Uh oh. I fear the gremlins have returned – but I can pray they will awaken the real person who drops off the column

Hi Bobby, Steve,

I’m trying to think of a suitable Shakespeare-style curse on Mondays – any thoughts? Something form MacBeth’s witches perhaps? I wonder if Ambrose Bierce had any thoughts here?

Iain

Hi Steve & Iain,

Hark, since it probably is as clear as ABC, Always Beware of Curses, to which Ambrose Bierce is almost, by his initials, 2/3 of the way there. And both of your last names round it off.

Always bear concern is a petty way for me to apologize.

No worries, it’ll be worth the wait!

Iain

Bobby, I had a bidding question that I emailed you in case it is good for a Sunday. I used the mindspring email address. If not suitable for a column perhaps I can post it here — but does this messaging ap allow for pasting of a deal image?

No Shakespeare?
So how about a song? Blue Monday, Fats Domino.

Hi Steve,

Although I am not blessed with computer savvy, I will suggest you posting it here. As to how and which way you do, is in your hands (bridge, that is).

With father time becoming a clear and present risk, new, commonly used words like AP, are sometimes misinterpreted, especially by old fogies.

Hi Clarksburg,

You probably recognized Fats’ most heralded one.

Deaker South — EW Silent throughout. How does one bid the diamond slam?

A9
A1087
A107632
2

KJ2
K42
KJ5
AQ94

Thanks Bobby

Hi Steve,

Are you sure you want to be in it? Old fashioned approach would start 1N – 3D (GF, slam interest) but you need trumps 2-2 or singleton Q plus there are two possible H losers.

Regards,

Iain

OK, let’s give North the queen of hearts, The real question behind this question is this: how does one investigate for a heart fit when 4-6 in hearts and diamonds. Seeing all 4 hands does not give a real picture. If one begins with Stayman, what is the continuation? That is the real Issue I wanted to address: investigating for a major suit slam followed by investigation for a minor suit slam. Gavin Wolpert has a way to investigate when North is 4-5, but what about 4-6?

Hi Steve,

In caveman days, I’d have started with 3C / 3D (some slam interest) with 4-6 and partner was expected to bid a 4 card major on the way. That was a VERY long time ago, though. Perhaps 1N – 2N (showing D), 3D by South and then 3H by N but it all needs agreement and many play it as shortage / fragment here rather than a suit. Tricky (and good) Q!

regards,

Iain

Hi Steve & Iain,

Regarding reaching this marginal diamond slam and without playing any unusual conventions I would suggest:

South 1 NT (15-17), North, 2 clubs (unless playing 2 way Stayman) South 2 diamonds, North 3 diamonds (suit), South 3 hearts (cue bid, showing a control (K) but a very good overall hand for diamonds), North, 4NT, not BW but interested in a diamond slam, South 6 diamonds, simple, to the point and, of course the acceptance of the invitation.

By chance it gets play from the right side with whatever lead West chooses, allowing the slam to likely be at least a 50% one.

Bridge, being the tough hombre it is, and in spite of the great controls with both partners, it remains a borderline percentage slam, but one most good pairs would reach.

Thanks for submitting it.

Now back to the business of waiting (that’s all I can now do and for that I will apologize) for the AOB website to get back on track with first Monday and then Tuesday available and waving.

Good Morning Bobby
Some years back I asked you about this auction:
1NT 2C 2D 3minor
I recall you suggested:
At IMPS: strong hand with the minor
At Matchpoints: weak with long minor, but checking for major along the way