[rbforster]

pbleighton, on May 29 2007, 08:38 PM, said:

1S-P (you)-2S-P-P-P-?.  What is your call at matchpoints at different vulnerabilities with these hands:
1.  xx-Q9xx-K10x-Jxxx
2.  xx-KJxx-KQx-Qxxx
3.  xxx-Q9xx-K10x-Jxx
4.  xxx-KJxx-KQx-Qxx
5.  x-Q9xx-K10x-Jxxxx
6.  x-KJxx-KQx-Qxxxx

For a different perspective, I usually play Overcall Structure where 1NT is a 3-suited takeout bid, like a normal double only it could be lighter (the idea being to compete on shape aggressively, moreso than values). That said, I'm sure this needs to be figured into my balancing decisions, although I admit I haven't thought all that through completely.

1. pass. (would have bid 1NTO directly at favorable first round)
2. X. (would have bid 1NTO directly at all colors except unfavorable)
3. pass
4. pass?
5. X. (would have bid 1NTO at favorable)
6. would have bid 1NTO at all colors the first round

[cherdano]

I don't understand why so many are saying "I would bid except at unfavourable". At MPs, the difference between red vs red and red vs white seems marginal. (Better to bid at red vs white when they are going down, better to pass if they double us and set us two or more and other tables bid and make game.)

[helene_t]

Peter said:

Let's say the auction goes 1S-P (you)-2S-P-P-P-?. What is your call at matchpoints at different vulnerabilities with these hands:

I basically just count my enemy trumps.
1. xx-Q9xx-K10x-Jxxx
Pass
2. xx-KJxx-KQx-Qxxx
Pass or X depending on vul. Might have X'd initially.
3. xxx-Q9xx-K10x-Jxx
Pass, I have three spades so this a a no-brainer.
4. xxx-KJxx-KQx-Qxx
Pass, see above.
5. x-Q9xx-K10x-Jxxxx
X, I have one spades so this is a no-brainer (unless partner is a passed hand in which case the only win situation is that they have missed game)
6. x-KJxx-KQx-Qxxxx
X but I would have X'd initially

[Codo]

pbleighton, on May 30 2007, 10:38 AM, said:

1. xx-Q9xx-K10x-Jxxx
2. xx-KJxx-KQx-Qxxx
3. xxx-Q9xx-K10x-Jxx
4. xxx-KJxx-KQx-Qxx
5. x-Q9xx-K10x-Jxxxx
6. x-KJxx-KQx-Qxxxx

Peter

1. X in white
2. X
3. pass
4. X ... pass when I am in my peaceful chicken mood.
5. X
6 I had doubled first round. If I missed that I would double now.

[MickyB]

Both vul at matchpoints is the time to balance least, IMO, due to the risk of either side being two off. People don't double so much at IMPs.

Over 1M-P-2M-P; P I would double with -

• most hands with a stiff in their suit
  
• sometimes with a doubleton - depends whether the opps have ♥ or ♠, vul, whether I have 4 cards in the other major and the scoring in approximately that order of importance
  
• with a trebleton, I'll never double after 1♠:2♠. Maybe occasionally after 1♥:2♥

[awm]

I find that occasionally partner passes my balancing doubles. This is particularly frequent when I hold a hand like number 5 or 6. Say partner has some 4333 or 42(43) shape with four spades (not a particularly unlikely pattern given the bidding and my distribution). If partner has some decent spades and some points why shouldn't he pass it out? Especially if opponents are vulnerable, +200 could be a top board. The issue is that I want partner to be able to judge when to pass and when to bid. If my range of strength is anywhere from a bad six-count to a decent eleven, it will be very hard for partner to get this right (either we will defend a bunch of 2♠X making contracts, or we will run to what's possibly a 4-3 fit when 2♠X was down multiple tricks).

Another issue is that the opponents could have 23 hcp for this auction. When this is the case, and they have only an eight-card fit, they are very well-positioned to double us. Obviously we can't live in fear that both opponents are maximum, but the weaker my hand is in balancing seat the more likely it is that opponents are non-minimum.

Anyways, I would not balance on hands 1, 3, or 5 for this reason. I want some defense for a bid, and some reason to think we have close to half the values. Hand 2 is the most clear-cut balance, hand 6 I would've doubled 1♠ for takeout (but if I somehow forgot to double 1♠, I would balance). Hand 4, I would pass at IMPs but would double at MPs except red/red.