They are hoping for a response in 3-4 weeks, so I will plan to submit April 14, maybe earlier if we have clear leaders before then.
A) 4C
B) 3D
C) 2D
D) Pass
E) Pass
F) 4D
G) 3D
H) Diamond 4
Several seem tough, but here goes:
A. 3N. Surely it is worth some slam try with a 6 card suit and all the controls, but the overall values scream that a mild slam try is sufficient. The big drawback is that partner will not have a first round control he can show below 4H.
B. 2N. Even vil at imps this is plenty.
C. 2D. Nothing else seems remotely possible except a 4H splinter.
D. P. Enough when partner did not use 4th suit forcing
E. P. Stay low on a misfit
F. 4D. Best chance for a plus score
G. 3H. With some thought that the undiscussed 4D could be better.
H. D4. 4th best from longes and strongest. Probably best at matchpoints, too, but HQ (a possibility here too) become a stronger contender at matchpoints.
A) I’ve got 6 hearts and a diamond fit with the Ace. I agree that partner won’t be able to do much below 4H, but how does 3NT solve that?
B) 2NT is certainly reasonable, maybe it’s best here.
… Agree through F)
G) Partner is short in hearts, maybe a void … if he passes 3D maybe that’s all we can make.
These are oirg’s picks for this set
| A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| procrastinator | ||||||||
| oirg | 4H | 3D | 2N | 4D | 2N | P | 3N | HQ |
| SW | 3N | 2N | 2D | P | P | 4D | 3H | D4 |
| Klaymen | ||||||||
| ST | ||||||||
| BTDT | 4C | 3D | 2D | P | P | 4D | 3D | D4 |
| NN | ||||||||
| veni vidi vici | ||||||||
| Leading |
Nothing leading yet (needs agreement by 3 to lead)
From Klaymen by e-mail
4H
3D
2N
4D
2S
P
5D
d4
| A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| procrastinator | ||||||||
| oirg | 4H | 3D | 2N | 4D | 2N | P | 3N | HQ |
| SW | 3N | 2N | 2D | P | P | 4D | 3H | D4 |
| Klaymen | 4H | 3S | 2N | 4D | 2S | P | 5D | D4 |
| ST | ||||||||
| BTDT | 4C | 3D | 2D | P | P | 4D | 3D | D4 |
| NN | ||||||||
| veni vidi vici | ||||||||
| Leading | D4 |
From vvv by e-mail
A. 3NT. Tempted to do more: Jxx AKx KQxxx xx is a very good slam.
B. Pass. Bad spots and stiff in partner’s suit, will take the load road. In real life, I would know how likely pd is to be 35(41). In my style, that is quite likely.
C. 2D with no real conviction.
D. Pass. These misfits never seem to take as many tricks as HCP suggest.
E. 2 spades. I think this is forcing. I will likely bid 3NT next.
F. 5 diamonds. I would have bid 4 diamonds last round.
G. 6 Diamonds. Don’t think it will score well in a bidding contest, but 3H does not make it clear we fit diamonds, and in MPs, 5D is unlikely to score well when 3NT makes.
H. Diamond 4.
A) 3NT. I have a sixth trump, two first-round controls, and a stiff spade. So I have to at least make a mild slam try. But I think I’m simply too light on high cards to make a strong slam try.
B) Pass. My short heart and weak spades dissuade me from trying for game.
C) If we play strong jump shifts, then 3D. But I suspect we don’t. So 2D for now. Not 2NT or 4H.
D) Does 3NT show extras or a minimum? If extras, then 4D, else pass.
E) 2S seems right, albeit slightly aggressive. My excellent hearts argue for bidding. Hoping for 3NT, so maybe I should bid 2NT instead..
F) 3NT. Go for the game bonus.
G) 3D. Nice hand, but don’t punish partner for pushing.
H) HQ. Lead a major.
Over 1H or 1S, jump shift to 3 level is invitational. 2S over 1H is the only strong jump shift to major opening.
Chip is a retired math professor with whom I’ve played a few times, including today. He did create leading choices on some questions, while creating a tie on D. He’s going to be voting on our other two sets. I’ve been trying to get votes from Sweet Tooth and 4Sigma, but no contact so far.
I expect to submit something before midnight tomorrow, so post any additional comments ASAP.
4Sigma by e-mail
