{"id":86230,"date":"2024-04-02T09:37:13","date_gmt":"2024-04-02T08:37:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/?p=86230"},"modified":"2024-04-02T13:59:31","modified_gmt":"2024-04-02T12:59:31","slug":"march-bidding-contest-the-results-2024","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/en\/march-bidding-contest-the-results-2024\/","title":{"rendered":"March bidding contest: the results!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/bidding-contest-purple-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Bridge bidding contest\" class=\"wp-image-58526\" srcset=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/bidding-contest-purple-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/bidding-contest-purple-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/bidding-contest-purple-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/bidding-contest-purple-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/bidding-contest-purple.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"#experts\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#experts\">The experts&#8217; answers<\/a><br><a href=\"#donne1\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#donne1\">Deal 1: Major first?<\/a><br><a href=\"#donne2\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#donne2\">Deal 2: Decoding<\/a><br><a href=\"#donne3\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#donne3\">Deal 3: Complete indecision<\/a><br><a href=\"#donne4\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#donne4\">Deal 4: Different ways of supporting<\/a><br><a href=\"#donne5\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#donne5\">Deal 5: Some flexibility in the double<\/a><br><a href=\"#donne6\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#donne6\">Deal 6: High-level pragmatism<\/a><br><a href=\"#podium\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#podium\">The winners<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"experts\"><strong><strong>The experts&#8217; answers<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Responses_EN-1-987x1024.jpg\" alt=\"The experts' answers\" class=\"wp-image-90054\" style=\"width:600px\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"donne1\"><strong>Deal 1: Major first?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Donne-1-B-C-EN-1024x818.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-86424\" style=\"width:400px;height:undefinedpx\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">(*) Weak, six cards<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-42bcf1f\" data-block-id=\"42bcf1f\"><style>.stk-42bcf1f{height:20px !important}<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-1 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<p>No surprises: 3&#x2665; collected the majority of the votes. The interesting part of the problem was to take stock of the experts&#8217; system in this type of sequence. Notably, knowing the meaning attributed to a 2NT bid. Natural? Mini cue bid? Or Lebensohl (0-6 or 11+ HCP)? This version of 2NT Lebensohl has indeed been adopted more and more in response to a direct take-out double after a weak-two opening. <strong>But is it also used after a protective double?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tignel<\/strong> explains this convention to us a bit further: &#8220;3&#x2665;. I play Lebensohl in response to the double of a weak two (3&#x2665; directly is positive, whereas 2NT followed by 3&#x2665; is weak). Moreover, I keep the same continuations over a protective double (unlike some, who play 2NT as natural). However, I do not have two invitational bids available in Hearts, which does not allow me to differentiate between four and five cards in Hearts.&#8221; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lots were of the same opinion as him, such as <strong>Allavena<\/strong>: &#8220;3&#x2665;. I play 2NT as the 0-6 or 11+ range, so the direct bid promises that intermediate range. With a real chance of game, I prefer to bid Hearts rather than Diamonds&#8221;, <strong>Kokish:<\/strong> &#8220;3&#x2665;. A good hand due to the double fit in the red suits; but playing Lebensohl, a constructive 3&#x2665; bid is sufficient&#8221;,<strong> Cronier<\/strong>: &#8220;3&#x2665;. If this is the question, I don&#8217;t play 2NT as a mini cue bid in this situation and, in any case, for me, 2NT is negative and bidding a suit somewhat positive.&#8221; and <strong> Toffier<\/strong>: &#8220;3&#x2665;. In this position, I play Lebensohl.&#8221; <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Among those who chose 3&#x2666;, some also play Lebensohl but they have a different view of the situation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Jill Meyers:<\/strong> &#8220;3&#x2666;. My heart suit is too weak for playing in a 4-3 fit. 3&#x2666; is constructive (Lebensohl). So, my partner knows that I have a bit of strength and the auction might continue. What&#8217;s more, Partner surely has some spades (due to the lack of further pre-empting), which makes it less likely that he has four hearts.&#8221; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pacault and Saporta:<\/strong> &#8220;3&#x2666;. It may well be that North has some spades. In which case, he might not have many hearts. It seems more sensible to me to bid my long suit.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Schmidt: &#8220;<\/strong>3&#x2666;. I have no problem with the range as I am playing that opposite a protective double, a bid of a suit is roughly in the 9-11 range. 5 Diamonds or 6 Diamonds might well be better than 4 Hearts and so I prefer to bid my longest suit, while thinking that my troubles are just beginning!&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Among this lovely chorus, there are still differing opinions. <\/strong>Here they are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Quantin<\/strong>: &#8220;3&#x2665;. I play 2NT as natural here. I see the choice being between 3&#x2665; and 4&#x2665;. With only four cards, especially ones of mediocre quality, I prioritise pessimism.&#8221; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Rocafort<\/strong>: &#8220;3&#x2663;. I am obediently following the instructions: to use my system, which is, as it happens, a transfer. I plan to bid 3&#x2665; (encouraging) over a correction to 3&#x2666; but this unexpected spade shortage in my hand is enough to convince me that North must have an atypical hand with which he will not simply complete the transfer.&#8221; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Thomas Bessis: <\/strong>&#8220;2NT. Which I will follow with 3&#x2665; over 3&#x2663; or 3&#x2666; opposite, to show a positive hand. Even over a protective double, my partner and I have decided to keep the 2NT bid artificial, although it sometimes risks wrong-siding a 3NT contract: that is a disadvantage, sure, but largely outweighed by the fact that direct bids at the 3-level are a much better range (0-8 HCP instead of 0-12\/13 HCP if we keep 2NT natural).&#8221; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-a5f28ff\" data-block-id=\"a5f28ff\"><style>.stk-a5f28ff{height:20px !important}<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-stackable-blockquote stk-block-blockquote stk-block stk-2ae4e9f is-style-default\" data-v=\"2\" data-block-id=\"2ae4e9f\"><div class=\"has-text-align-left stk-block-blockquote__content stk-container stk-2ae4e9f-container stk-hover-parent\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-icon stk-block-icon stk-block stk-edfaea3\" data-block-id=\"edfaea3\"><style>.stk-edfaea3 .stk--svg-wrapper .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child,.stk-edfaea3 .stk--svg-wrapper .