On this deal from the Tuesday 16 June game, every East-West pair in the room renewed their memberships in Overbidders Anonymous, and paid either 200 or 300 points in dues: the results on the traveler were
Dealer East EW vul |
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The key rule to remember on hands like this: if you don't have a fit and you don't have the values for 3NT, get out of the auction before you are in over your head. Here's the auction I like best on this deal:
West | North | East | South |
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Double | Pass | Pass | Pass |
Yes, West's double is penalty after a 1NT opening, not takeout and not "stolen bid" promising five spades. South is going for a phone number (800 with best play and defence.) Even if North runs to
The 5-card diamond suit and doubleton club won't stop most modern experts from opening a 15-17 1NT on East's cards, but if you play a 16-18 notrump, the most sensible auction for you is short and sweet:
West | North | East | South |
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Pass | Pass | Pass |
Neither East nor West has another suit to introduce, and rebidding 5-card suits at the 3-level or bidding 2NT on a hand that you deemed too weak to open 1NT is near-suicidal. Just passing out
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