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 "Pets in Prison" Balancing Part 2 by Marti Ronemus

From the news: In 2013 a white cat was stopped for questioning as it tried to slip into a prison in New Mexico. It was found to be wrapped in tape. When the tape was removed, it was discovered that saws, a drill, a phone charger and credit card were taped to its body. It seems the kitty had been raised in the prison, and was returning to help some old friends. After a brief stay at the prison, it was taken to a vet for needed repairs.

And in other news, in 2015 a pigeon (yes, a pigeon) was apprehended and arrested for espionage in India. It had a message stamped on its body, including a phone number for a Pakistani criminal. They couldn't hold the pigeon, however, as it seemed to elude capture as it flew the coop. (Sorry. I couldn't resist.)

So, in our ongoing efforts to keep Vu-Bridge players from Bidder's Prison, we're continuing the lesson on Balancing that we started Monday. If we Pass the auction is over. The Balancing Seat is often called The Protection Seat, which is a very good way to think of it. Pard often has a nice hand but cannot bid because of shape. Sometimes we are protecting Pard's points.

Keep in mind we have three choices: 1) Double. 2) Overcall. 3) Pass.
Let's go.

Question 1

  Your Hand
 A K J 10 3 2
 Q 3
 8 4
 6 5
 
Q: 1 - As South:
SouthWestNorthEast
-1PassPass
?


 Your choice:
A: 1: There are those who might preempt with this hand, but after the upgrade from the 3 pts from Pard, we've got a legitimate overcall.

Your result so far:
Open Question

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Question 2

  Your Hand
 A K J 10 3 2
 K 3
 A J 4
 6 5
 
Q: 2 - As South:
SouthWestNorthEast
-1PassPass
?


 Your choice:
A: 2: A "jump overcall" in the balancing seat does NOT show a preempt. It shows a hand with 16-18 pts (with NO borrowing from Pard!) with a Darn Good Suit. Repeat. It is NOT preemptive!! One stumbling block for less experienced players is how the meaning of bids changes based on position. This is one of those quirks.

Your result so far:
Open Question

Question 3

  Your Hand
 K 4
 A J 2
 K J 10
 A K J 4 2
 
Q: 3 - As South:
SouthWestNorthEast
-1PassPass
?


 Your choice:
A: Double: This hand is way too big for any action other than a double. Remember, an overcall shows between 7-17 pts and a 1 No-trump in the balancing seat is 12-14. When our Pard bids and it comes back to us, we'll bid our Clubs. Pard will know we've got a giant hand because we don't go along with his suit. This is the Big Hand Double.

Your result so far:
Open Question

Question 4

  Your Hand
 Q 10 4 3 2
 8
 A Q 8 4 3
 9 3
 
Q: 4 - South?
SouthWestNorthEast
-1PassPass
?


 Your choice:
A: 2: Do you play Michaels Cuebid? 2 promises 5-5 in the other major and an unnamed minor. If you don't play Michaels? Give yourself credit for bidding 1.

Your result so far:
Open Question

Question 5

  Your Hand
 2
 A Q J 9 5 4 3
 A K J
 7 4
 
Q: 5 - Our last one is tough: As South?
SouthWestNorthEast
-2PassPass
?


 Your choice:
A: 4: Preempts make life miserable, no question about it. We've got a spectacular hand and we won't be robbed of our game. Remember a JUMP over a preempt is NOT preemptive... just the opposite. Pard will know we've got 16-18 pts and a rock of a suit and will act accordingly.

We've eluded capture so far.... Let's go play.

Your result so far:
Open Question

Play this Hand

Now that you've bid five hands, let's see how your play goes.

Overall Results

Your results:   out of    Average: 

What next? You may enjoy playing our prepared hands series.
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