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child :is(g,path,rect,polygon,ellipse){fill:#f0d9ef !important}<\/style><span class=\"stk--svg-wrapper\"><div class=\"stk--inner-svg\"><svg style=\"height:0;width:0\"><defs><linearGradient id=\"linear-gradient-edfaea3\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"100%\" y1=\"0\" y2=\"0\"><stop offset=\"0%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-edfaea-3-color-1)\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"100%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-edfaea-3-color-2)\"><\/stop><\/linearGradient><\/defs><\/svg><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"info-circle\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-info-circle fa-w-16\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M256 8C119.043 8 8 119.083 8 256c0 136.997 111.043 248 248 248s248-111.003 248-248C504 119.083 392.957 8 256 8zm0 110c23.196 0 42 18.804 42 42s-18.804 42-42 42-42-18.804-42-42 18.804-42 42-42zm56 254c0 6.627-5.373 12-12 12h-88c-6.627 0-12-5.373-12-12v-24c0-6.627 5.373-12 12-12h12v-64h-12c-6.627 0-12-5.373-12-12v-24c0-6.627 5.373-12 12-12h64c6.627 0 12 5.373 12 12v100h12c6.627 0 12 5.373 12 12v24z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-b5ddba4\" data-block-id=\"b5ddba4\"><style>.stk-b5ddba4 .stk-block-text__text{font-size:16px !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-b5ddba4 .stk-block-text__text{font-size:16px !important}}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\"><strong>Remember:<\/strong><br>This Lebensohl 2NT bid in response to a take-out double after a weak two is very fashionable. Having adopted it myself a few years ago, I recommend you play it. After a protective double, it is less clear. Up to you to decide&#8230; with your partner, of course! <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Scores<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>3&#x2665;: 100 (12 votes)<br>3&#x2666; or 3&#x2663; (Transfers): 40 (6 votes)<br>2NT: 10 (2 votes)<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"donne2\"><strong>Deal 2: Decoding<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Donne-2-B-C-EN-1024x896.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-86426\" style=\"width:400px;height:undefinedpx\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-b580426\" data-block-id=\"b580426\"><style>.stk-b580426{height:20px !important}<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Small majority for bidding again. All the experts decoded the sequence in pretty much the same way, as you will see, but their conclusions were not the same!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let us begin with the intrepid ones who do not have my support (that should not prevent them from sleeping at night&#8230;). <strong>L\u00e9vy<\/strong>, straight to the point: &#8220;5&#x2665;. A reasonable invitation to slam without a control in the missing suits.&#8221; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Rocafort:<\/strong> &#8220;5&#x2665;. A bit nerve-wracking but all we ask of North is an ace and a shortage and that is completely compatible with the trouble he took to not leap to 4&#x2665; too quickly.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Thuillez: <\/strong>&#8220;5&#x2665;. I only have good cards: my partner did not reopen with 4&#x2665; straightaway; he should have some goodies. In this sequence, I am denying a spade control. Up to him.&#8221; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Kerlero:<\/strong> &#8220;5&#x2665;. Can we deduce from North&#8217;s bidding that he is looking for a slam, from the fact that he did not reopen with 4&#x2665; over 2&#x2660;, according to the principle of fast arrival? I don&#8217;t think so. Perhaps he was also looking for 3NT? Nevertheless, six hearts to the Ace-Queen-Jack, the Ace of Diamonds and a singleton spade (or the other way around) will produce twelve good tricks. Of course, if North goes down in 5 Hearts, I am not going to be scoring up at half-time (I will be ensconced in the toilets).&#8221; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Kokish:<\/strong> &#8220;5&#x2665;. Interesting. As North has doubled protectively, that means that he could bear South passing. His hand should not be too freakish. But as he eventually set Hearts while missing the King, he cannot have less than AQJ1042 or AQJ6432. He should have a spade and diamond control, so a hand such as &#x2660;A4 &#x2665;AQJ1042 &#x2666;A63 &#x2663;75. If he holds Kx in Spades, he should be able to play 6NT to avoid a ruff. With all that, my bid now is clear: 5&#x2665;, which shows a concentration of values in Hearts and Clubs without a spade control. This doesn&#8217;t force a 6&#x2665; bid with a spade control; it is more a description of what I hold.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Schmidt: <\/strong>&#8220;5&#x2665;. 3&#x2665; would be forcing; 4&#x2665; therefore sounds intermediate to me, between the &#8216;completely solid&#8217; hand and the normal game hand, with which one would have said 4&#x2665; rather than Double. So do I have enough to bid again? I judge so and 5&#x2665; seems adequate (I bid neither 4&#x2660; nor 5&#x2666;: my partner should draw the right conclusions). Let us hope for &#x2660;3 &#x2665;AQJ10652 &#x2666;A93 &#x2663;65, for example.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tignel:<\/strong> &#8220;5&#x2665;. North did not respond 4&#x2665; straightaway or reopen with 4&#x2665;: he has a strong hand with small hopes and not a lot of points (he would have said 3&#x2665; over 3&#x2663;, forcing) but distributional. With the King of Hearts and four club tricks, we should therefore make slam whenever we are not losing two tricks off the top. The 5&#x2665; bid, after the weak bid of 3&#x2663;, does show this type of hand (ideally with the King of Hearts doubleton&#8230;).&#8221; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I admit that these comments are very clear and that we might indeed miss out on a slam but <strong>Tignel<\/strong>&#8216;s final sentence could give us food for thought. It would be clear with doubleton King of Hearts, as we could easily draw the trumps by crossing back to hand before moving on to the Clubs but <strong>how do we know whether Partner has the 10 of Hearts or 10 of Clubs?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This communication issue was also brought up by <strong>Lhuissier:<\/strong> &#8220;Pass. I do understand that my partner is showing a good hand but if he is short in Clubs, we will be lacking entries. If the trumps break badly, we might also run into disaster.&#8221; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the camp of the &#8220;passers&#8221;, we find some members of the French team, who have often been known as more aggressive. <strong>Rombaut<\/strong>: &#8220;Pass. I believe I understood that my partner wanted to play in 4 Hearts.&#8221; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bessis<\/strong>: &#8220;Pass. I admit that I do not really understand the question. If Partner claims twelve tricks opposite my hand, why would he not have started with a forcing 3&#x2665; over 3&#x2663; after the reopening double? I am well aware that I could be cold for slam opposite very little (&#x2660;2 &#x2665;AQJ10752 &#x2666;A63 &#x2663;65) but there are also, I think, lots of hands where I am going down at the 5-level (and sometimes even the 4-level!). In any case, Partner is not asking for my opinion, so I do not see why I am looking to give it! I am rather partial to passing but Partner, in not saying 4&#x2665; on the first or second round, has still asked us to look at our hand!