[blml] Profit from irregularities [SEC=UNOFFICIAL]

[Jerry Fusselman]

>
> Richard Hills:
>
> Indeed, when I once used a fully pre-alerted 14-16 1NT opening, my
> expert opponents carelessly failed to discuss its definition.  So after
> 1NT by pard, double by RHO, LHO thought it was a TOXIC double of a
> strong notrump and RHO thought it was a penalty double of a weak
> notrump.  The consequent confusion gave us a windfall of +800.
>
> Likewise, a partnership may have agreed to use penalty doubles against
> the popular mini-notrump (10-12 range) and DONT one-suited doubles
> against the even more popular weak notrump (12-14 range).  Against such
> a partnership the unusual and idiosyncratic 11-13 range requires a pre-
> alert, so that the partnership at least has the _opportunity_ for a
> _timely_ discussion.
>

Well, I have never seen it yet, but I will keep a look out.

The way I play, there should be no problem. Before the round starts, I
have to see what their double of 1NT is (and a few other things) to
agree on partnership countermeasures.  If it is not on their card
(frequent), I have to ask.  If they don't have a card, it won't be
that complicated.  Or do they need protecting if they have this
surprise three-way notrump defense but no convention card?

There is one other case.  If I ever come across a case where their
10-12 and 12-14 are different, yet 11-13 is defined, I could mention
our use of 11-13 then, and I'll mention the name Rich Hills, who told
me this might happen one day!  What are the odds they won't know
what's on their card?

-Jerry Fusselman