[blml] Law 27 - relay

[Robert Frick]

I think this unlikely example might illustrate things. (Or correct me if I  
am wrong, or sorry if this is obvious). Standard American:

1H - P - 1H/2H.

The insufficient bidder meant to open the bidding. No system will have a  
bid satisfying 27B1(b) -- same or more precise replacement bid. But the 2H  
correction satisfies 27B1(a).

Because (1) the IB is AI, (2) the insufficient bidder can bid 2H even if  
that would otherwise miscribe his hand, and (3) many/most players know  
that, the 2H RC essentially shows an opening hand with 5-card heart  
support.

The lawmakers might not have envisioned this correction. But they meant to  
make it easier for players to recover from an insufficient bid. That has  
certainly happened. For example, the auction without the insufficient bid  
might be 1H - 2NT - 4H. With the insufficient bid it would then be 1H - 2H  
- 4H. The insufficient bidders gained nothing from the IB and 27D does not  
apply. This is not bad. Same thing if the insufficient bidders get to a  
slam everyone else is finding.

Actually, the insufficient bidders are slightly ahead of the field. They  
have a little more room to explore slam. Also, the opening bidder knows  
partner has 5 hearts and a little stronger hand than would be promised by  
a 2NT response.

But they would be foolish to use this advantage. If they do and get to a  
better contract than everyone else, 27D kicks in. If half the field is in  
4H and the other half is in 6H, they want to get to the better contract  
BUT with no appearance of having used any of the advantage in the  
insufficient bid.

Bob