&#8221; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And then there are those who went into more or less detail in their reasoning: <strong>Quantin: <\/strong>&#8220;Pass. My partner surely holds a good hand, I concede that; but the risk of going down at the 5-level is there.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Allavena:<\/strong> &#8220;Pass. Even easier since I play 1&#x2663;\u20132&#x2665; as strong. So North has some strength, a spade shortage without a doubt, definitely some points in Diamonds; but I doubt that we do not have at least a heart and a spade to lose.&#8221; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pacault: <\/strong>&#8220;Pass. North&#8217;s double shows that he can sit 2 Spades doubled, so he does not have a void in Spades and holds some defensive tricks and his 4&#x2665; at the end shows that he holds at least six hearts. His hearts appear to be of mediocre quality since he can bear 2 Spades doubled non-vulnerable with a vulnerable game on the cards if his hearts were very robust. <strong>Why did North not just bid<\/strong><strong> 3&#x2665;, forcing after the double? <\/strong>Because he can see no other game and slam is ruled out due to the poor quality of the hearts (he must have at least ten red cards).&#8221; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-e7aff6d\" data-block-id=\"e7aff6d\"><style>.stk-e7aff6d{height:10px !important}<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-stackable-blockquote stk-block-blockquote stk-block stk-5b15707 is-style-default\" data-v=\"2\" data-block-id=\"5b15707\"><div class=\"has-text-align-left stk-block-blockquote__content stk-container stk-5b15707-container stk-hover-parent\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-icon stk-block-icon stk-block stk-ff770c4\" data-block-id=\"ff770c4\"><style>.stk-ff770c4 .stk--svg-wrapper .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child,.stk-ff770c4 .stk--svg-wrapper .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child :is(g,path,rect,polygon,ellipse){fill:#f0d9ef !important}<\/style><span class=\"stk--svg-wrapper\"><div class=\"stk--inner-svg\"><svg style=\"height:0;width:0\"><defs><linearGradient id=\"linear-gradient-ff770c4\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"100%\" y1=\"0\" y2=\"0\"><stop offset=\"0%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-ff-770-c-4-color-1)\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"100%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-ff-770-c-4-color-2)\"><\/stop><\/linearGradient><\/defs><\/svg><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"info-circle\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-info-circle fa-w-16\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M256 8C119.043 8 8 119.083 8 256c0 136.997 111.043 248 248 248s248-111.003 248-248C504 119.083 392.957 8 256 8zm0 110c23.196 0 42 18.804 42 42s-18.804 42-42 42-42-18.804-42-42 18.804-42 42-42zm56 254c0 6.627-5.373 12-12 12h-88c-6.627 0-12-5.373-12-12v-24c0-6.627 5.373-12 12-12h12v-64h-12c-6.627 0-12-5.373-12-12v-24c0-6.627 5.373-12 12-12h64c6.627 0 12 5.373 12 12v100h12c6.627 0 12 5.373 12 12v24z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-3f550a7\" data-block-id=\"3f550a7\"><style>.stk-3f550a7 .stk-block-text__text{font-size:16px !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-3f550a7 .stk-block-text__text{font-size:16px !important}}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\"><strong>Remember:<\/strong><br>Before making a bidding decision, always carefully try to analyse the message that your partner wanted to give. Here, we could note that he had two opportunities to bid 4&#x2665; and that he was prepared to play in 2 Spades doubled. All these details did not escape our experts but the problem shows that there is not always an obvious conclusion even if we have decoded everything! <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Scores<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>5&#x2665;: 100 (10 votes)<br>Pass: 90 (9 votes)<br>5&#x2663;: 10 (1 vote)<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"donne3\" style=\"text-transform:none\"><strong>Deal 3: Complete indecision<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Donne-3-B-C-EN-1024x738.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-86427\" style=\"width:400px;height:undefinedpx\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">(*) Spades.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-377598b\" data-block-id=\"377598b\"><style>.stk-377598b{height:20px !important}<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the first time since I have been writing these bidding contests that all of the suggestions received the same number of votes. That is hardly surprising, as we can manage to find disadvantages for every bid. And you will also see that the majority of experts ended up choosing a bid by &#8220;default&#8221; rather than with real conviction. We can separate out ten &#8220;prudent&#8221; people who did not force to game. Some were even very laid-back: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>L\u00e9vy:<\/strong> &#8220;2&#x2663;. Certainly not the right contract if the sequence ends there but the best way of starting to describe if the bidding continues.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Rocafort:<\/strong> &#8220;2&#x2663;. It is not that the temptation to show originality does not excite me; but showing one&#8217;s two-suiter and saving space when we have a lot to communicate cannot be such a bad idea.&#8221; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Toffier:<\/strong> &#8220;2&#x2663;. Difficult; but it seems dangerous to me to hide four perfectly good cards in Clubs. If my partner has some strength, we can absolutely make 6 or 7 Clubs; if he has a singleton diamond, it will be very difficult to then find the club fit since the alternative, it seems to me, is to bid 3&#x2666;.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I think that it is often a good tactic to proceed like this, especially if your partner is &#8220;flexible&#8221; and if you think he will be able to imagine you having all this strength when you later make more enterprising bids. If he is the type to say: &#8220;But you said 2&#x2663;: how can you have so much strength?!&#8221;, try something else! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Others were a bit more aggressive but without forcing to game: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Kokish:<\/strong> &#8220;3&#x2666;. A 2&#x2663; bid has its merits, provided that you bid the diamonds strongly later. That is what I would have done if West had not said 1&#x2665;. In competition, it is better not to have too much hope of being able to proceed slowly. That risks more bidding from East-West&#8217;s side and it is better in this case to show one&#8217;s strength straightaway.&#8221; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Jill Meyers: <\/strong>&#8220;3&#x2666;. If Partner has a diamond fit, there might be something better to do than bidding 3NT unilaterally.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Among the optimists, two camps as well. First of all, those who stick to mentioning their clubs but a level higher: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Thuillez:<\/strong> &#8220;3&#x2663;. I have a monster but I am afraid that a cue bid might provoke a catastrophe, especially with this void in Partner&#8217;s suit. For lack of better, I content myself with 3&#x2663; and we can see about Diamonds later.