[blml] 25 something ?

[raija]

(snipped. then Herman wrote)
In this version however, the player adds a comment "Have you gone
mad?" which should indicate, even to his partner, that he did not see
the double. In such a case, I would allow the partner to say "the
bidding is not over" and prevent opponents from leading.
If sufficiently clear, I might even rule that opening leader should be
sufficiently awake to realize that (presumed) declarer had not in fact
wanted to pass, ergo his assumption that picking up the bidding cards
meant passing was wrong and that he was therefor at fault for leading,
and consider penalizing him for it.


Raija:
Assuming the lead was not gunshot-fast, there is nothing illegal or
infractious (is this a word...)  in taking advantage of an opponents error.
Nor does it - or should it - matter what the bidder "wanted" or "intended"
to do.  He _did_ what he _did_, ie. in the OP case passed and ended up
playing in a cuebid.  Things happen. Inattention is often costly and the
laws should cater to those who are inattentive of the game, IMO.

Should not cater...