Bridge: MSC 2025 Discussion

[SteveWhite]

That was my initial reaction, too. Very strange: at first there were some glitches in how they posted the scores. This is what they finally showed.

Initially (for all questions, not just this one) the Panel votes and % Solvers columns were all 0, except 100 for the last choice among Solvers. That was for every question, not just this one. And for this one, 1NT wasn’t even shown, I was just concluding 0 from the “else”. Hence my expectation it was not 0. But the vote counts were in, and the explicit 0 for 1NT, before I posted them.

[SteveWhite]

from VVV by e-mail

A Pass. It’s IMPs. Game is remote. And if we are making 3S, they likely aren’t making 3H. I would be more tempted if partner were not a passed hand, but as it stands, there is unlikely t be a juicy penalty.

B 2H. I plan to bid 2N next over 2S, but it will be so much nicer if partner does something else (especially bidding NT if he has a heart honor, which will right-side it). Admittedly part of the reason for 2H is that I can’t bid 1-1/2 NT. This hand is too good for 1N, but doesn’t feel quite good enough for 2N.

C 3N. They aren’t getting off to a good lead, and partner’s raise shows a max for the 1S call in context.

D 1N. And this time I am picking NT because the hand is too good for 2H in competition, and not good enough for 2S.

E Pass. Presumably partner could have rebid 2N with a power-invite and five spades. So he has a light invite, and I have a bad 13 count. And it’s not like we’re chasing a red game bonus.

F 1N. In BWS 1N can be this hand. And I don’t really have other options. I clearly can’t bid 4S. I don’t like to pass with 4-card support and a control, though that is a very tempting second choice. And I am too weak for even a semi-constructive raise.

G Pass. Part of the reason I was reluctant to pass on F is that three of my other answers are “pass”. 2S is the best probe for the right strain, but I am light on high cards for it. I am also too light for 3C. That leaves the false preference of 2D, to keep the auction open, or pass. 2D is a really close second choice.

H CA. I can make an argument for CA, D10, or H8. Considering partner rates to have quite a few honor cards, and considering my S9 is high enough to be pesky when RHO also has a doubleton club, I’ll lay down the ace and hope there is still a correct decision to be made after I see dummy.