&#8221; <strong>Nathalie Frey: <\/strong>&#8220;3&#x2663;. I suppose that my partner has lots of spades and that no matter what my bid is, he will repeat them. So, may as well describe nine cards in my hand straightaway. After that, we shall see&#8230;&#8221; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cronier:<\/strong> &#8220;3&#x2663;. Hmm&#8230; When I opened, I knew very well that I would have a rebid problem. The beginning of the sequence has not fixed anything. Despite everything, the fundamental point is that I cannot, after my partner has freely spoken out after the overcall, settle for a non-forcing bid, which 3&#x2666; or, perhaps worse, 2&#x2663; would be. As bidding 2&#x2665; with a void in Spades is out, I opt for 3&#x2663;.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Saporta<\/strong>: &#8220;3&#x2663;. In misfit situations, it often turns out to be awkward to make cue bids or hide suits.&#8221; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Saporta<\/strong>&#8216;s advice, however, was not echoed among five other experts, who started by forcing to game and deciding later&#8230; <strong>Tignel: <\/strong>&#8220;2&#x2665;. The hand is powerful; it is worth a game force, despite the spade void. It is often said that a 7-4 should be treated as a single-suiter but I do not think that is the case here: we might make 6 Clubs (or even 7) opposite not very much. That leaves a choice between 3&#x2663; and 2&#x2665;. Since we have the 2&#x2665; cue bid available, bidding 3&#x2663; shows a more distributional hand (at least 5-5). I am therefore opting for 2&#x2665;.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hackett: <\/strong>&#8220;2&#x2665;. To force to game. Too strong for 3&#x2663; or 3&#x2666;.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bessis: <\/strong>&#8220;2&#x2665;. I have far too much to envisage doing anything else at this stage. 3&#x2663; would not suit (I think that should guarantee 5-5; maybe a bit subdued but forcing for one round) and 3&#x2666; would be a grave underbid. The question is knowing what to do if I follow up with 3&#x2666; or 3&#x2663; on the following round and how I anticipate the rest of the bidding according to Partner&#8217;s possible responses to 2&#x2665;.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To differentiate the competitors in the overall contest, I am modifying the scores according to my preferences, even if it means being hated! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-stackable-blockquote stk-block-blockquote stk-block stk-fab3e71 is-style-highlighted\" data-v=\"2\" data-block-id=\"fab3e71\"><style>.stk-fab3e71{box-shadow:0px 10px 30px rgba(0,0,0,0.05) !important;padding-top:24px !important;padding-right:24px !important;padding-bottom:24px !important;padding-left:24px !important}<\/style><div class=\"has-text-align-left stk-block-blockquote__content stk-container stk-fab3e71-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-icon stk-block-icon stk-block stk-a6bd2c3\" data-block-id=\"a6bd2c3\"><style>.stk-a6bd2c3 .stk--svg-wrapper .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child,.stk-a6bd2c3 .stk--svg-wrapper .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child :is(g,path,rect,polygon,ellipse){fill:#f0d9ef !important}<\/style><span class=\"stk--svg-wrapper\"><div class=\"stk--inner-svg\"><svg style=\"height:0;width:0\"><defs><linearGradient id=\"linear-gradient-a6bd2c3\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"100%\" y1=\"0\" y2=\"0\"><stop offset=\"0%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-a-6-bd-2-c-3-color-1)\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"100%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-a-6-bd-2-c-3-color-2)\"><\/stop><\/linearGradient><\/defs><\/svg><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"info-circle\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-info-circle fa-w-16\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M256 8C119.043 8 8 119.083 8 256c0 136.997 111.043 248 248 248s248-111.003 248-248C504 119.083 392.957 8 256 8zm0 110c23.196 0 42 18.804 42 42s-18.804 42-42 42-42-18.804-42-42 18.804-42 42-42zm56 254c0 6.627-5.373 12-12 12h-88c-6.627 0-12-5.373-12-12v-24c0-6.627 5.373-12 12-12h12v-64h-12c-6.627 0-12-5.373-12-12v-24c0-6.627 5.373-12 12-12h64c6.627 0 12 5.373 12 12v100h12c6.627 0 12 5.373 12 12v24z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-f5d2af9\" data-block-id=\"f5d2af9\"><style>.stk-f5d2af9 .stk-block-text__text{font-size:16px !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-f5d2af9 .stk-block-text__text{font-size:16px !important}}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\"><strong>Remember:<\/strong><br>There are some difficult hands where you have to see what is right and not reproach your teammates at all if it goes badly. If all bridge problems had a clear solution, this game would be much less interesting&#8230; <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Scores<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2&#x2665;: 100 (5 votes)<br>3&#x2663;: 90 (5 votes)<br>2&#x2663;: 80 (5 votes)<br>3&#x2666;: 70 (5 votes)<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"donne4\"><strong>Deal 4: Different ways of supporting<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Donne-4-B-C-EN-1024x738.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-86428\" style=\"width:400px;height:undefinedpx\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-2d64e64\" data-block-id=\"2d64e64\"><style>.stk-2d64e64{height:20px !important}<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A little reminder<\/strong> about what is practised at a high level in the domain of strong hands and raises after a major-suit opening. As expected, &#8220;the elite&#8221; do not really play French Standard, since eleven experts selected the bid of 2NT, which normally shows a limit raise with three trumps. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Allavena:<\/strong> &#8220;2NT. I play that 2NT shows this type of thing: four trumps (occasionally three) in the range of a NT opening, without a good side suit. Then, 3&#x2663; shows a minimum opening and leaves space for looking for a helpful singleton (here, I cannot see which), the rest being natural and positive. You might say that I have finally found a hand that gels with my system; let&#8217;s make the most of it&#8230;&#8221; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Rocafort: <\/strong>&#8220;2NT. Then again, that&#8217;s my system and I don&#8217;t expect that will excite the rapt crowds. For those who are curious, 2NT is limit with three hearts or forcing to game with four hearts and without a side suit worth mentioning.&#8221; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Kerlero:<\/strong> &#8220;2NT. Forcing to game, at least four-card support, no good five-card length but a singleton would be possible.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Lhuissier and Nathalie Frey: <\/strong>&#8220;2NT. Four-card raise and forcing to game (14+ HCP).&#8221; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Schmidt: <\/strong>&#8220;2NT. Forcing to game with four trumps. That is my system. Opener can say 3&#x2663; (minimum, with a follow-up after a relay of 3&#x2666;), show a shortage in a suitable hand or show a non-minimum balanced hand (3&#x2665;). My hand is too good for 3NT (four trumps, 12-14 HCP without a singleton).&#8221; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Everyone agreed with the above: no-one said 3NT, which would, in French Standard, be the same type of hand with 2 points fewer: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Toffier: <\/strong>&#8220;1&#x2660;. In my system, bidding 3NT shows four cards in Hearts and a balanced hand with 12-14 HCP. I am nevertheless choosing to say 1&#x2660; as I hold two aces and two kings&#8230;&#8221; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This 2NT, called Jacoby, is a convention from across the Atlantic which has many advantages but also multiple variants, which makes using it delicate. Even some who did not choose it spoke positively about it:  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Quantin: <\/strong>&#8220;1&#x2660;. I do not play 2NT as forcing with four trumps, which is a good convention. I will support Hearts later on in a forcing situation.