Help
It is the first board of the night in the local club and you are playing in the once-a-month cross-IMP pairs. The opponents this round are a reasonably strong married couple, who have managed to fall out and have a row before the evening's bridge has even started. You are playing with your wife and are still on talking terms!
The wife-on-your-left opens one heart and partner over-calls in your void. The husband-on-your-right passes, so you have to decide whether to pass or bid one of your five-card suits (constructive). You would prefer to make a take-out double, but for some reason, the laws prohibit this. Your choice?
Did I mention the strange twisted expression on the face of your the HoyR as he passed? I couldn't decide whether this was caused by his earlier conversation with the WoyL, or the cards in his hand. I thought it wisest to pass.
The WoyL re-opens with a double and partner of course rebids her clubs. HoyR doubles with more facial expressions leaving you in no doubt that this is a penalty double. WoyL alerts the double and confirms that this is indeed for penalties (she has seen her husband's facial expression before). So, do you sit the double or run to one of your five-card suits? If you run, which suit do you choose?
I'm definitely running and a bid of three diamonds seems to leave open more options.
Thw WoyL passes and your partner hesitates briefly - surely she isn't thinking of bidding clubs again?! You inwardly sigh with relief when she passes (without turning the minor hesitation into a major hesitation). HoyR also briefly considers, before bidding three hearts.
That's better. We are feeling more comfortable now. Well, to be honest, we are feeling very comfortable now because we have high expectations of defeating three hearts, holding the ace and king of trumps and a likely club ruff opposite a partner, who was worth a two-level over-call - and she doesn't usually over-call on junk. Maybe we are worth a double? I would definitely double at MP pairs, but should I double a part-score contract at IMPs, even if I do think that it will go down?
And what about partner's minor hesitation? It seems that the laws are also deficient in differentiating between a minor hesitation and a major one. Who writes these laws? And more importantly does the hesitation suggest anything?
Do you pass or double?
Wise or stupid, I decide to double...
Partner leads the ace of diamonds (obediently leading my suit). We play standard count as the primary signal, but on an ace we give standard attitude. I play the four of diamonds and declarer plays the two. Partner switches to the ace of spades and I play the two. Next partner plays the five of diamonds ...
It doesn't matter what you do. You will take the ace and king of trumps, but nothing more.
The opponents, of course, are now back on speaking terms. We have a long night ahead of us, with partner adamant that it was my fault for doubling, whereas I am equally sure that ... it is my fault (it's just easier that way).
