[blml] Fwd: Decimal HCP ranges.

[Nigel]

[Jean-Pierre Rocafort]
unfortunately, i am afraid there is more of a difference. the 
"classical" notation 12-14, for a walrus needs the set of 3 integer
numbers (12, 13, 14) in which 12 shows a hand of precisely 12 hcp
the same notation means about the same thing for a non-walrus: the set
of 3 numbers (12, 13, 14) in which 12 shows a hand the value of which
approximates a mean hand of 12 hcp, maybe it is a hand of 12 hcp, 
maybe a weak 13 hcp hand which looks more like 12 than 13, maybe a 
strong 11 hcp hand...

when using the continuous notation (with real numbers or decimal 
numbers as you see fit) 12.0-14.0 means the interval [12,14] that is 
to say the  set of all numbers greater than 12 and lower than 14.

unfortunately if you want to make a correspondance between both
notations, you must use different numbers: the equivalent of the set 
of 3 numbers 12-14, is the interval 11.5-14.5. in order to avoid 
confusion the first thing to do if wanting to use a continuous scale, 
would be to use the correct notation [11.5, 14.5] with brackets 
instead of the ambiguous 11.5-14.5

{nige1]

Or... using the Walrus variation 12.0-15.0, as previously explained.

Or... Jean-Pierre might prefer [12.0, 15.0) because the "*real 
interval*" is *closed below* but *open above*.

Strictly, of course, *none are real intervals* because the number of 
bridge hands is finite :) as any walrus could tell you :)