[blml] comments on 27 procedure

[Eric Landau]

On May 26, 2008, at 12:46 PM, Peter Eidt wrote:

> From: "John \(MadDog\) Probst"
>> From: "vitoldbr"
>>> Hi all?
>>> Thx all for interesting discussion.
>>> But there was a question that remained almost unnoticeable. It was
>>> raised by Robert Frick and answered by Swen Pran. As it was not
>>> cleared up I'd like to repeat the problem:
>>> My LHO opened 1Heart, partner passed and RHO bid 1Heart.
>>> The TD was summoned and he said that it was my turn to make
>>> decision: to accept or not to accept.
>>> But it is bridge decision and I need more information before making
>>> it - for executing my rights in accordance with L10C3. This decision
>>> will depend not only on my hand and meaning of the IB. I will need
>>> to get to know possible options from L27. I am trying to resolve the
>>> problem as a player: I am not puppet to say accept or not accept
>>> without re-think the matter with all needed facts.
>>> By the way - when dealing with (for example) L54 - declarer is
>>> usually informed about every options before  he decides to accept
>>> (or not to accept) lead out of turn.
>>> And in IB case I got the problem with same kind of difficulty. So my
>>> questions:
>>> 1. Have I (IB's LHO) rights to get to know intended meaning of IB?
>>> (OK - it is TD's problem to keep this information 100%-secretly for
>>> IB's partner).
>>> 2. Have I (IB's LHO) rights to get to know in advance (before making
>>> my decision) IB's options after my decision?
>>> For my opinion negative answers for these questions may destroy
>>> player's rights (as IB's LHO).
>>> Sincerely,
>>> Vitold
>>>
>> It's a very good question Vitold (Hi, Long time no speak). If it is a
>> given that one cannot reasonably (or legally) have an agreement about
>> ones own sides' infractions, then the meaning of the IB is "no
>> agreement". We know full well that all we are entitled to is the
>> partnership agreement, not the player's thought process. Therefore  
>> you
>> are absolutely NOT allowed to get an explanation other than "no
>> agreements as they would be illegal" .
>
> Yes
>
>> However I would expect a player
>> to provide past history of similar accidents. "Last time he made  
>> an IB
>> it was because he didn't see the auction to date" since this is part
>> of partnership experience, and the TD should so instruct.
>
> No, John, please
>
> Next time a player passes out of turn you want his partner
> to explain "Last time he did so, he had 6 points, thereby
> holding 1 ace" ??
>
> As long as irregularities are unintended they do not form
> a part of partnership experience IMO.
>
> And regarding Vitold's 2nd question:
> Yes, you (IB's LHO) have the right to get all the
> possibilities explained, but in a form of
> 1. If IBer replaces with the next legal bid in the
> IB's denomination (and they both are not artificial)
> there will be no rectification;
> 2. If IBer replaces with a bid which has the
> same or more precise meaning as the IB,
> there will be no rectification;
> 3. If IBer replaces with anything different, partner
> will be barred for the remainder of the auction.
> 4. If I (the TD) will come the conclusion (after play
> ceases) that the IB's side will have found a contract
> they otherwise would not have found without the help
> of the IB, I will adjust the score afterwards.
>
> But, you will not be told, whether 1. will be in order
> nor which call(s) are consistent with 2. (if any).

The problem is that items #1 and #2 are worthless unless you kow  
whether the IBer's methods qualifies him to make those bids without  
barring his partner.  For all you know, the number of available  
penalty-free RCs available to the IBer "in the Director's  
opinion" [L27B1] could be zero, one, or many -- and it couldn't be  
more obvious that the IBer's LHO is likely to care.  ISTM that L10C  
must prevent his being forced to take an outright guess as to how the  
law will apply after it's too late for him to do anything about it.   
And only the Director can say what's "in the Director's opinion", no  
matter how hard anyone else tries.


Eric Landau
1107 Dale Drive
Silver Spring MD 20910
ehaa at starpower.net