2022_05 - 42

IT'S
YOUR
CALL
Problem No. 1 thanks to Steve
Robinson's WBL Solvers' Club.
doesn't mean partner is also 4-3-3-
3. We are vulnerable at IMPs. "
The new guy agrees 100% with
DIRECTOR: SUE MUNDAY
SCORES: KAREN WALKER
Sanborn passes, but not quite as
dismissively. " A balanced 8-count -
not in my wheelhouse to raise. I would
bid if I held two four-card majors,
maybe any major with a side fourcard
suit or a kicker or two more. "
Cohen: " Pass, especially if partner
isn't a strong declarer. "
" Even these conditions weren't
Please welcome Stephen McConnell
to the expert panel. Stephen earned
his seat by winning the 2021 IYC
online contest. The Evanston IL resident
has a national win in the 2014
Senior Swiss Teams and serves on
the board for Chicago Unit 123.
1. Lesson one
IMPs. North-South vulnerable.
K J 5 4 k9 4 2 lJ 10 3 'Q J 4
West North East
1NT
Call
Pass
2NT
2'
Pass
Votes
8
5
2
South
?
Award
100
80
70
Let's start gently this month. Partner
opens a simple 15-17 1NT. Easy,
right? Bidding 101.
Donn thinks so. " Pass. In the
long run, passing flat, featureless
8-counts opposite a 1NT opening is
the winning strategy. "
Rigal agrees. " At the table I would
have had the choice of five or six
different actions, depending on how
many pass cards there were in my
box. Any would do. To quote John
McEnroe, 'You cannot be serious.' "
42 | Bridge Bulletin | May 2022
enough to persuade me with a flat
8-count, " says Weinstein. " But it was
tempting. "
Meyers passes, though she, too,
is " a little tempted to bid over 1NT.
But 4=3=3=3 with no great suit is not
appealing. "
Boldly, Molson offers an invitational
2NT raise. " Vulnerable at IMPs, I
bid. I suspect this is another hand on
which I will be alone in the crowd, but
at least I entertain. "
Lee: " 2NT. We just can't risk missing
a vulnerable game, and I'm not too
interested in playing in spades with
this hand. "
Meckstroth, 2NT: " I can't resist
trying for the game bonus. "
" Can't not bid 2NT vul at IMPs, " insists
Colchamiro, " with all those nice
connected honors. Besides, I'm trying
to make the moves like Meckwell. "
The connected jacks and 10s sway
Boehm to issue a 2NT invite. " Also
the scoring method. I like the style
where game tries are aggressive and,
accordingly, acceptances must be
conservative. "
" 2NT, only because it's IMPs, " says
Lawrence. " Also, because my bidding
asks no questions, the opening leader
is in the blind. Add a point for that. "
Robinson invites by way of Stayman.
" Just because we're 4=3=3=3
Robinson. McConnell: " While I pass
almost all 4-3-3-3 8-counts after
partner's 1NT opening, the vulnerable
game potential at IMPs and the
J-10-x and Q-J-x connectors entice
me to invite game. I'm still willing
to try for a 4-4 spade fit. Although I
have no shape, partner might. "
2. RSVP
Matchpoints. Both vulnerable.
K kA K J 5 l5 4 'K 9 5 4 3 2
West North East
Pass
Pass
Call
3k
Pass
3NT
3'
Pass 2NT
Pass
1 Pass
Pass
Votes
8
4
3
South
1'
2'
?
Award
100
70
70
40
Cohen explains why 3k is the
frontrunner. " I have extras and
want to show them by making a
forward-going and natural bid. True,
I am worried about the quality of my
clubs, but partner will have a good
idea of what I have and hopefully do
the right thing now. "
" I know partner is a passed hand, "
says Donn as he powers forward with
3k. " But if they are inviting, how can
I not accept? "
Robinson advances with 3k. " I
must tell partner I have hearts so
partner knows we might have a diamond
problem. "
3k by Weinstein, " accepting
partner's invitation and showing my
second suit. "
Lawrence's 3k, also brief and to the
point: " Forcing. Descriptive bid. "
" 3k, why not? " quips Korbel.
Meckstroth answers Korbel's rhetorical
question with a pass. " Doesn't
feel like the right stuff here. At IMPs,
2022_05

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