&#8221; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Indeed, 1&#x2660; has its advantages, as it allows the opener to describe his hand at a low level. If he bids 1NT, we will support to 4&#x2665; and if he says something else, we will make a forcing bid in Hearts. The only annoying case (which reminds us of bad memories from the penultimate deal of the final of the Bermuda Bowl in Lyon) is that where Opener bids 2&#x2665;. A 3&#x2665; bid being non-forcing, we have to decide between a 4&#x2665; sign-off or learned contortions for supporting later on, after a third suit of 3&#x2663; or 3&#x2666;.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A 2&#x2663; bid was only chosen three times. Though it allows you to avoid sophisticated conventions (Jacoby 2NT) and the troubles caused by bidding 1&#x2660;, it has the disadvantage of giving a poor image of the hand if Partner expects usable length in the suit. <strong>What do its defendants say? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>L\u00e9vy: <\/strong>&#8220;2&#x2663;. Let&#8217;s forget the spades and prepare ourselves to support Hearts in a forcing situation. The hand is clearly too powerful for jumping to 3NT over 1&#x2665; or jumping to 4&#x2665; over a 2&#x2666; or 2&#x2665; rebid.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Kokish: &#8220;<\/strong>2&#x2663;. By responding 2&#x2663; (forcing to game), we will learn whether North has a two-suiter and will be able to support Hearts at a low level. Thus, the sequence 1&#x2665;-2&#x2663;-2&#x2666;-2&#x2665;-(2&#x2660; or 3&#x2663;) by Opener will show a shortage, which leaves lots of space for the follow-up.&#8221; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-stackable-blockquote stk-block-blockquote stk-block stk-7c173dc is-style-highlighted\" data-v=\"2\" data-block-id=\"7c173dc\"><style>.stk-7c173dc{box-shadow:0px 10px 30px rgba(0,0,0,0.05) !important;padding-top:24px !important;padding-right:24px !important;padding-bottom:24px !important;padding-left:24px !important}<\/style><div class=\"has-text-align-left stk-block-blockquote__content stk-container stk-7c173dc-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-icon stk-block-icon stk-block stk-76645d5\" data-block-id=\"76645d5\"><style>.stk-76645d5 .stk--svg-wrapper .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child,.stk-76645d5 .stk--svg-wrapper .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child :is(g,path,rect,polygon,ellipse){fill:#f0d9ef !important}<\/style><span class=\"stk--svg-wrapper\"><div class=\"stk--inner-svg\"><svg style=\"height:0;width:0\"><defs><linearGradient id=\"linear-gradient-76645d5\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"100%\" y1=\"0\" y2=\"0\"><stop offset=\"0%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-76645-d-5-color-1)\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"100%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-76645-d-5-color-2)\"><\/stop><\/linearGradient><\/defs><\/svg><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"info-circle\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-info-circle fa-w-16\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M256 8C119.043 8 8 119.083 8 256c0 136.997 111.043 248 248 248s248-111.003 248-248C504 119.083 392.957 8 256 8zm0 110c23.196 0 42 18.804 42 42s-18.804 42-42 42-42-18.804-42-42 18.804-42 42-42zm56 254c0 6.627-5.373 12-12 12h-88c-6.627 0-12-5.373-12-12v-24c0-6.627 5.373-12 12-12h12v-64h-12c-6.627 0-12-5.373-12-12v-24c0-6.627 5.373-12 12-12h64c6.627 0 12 5.373 12 12v100h12c6.627 0 12 5.373 12 12v24z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-7170aad\" data-block-id=\"7170aad\"><style>.stk-7170aad .stk-block-text__text{font-size:16px !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-7170aad .stk-block-text__text{font-size:16px !important}}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\"><strong>Remember:<\/strong><br>Once again, <strong>there is no magic recipe. <\/strong>Some pairs have dozens of pages of system for continuations over major-suit raises. Make your choice, not forgetting the important thing: you do not need to fog your mind with too many memorised sequences. <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Scores<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2NT: 100 (11 votes)<br>1&#x2660;: 50 (6 votes)<br>2&#x2663;: 20 (3 votes)<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"donne5\"><strong>Deal 5: Some flexibility in the double<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Donne-5-B-C-EN-1024x738.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-86429\" style=\"width:400px;height:undefinedpx\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-3535438\" data-block-id=\"3535438\"><style>.stk-3535438{height:20px !important}<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>It has already been many years since Opener&#8217;s double in this sequence lost its meaning as &#8216;penalties&#8217; when it was realised that there were lots of hands that could hardly be described naturally. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This was explained by <strong>Quantin:<\/strong> &#8220;Double. A bid of 3&#x2663; would be less strong and generally made with five cards. Here, the double simply shows a strong hand. It lost its meaning as &#8216;penalties&#8217; a long time ago&#8221;,<strong> L\u00e9vy<\/strong>: &#8220;Double. It is too early to stop in 3NT; other game contracts are conceivable&#8221;, <strong>Nathalie Frey: <\/strong>&#8220;Double. Too much strength for 3&#x2663; and a hand that does not lend itself to a 3NT bid&#8221; and <strong>Rombaut: <\/strong>&#8220;Double. A good hand looking for the best contract.&#8221; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some were still upset over only having two cards in Hearts: <strong>Allavena:<\/strong> &#8220;Double. Rather 5-3-1-4 or 5-4-1-3 but I have a bit of a better hand than expected. I will surely say 3&#x2663; over 2&#x2665; or 2&#x2660; by Partner; I will be in a bother over 3&#x2665;\u2026&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tignel:<\/strong> &#8220;Double. No suitable bid: not 3&#x2663; (which is made by a minimum distributional hand) or double (which tends to promise at least three cards in Hearts when we are not forced to game) or 2NT (16-17-point hand) or 3NT (which does not really invite further bidding). I choose the call of doubling (which I will follow up with 3&#x2663; over 2&#x2665; or 2&#x2660;), which might take us too high if North is weak but which facilitates finding the best game (or even 6 Clubs). Those who play 2NT as good-bad will be better placed.&#8221; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Thuillez: <\/strong>&#8220;Double. Strong hand with or without four hearts. If Partner says 2&#x2665;, I will offer Clubs. If he says 3&#x2665;, he should have five of them and the contract will no doubt be better in 4 Hearts. I do not want to sign off in 3NT without considering anything else.&#8221; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bessis<\/strong>, the visionary, expands: &#8220;Double. Like you end up doing every time you have some strength in a competitive auction and don&#8217;t know what to say. Why couldn&#8217;t Partner have, for example, AJ8732 in Clubs and Queen-third in Hearts, in which case we are almost claiming in 6 Clubs? Let&#8217;s take our time; nothing is pressing&#8230; If Partner insists on Hearts so much to the point of jumping to 4&#x2665; or pulling 3NT to 4&#x2665; after having jumped to 3&#x2665;, for example, well, I am convinced that that will be the right decision, given my cards. And finally, let us not forget that sometimes it can happen that we might get the lovely surprise of seeing Partner&#8230; pass 2 Diamonds Doubled!