[blml] EBL 2004 appeal number 10 [SEC=UNOFFICIAL]

[Tim West-Meads]

> if "undiscussed", it's "general bridge knowledge" which, in this 
> instance, isn't for most people "natural", but a willingness not to 
> be involved in the bidding process for the moment.

The natural meaning of a pass is a desire for the contract to remain as 
it is.  If one plays a forcing pass here that would be conventional (and 
definitely alertable).  

> if ew have the agreement that pass would be a willingness to defend 
> against 2H after 1C 2H - - x xx, when w bids instead 2S, his spade 
> suit may be shorter than if they had not the agreement, it's helpful 
> to disclose it to the opponents and they may feel themselves 
> misinformed if they are not let into the secret.

It is helpful to disclose, but necessary to follow the spirit and letter 
of the alert policy when so doing.  Since the pair have an agreement to 
play pass as natural, and since such an agreement should not be a 
surprise to anyone (agreeing to play pass as forcing here simply allows 
opps off the hook by reXXing) the bid should not be alerted.  North 
*chose* not to enquire about the pass, there was no "secrecy" involved.  
Opps may *feel* misinformed but the TD/AC should have disabused them of 
the idea that the pass was alertable.

Tim