[blml] ...have we really come to this??? [SEC=UNOFFICIAL]

[Tim West-Meads]

Brian wrote:

> Hmm. Well I can tell you that in the EBU's "Rule of 19" days, there 
> was at least one 'A' list EBU TD who insisted that the Ro19 applied
> with mathematical precision, pointed me at the regulation in the
> Yellow Book, and told me I could appeal but I'd be wasting my time,
> and likely my money. 

I don't recall the Yellow book and am not familiar with the wording of
the regulation in question but:
 
> The hand in question was a Precision 1D opener on a good 4333 11 
> count.

The Precision 1D (IIRC) is a conventional bid.  As such it may be
regulated any way an SO chooses.

> I remember that because our opponents (teams) seemed to be able to 
> open it 1NT with impunity. 

1N, being natural, would not be subject to direct regulation by Ro18
(being within a king of average strength).

> And no, I didn't appeal it, let alone take it to the L&EC - but if 
> lack of money (the appeal fee in those days represented a significant 
> amount of cash to me) and experience equals idiocy, then I guess I
> plead guilty. 

An impoverished junior at Brighton was getting input on whether to appeal
a particular ruling.  Those he consulted offered (collectively) more than
twice the sum he needed as a deposit.

Tim