&#8221; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On this deal, Partner almost had the hand mentioned by Thomas: &#x2660;4 &#x2665;Q973 &#x2666;65 &#x2663;AJ10752 and we were indeed making 6 Clubs! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All the same, only having two cards in Hearts seemed prohibitive to six of our experts, who therefore found other solutions: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pacault: <\/strong>&#8220;2NT. 3NT seems too final; a game in Clubs, or even in Hearts, could be the right one. 3&#x2663; is non-forcing and shows five cards in Clubs. 2NT (17-18 HCP) is a bit too strong after the overcall but the absence of the Ace of Spades devalues the hand.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Kokish <\/strong> &#8220;2NT. In my system (Editor&#8217;s note: the famous good-bad 2NT mentioned by <strong>J\u00e9r\u00e9mie Tignel<\/strong> above), this shows a competitive 3&#x2663; bid or 18-19 HCP with a diamond stop. Partner acts on the supposition that I have a weak hand with Clubs. The only disadvantage is reaching 3NT opposite a very weak hand but there are numerous advantages. Double would be take-out but too risky with only two hearts, North easily being able to jump to 3 or 4&#x2665;.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hackett:<\/strong> &#8220;2NT. Difficult problem. I do not like 3NT or double with only two hearts. 3&#x2663; as my second choice.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Lhuissier<\/strong>: &#8220;3&#x2666;. The Ace of Diamonds doubleton or third, with the desire to play in 3NT: my partner will decide&#8230;&#8221; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cronier: <\/strong>&#8220;3&#x2666;. For me, as for everyone, double is take-out in this situation. But I do not like using it without at least three cards in Hearts. 3&#x2666; seems to me to be game-forcing without four hearts. If North bids Hearts anyway, I will say 4. If he says 3&#x2660;, I will bid 3NT to show my stop. And if he says 4&#x2663;, we will have found a good trump suit, at least for game.&#8221; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-stackable-blockquote stk-block-blockquote stk-block stk-f2797f2 is-style-highlighted\" data-v=\"2\" data-block-id=\"f2797f2\"><style>.stk-f2797f2{box-shadow:0px 10px 30px rgba(0,0,0,0.05) !important;padding-top:24px !important;padding-right:24px !important;padding-bottom:24px !important;padding-left:24px !important}<\/style><div class=\"has-text-align-left stk-block-blockquote__content stk-container stk-f2797f2-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-icon stk-block-icon stk-block stk-68f23a5\" data-block-id=\"68f23a5\"><style>.stk-68f23a5 .stk--svg-wrapper .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child,.stk-68f23a5 .stk--svg-wrapper .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child :is(g,path,rect,polygon,ellipse){fill:#f0d9ef !important}<\/style><span class=\"stk--svg-wrapper\"><div class=\"stk--inner-svg\"><svg style=\"height:0;width:0\"><defs><linearGradient id=\"linear-gradient-68f23a5\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"100%\" y1=\"0\" y2=\"0\"><stop offset=\"0%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-68-f-23-a-5-color-1)\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"100%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-68-f-23-a-5-color-2)\"><\/stop><\/linearGradient><\/defs><\/svg><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"info-circle\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-info-circle fa-w-16\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M256 8C119.043 8 8 119.083 8 256c0 136.997 111.043 248 248 248s248-111.003 248-248C504 119.083 392.957 8 256 8zm0 110c23.196 0 42 18.804 42 42s-18.804 42-42 42-42-18.804-42-42 18.804-42 42-42zm56 254c0 6.627-5.373 12-12 12h-88c-6.627 0-12-5.373-12-12v-24c0-6.627 5.373-12 12-12h12v-64h-12c-6.627 0-12-5.373-12-12v-24c0-6.627 5.373-12 12-12h64c6.627 0 12 5.373 12 12v100h12c6.627 0 12 5.373 12 12v24z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-be7941a\" data-block-id=\"be7941a\"><style>.stk-be7941a .stk-block-text__text{font-size:16px !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-be7941a .stk-block-text__text{font-size:16px !important}}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\"><strong>Remember:<\/strong><br>The double is take-out, no doubt; remember that. But perhaps the meaning of the 3&#x2666; bid in this sequence ought to be specified in order to not need to use it in every situation. Anyway, one day, a full article on all the conventions revolving around the 2NT bid (Jacoby, good-bad) will surely be required. <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Scores<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Double: 100 (14 votes)<br>2NT: 20 (3 votes)<br>3&#x2666;: 10 (2 votes)<br>3NT: 5 (1 vote)<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"donne6\"><strong>Deal 6: High-level pragmatism<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Donne-6-B-C-EN-1024x818.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-86430\" style=\"width:400px;height:350px\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-8fd391d\" data-block-id=\"8fd391d\"><style>.stk-8fd391d{height:20px !important}<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The end of this bidding contest caused me slight disappointment. With this problem, I had been hoping to find more explanations of the meaning to give to North&#8217;s 4&#x2660; bid and what South&#8217;s 4NT would mean. As, if 4NT is Blackwood, I do not really see why one would eschew it with a hand such as this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is what was explained by <strong>Hackett:<\/strong> &#8220;4NT. Blackwood, to find out at which level we should be playing in Hearts.&#8221; Here is one for whom Partner has supported Hearts. However, on the deal, he held: &#x2660;AK4 &#x2665;A &#x2666;AKJ87 &#x2663;A1094. Ought he to have said something other than 4&#x2660;? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>No, according to <strong>Toffier:<\/strong> &#8220;6&#x2663;. The 4&#x2660; cue bid shows a lot of strength without necessarily a fit in Hearts (North might hold 22 HCP or more with stiff Ace of Hearts, for example). I am giving him the choice between the two slams and if he holds controls in every suit, I will be delighted to hear 7&#x2663;\u2026&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The other Blackwood fans: <strong>Thuillez: <\/strong>&#8220;4NT. That should solve the problem of Aces.&#8221; <strong>Schmidt<\/strong>: &#8220;4NT. I feel the trap in the mind of the columnist but I&#8217;m hoping my partner does understand that this is Blackwood since if I wanted to settle for a mild slam try, I would instead have 5&#x2663; or 5&#x2666; available to me. Opposite four key cards, I will ask about the King of Clubs (5NT).&#8221; <strong>Cronier: <\/strong>&#8220;4NT. I have rarely had such a nice hand for responding the minimum to a take-out double. I shall therefore play in a small slam and my worry would instead be not missing the grand. Really, all I need opposite are the four aces and the King of Clubs. So why not bid Blackwood? Ah! 4NT is not Blackwood, you tell me. What is it, then? A good 5&#x2665;? Maybe. If North reads it that way and bids 6&#x2665; himself, we&#8217;ll think it over.