Handling pesky opponents

What do you do when partner opens 1NT and pesky RHO doubles?

If you have a normal hand, bid as if there was no double. But as luck would have it, you have a weak 1 suited hand and feel it is good enough to show, but how? At this point you can re-double. Partner now knows you have a lousy hand with a long suit. Partner responds conventionally, 2C. RHO now can do 1of 3 things:

1. He can pass, then you name your suit;

2. He can double again and here it gets tricky. You respond re-double if you wish partner to respond 2D (your suit) or you proceed with a normal transfer situation over NT bids;

or 3. RHO can name his suit, at which time you thank your lucky stars and gratefully Pass. Contract is now their problem, defense is yours.

Congratulations to all who attended the Charlotte Sectional tournament and won points toward their goals. Remember, the Charlotte Regional is coming up at the end of October.

Because of the sectional, our Friday, Sept. 8 Evergreen game was smaller than usual. Winners were: 1st Rachel Herman and Andra Cozart, 2nd Pat Macon and Genny Mozolak, 3rd Dick Brisbin and Becky Creekmore, 4th Jean and Loyd Hill.

Featured is board #12 from Friday’s game N/S vulnerable West dealer

NORTH:

S  Q T 4

H  J T 8 3

D  A 9 3

C  9 8 5

WEST:

S  A J 5 3

H  6 5 4 2

D  K 2

C  Q J T

EAST:

S K 9 8 7 2

H  7

D  Q J T 5

C  K 7 2

SOUTH:

S  6

H  A K Q 9

D  8 7 6 4

C  A 6 4 3

Rachel Herman and Andra Cozart bid and made 2H for the best N/S score, while the best E/W score was made by Karen Wenker and Anita Graham who defeated opponent’s 4HN 3 tricks.

The Tuesday, Sept. 12 Women’s Club game winners: 1st Beth Shafer and Betty Bills; 2nd Fern Albracht and Christy Cline; 3rd Margaret and Chuck Rimer; 4th Patsy Reynolds and Lawana Ford.

Hope to see you all next week