Exactly how sensible is East’s double today? Fair enough with (say) CQJ108x or similar but it probably deserved to find declarer with KJ9x(x) when redouble might give NS the chance to make game in an unexpected manner.
I hit something similar a few months ago. I held QJ9xx A98x K Axx and bid 2C over partner’s 1N to which he replied 2D and the next hand doubled. I redoubled to make him show a preference and he decided to stick it out with DQ1098x. The double was ill-judged with partner disappointed not to make an overtrick.
Regards,
Iain
Iain ClimieMay 31st, 2023 at 10:22 am
TBF, I don’t think my redouble there was very bright – if pard does bid 2H with 23 or 33 in the majors I’m probably bidding 2S anyway while the DK could easily be waste paper. A quiet 2S would have made more sense (although we play Smolen) opposite a 12-14 NT but the end result was fine.
Iain
bobbywolffMay 31st, 2023 at 3:05 pm
Hi Iain,
No doubt it is statistically dangerous to do (usually bid with redoubling the more likely possibility)) sometimes chance taking actions particularly while playing with a rock solid partner who hopes to win by just playing mistake free, instead of reaching out with dangerous side actions to which partner may agree or disagree as to its worth or worse, not being familiar with the specific meaning (whether strength or length, at least on this one)
Far be it from me to seriously criticize your action here. It is no doubt well conceived and a lpossible lesson to the opponents that no free exchanges will be allowed against us when risk of doing so gives us a chance to “fight back” against aggression and “free lunches” to your side.
However, to respond that way, as you know, does involve some, shall we say, unlucky end results. Therefore IMO, that choice could (should) be up to one’s specific partner who doesn’t mind dying by the sword if and when it occurs. “you pays your money you take your choices” can be your motto, but remember, when you play against an average opponent, you start out (certainly most times) as the favorite so by taking too wild a position you lose that advantage of just out bidding them or out playing them and rest it all on the fate of something different surely due to happen at the other table or tables.
Nothing else to say and perhaps I should not be saying such things now, because, for even one reason, taking the fun out of the game, which may be true for some.
Iain ClimieMay 31st, 2023 at 4:06 pm
Hi Bobby,
Thanks for that and, like playing 10-12 1NT with pass after a double compelling redouble, either to play or as the first step in escaping, there is always the mixed pleasure of playing (metaphorical) Russian Roulette at pairs this way. Not for the nervous!
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Hi Bobby,
Exactly how sensible is East’s double today? Fair enough with (say) CQJ108x or similar but it probably deserved to find declarer with KJ9x(x) when redouble might give NS the chance to make game in an unexpected manner.
I hit something similar a few months ago. I held QJ9xx A98x K Axx and bid 2C over partner’s 1N to which he replied 2D and the next hand doubled. I redoubled to make him show a preference and he decided to stick it out with DQ1098x. The double was ill-judged with partner disappointed not to make an overtrick.
Regards,
Iain
TBF, I don’t think my redouble there was very bright – if pard does bid 2H with 23 or 33 in the majors I’m probably bidding 2S anyway while the DK could easily be waste paper. A quiet 2S would have made more sense (although we play Smolen) opposite a 12-14 NT but the end result was fine.
Iain
Hi Iain,
No doubt it is statistically dangerous to do (usually bid with redoubling the more likely possibility)) sometimes chance taking actions particularly while playing with a rock solid partner who hopes to win by just playing mistake free, instead of reaching out with dangerous side actions to which partner may agree or disagree as to its worth or worse, not being familiar with the specific meaning (whether strength or length, at least on this one)
Far be it from me to seriously criticize your action here. It is no doubt well conceived and a lpossible lesson to the opponents that no free exchanges will be allowed against us when risk of doing so gives us a chance to “fight back” against aggression and “free lunches” to your side.
However, to respond that way, as you know, does involve some, shall we say, unlucky end results. Therefore IMO, that choice could (should) be up to one’s specific partner who doesn’t mind dying by the sword if and when it occurs. “you pays your money you take your choices” can be your motto, but remember, when you play against an average opponent, you start out (certainly most times) as the favorite so by taking too wild a position you lose that advantage of just out bidding them or out playing them and rest it all on the fate of something different surely due to happen at the other table or tables.
Nothing else to say and perhaps I should not be saying such things now, because, for even one reason, taking the fun out of the game, which may be true for some.
Hi Bobby,
Thanks for that and, like playing 10-12 1NT with pass after a double compelling redouble, either to play or as the first step in escaping, there is always the mixed pleasure of playing (metaphorical) Russian Roulette at pairs this way. Not for the nervous!
Regards,
Iain