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All this seemed sensible to me and surely the best way of determining the best contract if Partner understands what we are asking him. Nevertheless, that was not the opinion of the majority, who preferred to show their strength and second suit at the 6-level, saying to themselves that a partner holding all four aces and the King of Clubs could bid 7. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Quantin: <\/strong>&#8220;6&#x2663;. I am accepting my partner&#8217;s invitation to slam, while offering him an alternative trump suit.&#8221; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Allavena:<\/strong> &#8220;6&#x2663;. 4&#x2665; was logical but still a bit of an underbid. What to do when given another chance? 5&#x2663; looks a lot like a weak canap\u00e9 to me and I admit to not knowing too well what 4NT would be (Natural? Blackwood? Cue bid?)&#8230; If unsure, I would surely bid 6&#x2663; at the table.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Kokish:<\/strong> &#8220;6&#x2663;. We cannot do much with the bidding space left at our disposal. It is really very rare that the weak hand has enough to bid Blackwood usefully; therefore, 4NT should be a demand for a cue bid, while 5&#x2663; and 5&#x2666; should be natural bids for inviting to slam. Obviously, if 4NT is Blackwood, that is what you should use. We will be able to ask about the King of Clubs afterwards, potentially.&#8221; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Jill Meyers:<\/strong> &#8220;6&#x2663;. I cannot visualise a scientific sequence, so I am bidding the contract I hope to make.&#8221; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-ba6ccb2\" data-block-id=\"ba6ccb2\"><style>.stk-ba6ccb2{height:10px !important}<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-stackable-blockquote stk-block-blockquote stk-block stk-301cdfe is-style-highlighted\" data-v=\"2\" data-block-id=\"301cdfe\"><style>.stk-301cdfe{box-shadow:0px 10px 30px rgba(0,0,0,0.05) !important;padding-top:24px !important;padding-right:24px !important;padding-bottom:24px !important;padding-left:24px !important}<\/style><div class=\"has-text-align-left stk-block-blockquote__content stk-container stk-301cdfe-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-icon stk-block-icon stk-block stk-7daac7c\" data-block-id=\"7daac7c\"><style>.stk-7daac7c .stk--svg-wrapper .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child,.stk-7daac7c .stk--svg-wrapper .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child :is(g,path,rect,polygon,ellipse){fill:#f0d9ef !important}<\/style><span class=\"stk--svg-wrapper\"><div class=\"stk--inner-svg\"><svg style=\"height:0;width:0\"><defs><linearGradient id=\"linear-gradient-7daac7c\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"100%\" y1=\"0\" y2=\"0\"><stop offset=\"0%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-7-daac-7-c-color-1)\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"100%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-7-daac-7-c-color-2)\"><\/stop><\/linearGradient><\/defs><\/svg><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"info-circle\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-info-circle fa-w-16\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M256 8C119.043 8 8 119.083 8 256c0 136.997 111.043 248 248 248s248-111.003 248-248C504 119.083 392.957 8 256 8zm0 110c23.196 0 42 18.804 42 42s-18.804 42-42 42-42-18.804-42-42 18.804-42 42-42zm56 254c0 6.627-5.373 12-12 12h-88c-6.627 0-12-5.373-12-12v-24c0-6.627 5.373-12 12-12h12v-64h-12c-6.627 0-12-5.373-12-12v-24c0-6.627 5.373-12 12-12h64c6.627 0 12 5.373 12 12v100h12c6.627 0 12 5.373 12 12v24z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-221580e\" data-block-id=\"221580e\"><style>.stk-221580e .stk-block-text__text{font-size:16px !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-221580e .stk-block-text__text{font-size:16px !important}}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\"><strong>Remember:<\/strong><br>Unlike Problems 4 and 5, do not write pages of system about these types of sequence that do not even come up once a year. Pragmatism can often be good. Here, the 6&#x2663; bid allowed you to bid the best contract as long as Partner did not have the bad idea of raising to 7&#8230; <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Scores<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>6&#x2663;: 100 (13 votes)<br>4NT: 50 (7 votes)<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-1b3b944\" data-block-id=\"1b3b944\"><style>.stk-1b3b944{height:50px !important}<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"podium\"><strong>The winners!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/play.funbridge.com\/user\/1443863\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/play.funbridge.com\/user\/1443863\">vodka47<\/a><\/strong> <strong>won this bidding competition. <\/strong>Congratulations! &#x1f389;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are the Funbridge players who scored the most points this month:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-2 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/play.funbridge.com\/user\/1443863\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Vodka47-1.png\" alt=\"Vodka47\" class=\"wp-image-90065\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>#1<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>vodka47<\/strong> (Slovakia) &#8211;   590 points<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/play.funbridge.com\/user\/2652406\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/lelak.png\" alt=\"lelak\" class=\"wp-image-90066\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong><strong>#2<\/strong><\/strong> <strong><strong>ex \u00e6quo<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Lelak<\/strong> (United States) &#8211; 540 points<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/play.funbridge.com\/user\/1827030\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/slyfox90.png\" alt=\"slyfox90\" class=\"wp-image-90067\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong><strong>#2 ex \u00e6quo<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Slyfox90 <\/strong>(France) &#8211;<br>540 points<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/play.funbridge.com\/user\/209334\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/piwiwi.png\" alt=\"piwiwi\" class=\"wp-image-90068\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong><strong>#4<\/strong><\/strong> <strong><strong>ex \u00e6quo<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Piwiwi <\/strong>(France) &#8211;<br>530 points<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-4e8e1ca\" data-block-id=\"4e8e1ca\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-4e8e1ca-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-f11f85e\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"f11f85e\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-f11f85e{flex:1 1 25% !important}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-f11f85e-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-f11f85e-inner-blocks\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/play.funbridge.com\/user\/1523716\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/tunga.png\" alt=\"tunga\" class=\"wp-image-90069\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong><strong>#4<\/strong><\/strong> <strong><strong>ex \u00e6quo<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>tunga<\/strong> (Spain) &#8211; 530 points<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-9e09c7f\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"9e09c7f\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-9e09c7f{flex:1 1 