SO! Your bridge partner passed your Take-Out Double one time too many, and you think you've committed the perfect murder. The only witness probably didn't get that good a look at you, and you made sure the cameras didn't get a full-face shot of you. You have a fairly good alibi. You've gotten rid of the murder weapon. You think you're safe.

WRONG! There's a "forensic artist" on the job. Also called a "sketch artist," these skilled people work miracles. That witness, as we speak, is helping create a masterpiece that sadly will identify you. The artist draws details from the witness, using certain triggers. "What could you smell at the time?" Turns out recalling smell recalls visual details also. "What did his teeth look like?" A very definitive clue. By combining all that with the partial surveillance camera details, you are as good as captured. (Interestingly, ears are the hardest to describe and draw.)

The moral of the story? Be aware of visualization! It'll get you every time. Doubly true as bridge players. Our bids give our partners the details they, as "forensic artists" need to place the cards. Like these examples of what to do in the overcall seat.

What should we do? If we hold 15-17/18 pts., AND have a stopper or two in their suit, bid the No-trump. Our other choices are Overcall a suit, make a Take-Out Double or Pass.