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cherdanno, on Apr 20 2010, 07:51 PM, said:
Believe it or not, this is not by accident! I tried to make the point that even someone following the ace-rule should come to the conclusion that the hand in the thread is a clear pass...
Anyway:
- If the international you quoted is really any good then I am sure he would pass here anyway.
- I would recommend taking generic advice ("bid 3N when it is an option") from an International less seriously than specific advice ("you need 18+ hcp to act here") from a World Class player. Especially when it is not clear whether the person you are quoting for the generic advice would even mention it in this particular circumstance.
Anyway:
- If the international you quoted is really any good then I am sure he would pass here anyway.
- I would recommend taking generic advice ("bid 3N when it is an option") from an International less seriously than specific advice ("you need 18+ hcp to act here") from a World Class player. Especially when it is not clear whether the person you are quoting for the generic advice would even mention it in this particular circumstance.
(Nothing much to add but ...)
John Maclaren is dead but his Ace Extra Test is still valid. Of course, I accept that he might have recommended a pass rather than a second double on this hand.
With a good 4144, however, to me it seems timid to sell out to 1N. I think it is reasonable to double again at the one-level, in the hope of finding a fit. For result-merchants, 2♣ here might still be a fair contract even if East had a weaker hand.
Partner's bid may help the defence even if opponents go on to win the auction. If partner passes the second double, useful new inferences may be available; you might even find the killing spade lead.