Up For Debate

20th September – Board 14: Love All. Dealer East.

One of the most difficult areas of the game is to have a comprehensive system after 1NT has been doubled, both from the point of view of the responder to the opening bid and the responder to the doubler.

I think East is right to open 1NT here although it should work out badly. (The other option of opening 1♥ is fine if partner responds 1♠ because 2♣ becomes an obvious rebid, but if partner inconveniently bids 2♦ then you are stuck with having to rebid that anaemic suit.) When South doubles 1NT East/West have to know what a 2♦ bid now means by West. Some play it as a transfer and some play it as natural – a weakness take-out in fact. Put me down in the latter camp and I would have no hesitation in attempting to improve matters with a rescue act. But if West does bid 2♦ what is North supposed to do? Fine if you play that double is now for penalties but not so good if it is for take-out. The point I am trying to make is that for a really good partnership to function well these matters should have been discussed at length to avoid any ambiguities in the heat of battle. As I play that a double of 2♦ is for take-out I would have to pass and look sly – something I do to perfection – but I would then expect my partner to re-open with a double, which I would then pass. Two down and 300 to the good guys but only after a lot of system.