[blml] Is this a psych?

[Alain Gottcheiner]

At 14:57 18/04/2007 +0100, Nigel wrote:
>.
>
>More sophisticated *tactical bids* seem to be favoured by experts. For
>example spurious strong relays, trial bids, cue bids, exclusion bids,
>splinter bids, and fit jumps. Such deviations can devastate opponents
>but are less dangerous to their perpetrators. (In theory, some might
>even be classified as *controlled psychs*).

I have one example from real life to offer, and the problem with it is 
similar to the problem about the 2NT "relay".

         Ax
         KQJx
         x
         KJxxxx

1C      2C
2NT*    ?

2NT = genuine clubs in a 15+ balanced type
You'd like to BW, but 4NT would be natural in your style. And bidding 3H 
would only serve to pinpoint your problem (1 spade loser + 1 ace). Not to 
mention that your problem remains if partner bids 3NT over 3H.

So you bid 4S, an exclusion BW, and partner says "he asks me to count 
keycards outside of spades". Right explanation !

Usually, the reason for an E(R)(KC)BW will be a void in said suit, but 
nobody said that at the table. The bid asks, it doesn't tell.

This is a typical tactical bid, aimed at giving as few unnecessary info as 
possible. Now, what if they interpret this as showing a void ? Can they 
assume it does ? Was partner compelled to add : "doesn't tell anything 
about that suit" or anything ?

Best regards

   Alain