[blml] L9A vs L73B1

[Nigel]

[Jan Peter Pals]
> East (dealer) opens 1C, not alerted. This may be a doubleton in a
> 5crd-major system and is alertable in the NL. Against this opening, NS
> play an artificial defence, based on transfers.
>
> South, who knows about the possible doubleton C, holds:
>
> K9
> 62
> QJ8
> AKQ942
>
> He would like to bid 1S (=transfer to clubs OR showing diamonds and
> hearts).
> Over a 'natural' 1C (min. 3crd) he would have bid 1NT.
>
> South does not know what will happen:
> a) If he bids 1S, partner may not alert and jump to 3S.
> b) If he bids 1NT, partner may alert, explain spades and diamonds OR
> hearts and clubs, and jump to 3H.
>
> Is south allowed to ask the meaning, or draw attention to the
> alertability of 1C?
> If he doesn't, what are his options under the calamity scenarios in a)
> and b)?
[nige1]

Superficially, asking about the meaning of the unalerted opener, for the 
benefit of partner, is a "Kaplan question". No sane director would so 
rule, however, because you are drawing attention to a *prior* 
irregularity: Either the convention card is wrong or LHO has failed to 
alert. Presumably, though, you should call the director *before* asking?

Some pairs seem to adopt a cunning* tactic of doubtful legality over a 
"failure to alert" infraction. They ask if they want to trot out their 
conventional defence to an artificial bid; otherwise, they just make 
their normal call, without asking. Are any laws specifically relevant to 
this ploy? Or is this yet another case of "profiting legitimately from 
opponent's infraction"?

In the UK, even if there was no disclosure failure, you are still 
allowed to ask the meaning of a ambiguous bid -- to protect yourself and 
partner.

For instance: LHO opens 1S and RHO replies 4C. Most calls above 3N are 
*not* alerted in the UK.  Suppose that you have different defensive 
counters depending on whether 4C is  a cue-bid or a splinter or Swiss or 
weak. Suppose also that it is not absolutely clear it from opponent's 
card which it is. According to national UK directors whom we have 
consulted. you may ask the meaning of the bid -- in spite of the 
unauthorised information transmitted to partner if you subsequently pass 
because your hand is unsuitable for action over the specified kind of call.

* [Job spec for WBFLC members]
As cunning as a cunning fox with a degree in cunning from Cunning 
University.