25% !important}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-9e09c7f-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-9e09c7f-inner-blocks\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/play.funbridge.com\/user\/1352615\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Mrkz.png\" alt=\"Mrkz\" class=\"wp-image-90070\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>#6<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Mrkz<\/strong> (Poland) &#8211; 510 points<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-da09dae\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"da09dae\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-da09dae{flex:1 1 25% !important}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-da09dae-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-da09dae-inner-blocks\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/play.funbridge.com\/user\/1075517\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Re\u2560ugis-Gardien.png\" alt=\"Regis Gardien\" class=\"wp-image-90071\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>#7 <strong><strong>ex \u00e6quo<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>R\u00e9gis Gardien<\/strong> (France) &#8211; 500 points<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-2fa3e76\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"2fa3e76\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-2fa3e76{flex:1 1 25% !important}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-2fa3e76-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-2fa3e76-inner-blocks\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/play.funbridge.com\/user\/831803\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Seguino.png\" alt=\"Seguino\" class=\"wp-image-90072\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>#7 <strong><strong>ex \u00e6quo<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Seguino <\/strong>(France) &#8211; 500 points<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/play.funbridge.com\/user\/908661\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/garci.png\" alt=\"garci\" class=\"wp-image-90073\" style=\"width:200px\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong><strong><strong>#7 <strong><strong>ex \u00e6quo<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>garci <\/strong>(Spain) &#8211; 500 points<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/play.funbridge.com\/user\/218127\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Liv300001-1.png\" alt=\"Liv300001\" class=\"wp-image-90074\" style=\"width:200px\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>#10 ex \u00e6quo<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Liv300001 <\/strong>(France) &#8211; 490 points<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/play.funbridge.com\/user\/2383980\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/omgslam.png\" alt=\"omgslam\" class=\"wp-image-90075\" style=\"width:200px\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>#10 ex \u00e6quo<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>omgslam <\/strong>(Australia) &#8211; 490 points<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button-group stk-block-button-group stk-block stk-7091ea2\" data-block-id=\"7091ea2\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks has-text-align-center stk-block-content stk-button-group\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button stk-block-button has-text-align-center stk-block stk-52def6d\" data-block-id=\"52def6d\"><style>.stk-52def6d .stk-button{background:var(--paletteColor1,#00A336) !important}.stk-52def6d .stk-button .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child{opacity:0.7 !important;margin-inline-start:0px !important}.stk-52def6d .stk-button .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child,.stk-52def6d .stk-button .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child :is(g,path,rect,polygon,ellipse){fill:var(--paletteColor8,#ffffff) !important}.stk-52def6d .stk-button__inner-text{color:var(--paletteColor8,#ffffff) !important}<\/style><a class=\"stk-link stk-button stk--hover-effect-lift\" href=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Results-bidding-contest-March.pdf\" title=\"Open the full rankings\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"has-text-color stk-button__inner-text\"><strong>See rankings<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"stk--svg-wrapper\"><div class=\"stk--inner-svg\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"caret-right\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-caret-right fa-w-6\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 192 512\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M0 384.662V127.338c0-17.818 21.543-26.741 34.142-14.142l128.662 128.662c7.81 7.81 7.81 20.474 0 28.284L34.142 398.804C21.543 411.404 0 402.48 0 384.662z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><em>To find your score in the general rankings, click on &#8220;ctrl + F&#8221; and type your Funbridge username in the search bar. If you can&#8217;t find your ranking, don&#8217;t hesitate to leave us a comment, we&#8217;ll be delighted to help!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-c85f7ae\" data-block-id=\"c85f7ae\"><style>.stk-c85f7ae{height:18px !important}<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"commentaires\"><strong>What did you think of this bidding contest?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Share your opinion in the <em>Comments <\/em>section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Summary The experts&#8217; answersDeal 1: Major first?Deal 2: DecodingDeal 3: Complete indecisionDeal 4: Different ways of supportingDeal 5: Some flexibility in the doubleDeal 6: High-level pragmatismThe winners The experts&#8217; answers Deal 1: Major first? No surprises: 3&#x2665; collected the majority of the votes. The interesting part of the problem was to take stock of the experts&#8217; system in this type of sequence. Notably, knowing the meaning attributed to a 2NT bid. Natural? Mini cue bid? Or Lebensohl (0-6 or 11+ HCP)? This version of 2NT Lebensohl has indeed been adopted more and more in response to a direct take-out double\u2026<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":38,"featured_media":58526,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10635,13984],"tags":[13384],"access":[13331,13334],"class_list":["post-86230","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-let-s-talk-about-bridge","category-parlons-bridge","tag-bidding-contest","access-premium-en","access-premium-plus-en"],"blocksy_meta":{"styles_descriptor":{"styles":{"desktop":"","tablet":"","mobile":""},"google_fonts":[],"version":5}},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>March bidding contest: the results! - Blog Funbridge<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/en\/march-bidding-contest-the-results-2024\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"fr_FR\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"March bidding contest: the results! - Blog Funbridge\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Summary The experts&#8217; answersDeal 1: Major first?Deal 2: DecodingDeal 3: Complete indecisionDeal 4: Different ways of supportingDeal 5: Some flexibility in the doubleDeal 6: High-level pragmatismThe winners The experts&#8217; answers Deal 1: Major first? No surprises: 3&#x2665; collected the majority of the votes. The interesting part of the problem was to take stock of the experts&#8217; system in this type of sequence. Notably, knowing the meaning attributed to a 2NT bid. Natural? Mini cue bid? Or Lebensohl (0-6 or 11+ HCP)? 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