[blml] Borderline rulings [SEC=UNOFFICIAL]

[Ed Reppert]

On Jul 23, 2006, at 9:16 PM, Guthrie wrote:

> Declarer had read a book written recently by one
> of the defenders that recommended doubling a
> splinter for the lead of the lower-ranking
> unbid-suit. The defenders are a married couple.

Hm. Did declarer present this book as evidence to the TD or in the  
appeal? Presumably he mentioned it at one point. What did the alleged  
author say?

The fact that someone wrote a recommendation in a book does not imply  
that he necessarily plays that way with any given partner. Generally  
speaking, we assume that when we ask players a direct question, they  
answer truthfully. Both defenders denied playing this convention. It  
wasn't on their card. Seems to me that's enough evidence to rule they  
aren't playing it. Which is what both the TD and the committee did. WTP?

Aside from that, I don't see how NS are making 6H no matter *what*  
East leads. Well, unless he (she?) leads away from his club Ace,  
knowing that South has a singleton. Nobody's that stupid, are they?

There's an old sea chantey that was used to time saluting guns in the  
days of sail. It starts "'E's bound to be guilty, or 'e wouldn't be  
here". I don't think that applies to bridge rulings.