave his thoughtful advice on how to live his or possibly her (although not likely) life.
The main feature, at least to me, is NEVER give up IF and when bad luck arrives and, IF so, it certainly would and should directly apply at the bridge table, where the sometimes fickle, Dame Fortune, is always in charge.
Apologies to those who sought the weekend hands, but were forced to wait.
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HI Bobby,
Kipling’s words are less relevant if you’re rich enough to shrug losses off. I can only put South in the same category when he bid 6N instead of 6C on today’s hand though. Even at pairs / BAM it seems risky unless South expected more form North. An old fashioned reverse would be more likely based on KQJ AQxx KJ10xx x or weaker hearts and better diamonds so maybe North has to shoulder some blame unless 2H could be a limited opener playing 2 / 1.
Regards (and welcome back),
Iain
Hi Iain,
Yes, many, if not most, sound high-level partnerships eschew extras when responding to partner’s two over one allowing suits to be named. The idea is to find the trump suit early, before delving into level, methinks a worthwhile endeavor once the value of partner’s two over one is known, announcing enough for game.
And East was no doubt taking a large gamble with his “out of the blue” double, since he strongly risked doubling an opponent who may redouble, (especially when holding the diamond ace) with what he might have thought would be a lay down small slam (very long and solid clubs) and possibly enough tricks (12) with even a shot at 13, if the opponents did not immediately cash their ace.
Also Kipling was likely referring and advising one or more of his children, when and IF he gave his thoughtful advice on how to live his or possibly her (although not likely) life.
The main feature, at least to me, is NEVER give up IF and when bad luck arrives and, IF so, it certainly would and should directly apply at the bridge table, where the sometimes fickle, Dame Fortune, is always in charge.
Apologies to those who sought the weekend hands, but were forced to wait.