[blml] Detroit NABC+ Case 1 -- What do you bid and why [SEC=UNOFFICIAL]

[Alain Gottcheiner]

Jack Rhind a écrit :
> I believe that there is UI and therefore Pass is a logical alternative.
> I expect that this may go to an AC though as it is close.
>   
When tackling UI problems, you should always ask three questions :
1) is there UI ?
2) does it suggest something about partner's hand ?
3) did this help partner select among LA ?

My answers here are :
1) yes, we know partner had a difficult hand over 1NT, which points to a 
balanced type if I understand the pair's methods.
2) probably not about strength ; saying that partner will be prone to 
hesitate with a 20-count but not with a 17-count and the same pattern 
would be a bit surprising.
But about pattern, the combination of partner's slow pass over 1NT and 
his pass over 2H (where he could easily have made up for his previous 
tempo by issuing a delayed double, most probably showing a strong 
all-around hand) hints at the fact that he holds hearts.
Surely he would pass over 2H with 3442 pattern (where he would have 
hesitated to show D+H over 1NT), and double 4333 and 3 small hearts.
3) whence partner's mannerism suggests pass would be profitable. Bidding 
3C is therefore certainly not "using UI".

And about your phraseology : the fact that such-and-such bids are LA is 
independent of the existence of UI. Pass would be a LA if partner hadn't 
hesitated, to be sure.
We only need to address the combination UI + LA.

Best regards

  Alain