[blml] Announcements

[Nigel]

The EBU's latest Orange book laid down new disclosure rules. For example...

You announce the meaning of some bids when partner makes them e.g.
[A] 1N opener: "12-14" then 2C "Stayman" 2D "Hearts" 2H "spades"
[B] Natural two bids: "Strong forcing or nonforcing" or "intermediate" 
or weak.
The alerting rules were change again...
[C] Below 3N you alert doubles of a suit unless takeout; doubles of NT 
unless penalty.
[D] Above 3N you alert only conventional opening bids, passes and doubles.

We players often get rules [A] and [B] right (although sometimes we 
announce the strength of 1N overcalls and 2N openers; we also sometimes 
mistakenly announce transfers after 1N overcalls and when 1N is doubled).

Rule [C] is less successful. For instance...
[a] Many players agree that (1H)P(1N)X is for takeout but few alert it.
[b] Many players agree that (1N)X(2H)X is for penalties but few alert it.

IMO, there is a simple solution: Announce "takeout" if partner's double 
is mainly takeout. Announce "penalty" if partner's double is mainly 
penalty. If the double means something else, then alert.

The most welcome innovation is rule [D]. Judging by the frequency of 
messy misunderstandings, it is also the most effective in reducing 
unauthorised information. Although players haven't yet learnt when to 
alert passes and doubles.

Since [D] is so successful, law-makers should try the effect of going 
the whole hog -- completely eliminate alerts at all levels -- and 
substitute (optional) announcements (below 3N).  i.e.

[i] When partner makes a call that you would currently alert, announce 
it instead.

[ii] Unless opponents ask you *not* to announce, in which case they can 
enjoy a speedy auction with reduced unauthorised information.

As previously argued, if this were the default law in TFLB. the game 
would be simpler fairer and faster. (With screens the "announcements" 
would be with pencil and paper by both partners).