[blml] Borderline rulings

[Larry Bennett]

Also I find difficulty fathoming that 13 spades
can't be
agreed as a strong two (only 10 hcp) whereas
AKJ-to-10,Q,Q,Q can be (14hcp and RO25).

larry

> The strength/weakness of the hand.  OK a somewhat
nebulous concept but
> if one polled a group of reasonable players as to
whether
> AT98xx,QT98x,x,x was stronger or weaker than
QJ,QJ,Kxxx,xxxxx one would
> not expect much variation in the answers.
>
> > I don't suppose a large number of people will be
interested,
> > but the regulation goes into effect next month?
I'm curious
> > to know if and how the limits of 3rd seat
1-level openers
> > are tested in the EBU.
>
> Oh - You mean the new regulations!  Those are,
quite blatantly, illegal.
>
> 11 C 9 Minimum opening bid strength in first and
second seat
> The minimum agreement for opening one of a suit is
Rule of 18. However a
> partnership may not agree to open with 7 HCP or
fewer even if the hand
> is at least Rule of 18.
> 11 C 10 Minimum opening bid strength in third and
fourth seat
> The minimum agreement for opening one of a suit is
8 HCP.
>
> The wording elsewhere has also been changed such
that judgement/personal
> evaluation methods (however reasonable and
explainable) are no longer
> permitted with regard to the above.
>
> The EBULC are, IMO deliberately, mocking the laws
of bridge.  For them
> even to contemplate the idea that
AT987xx,KT98xx,-,- is a hand that is
> not within "a king of average strength" is simply
too stupid to be
> accidental.  It's good for a grand opposite
x,A76xx,Kxx,Qxxx and under
> current regs might be bid
1S-1N-2H-3H-4C-4H-4S-5H-6D-7H.  Under the new
> regs the bidding goes P-P-P-P  (OK I know the opps
will likely open but
> we should not have to *rely* on them doing so in
order to bid our grand
> slams!).
>
> Tim