In BWTA, what should South bid if partner now bids 3N over 3D?

Hi Bobby,

The opening lead from West today is obvious enough but, if the EW diamonds were reversed, I suspect W would have tried a trump trying to stop H ruffs. That is not a success.

The pressure to bid Vulnerable games is extreme at times – this is a combined 22 count with a wasted DK. Playing 2C as not GF, I’d expect the auction to subside after 1S 2C 2H 2S or maybe even 1S 2C 2H 3S. Any thoughts on whether today’s game is over-pushy except maybe Vul at IMPs?

Regards,

Iain

Hi Jim2,

PASS I’m hoping he’s got something like Ax Q10xxx AQxx Ax or similar. I’d certainly expect CAx and I’ll live with him having SQJ or even Q10. Mind you, I play a non-forcing 1N response so maybe this doesn’t apply. Even so, he bid it knowing I haven’t got 4S or that good a raise to 3D.

Having said that, my bidding judgement has been shot to bits recently!

Regards,

Iain

Hi Jim2,

Upon that apparent adventuress response I would definitely pass, glad that my partner
had it in him to be aggressive. Obviously, until I saw the dummy, I wouldn’t be able to asses our chances, but, while waiting for the opening lead, I would feel somewhat confident of scoring it up.

Never forget that I, and likely everyone else, figures to receive a more able dummy than will be your pleasure (and I use that word advisedly).

Hi Iain,

Obviously the vulnerability persuaded South to overbid and accept the game invitation, but to do so might be only accepted by a wishful thinking gross over bidder. While a king is still a king, a lone one, if anything, needs to be downgraded in value because of its inflexibility.

Having said that, sure all of us have at times done just as wrong or even worse, but to do so
only reflexes the mood of the moment, together, with a likely sudden urge.

Hi Everyone,

I meant North accepting the invitation, not South. Perhaps the recent absence of our column among our few, has caused me a dulling in my senses. At least a more positive view at least as an excuse, than to blame it on age.

Hi, still again,

Well in China sometimes by marriage two Wongs can make a right. Hah-falling for my excuses, I should have known no one could keep up with my dashes. No mistakes for me,
only games that I love to play. OK-so I only wish it to be!

Okay, now Step 2:

What should South bid if North responds 3H over 3D?

Hi Jim2,

Only a bid of 3NT, made in tempo, but not as fast as it should feel, not necessarily to be thought ethical, but rather to con West into leading a club. No offense, and just kidding……………….I hope!

I can hear it now—-a little later, “Director, my opponent bid in tempo when he had a clear choice, please forbid his partner to now pass”.

Hi Mystery person,

Thanks much for making it as short an hiatus as possible for all of us bridge players who
are hopelessly hooked. For starters, you notified us, you performed the needed switch with no strings attached and above all, did it all in grand style.

Especially with what is going on in the outside world, you aced all areas.

Now you need to convert to playing our game in the best way possible and the place to start
is now free and clear for you to begin. In all love and candor thanks for taking charge!