[the hog]

cherdano, on Apr 3 2008, 12:02 PM, said:

IMO people don't look at their honor structure enough when deciding whether to bid or not. Here we have very defensive honors (queens in short suits, no honor combinations, so our honors are not so easy to use when declaring), so passing seems clear. I would always pass at IMPs.

(Of course the possibility of partner having a balanced 14 count is not a good reason to double, since that is the perfect max and thus just too unlikely.)

I am not so concerned at finding the "magic" 14 opposite, but rather don't want to lose 5 imps. There are a number of hands where you can make 2 red while 1NT is in the refrigerator for them.
However, on reflection, the red suits, especially Ds, are probably a bit thin to take any action. Pass is certainly more prudent.

[whereagles]

Jlall, on Apr 3 2008, 05:07 AM, said:

cherdano, on Apr 3 2008, 12:02 AM, said:

IMO people don't look at their honor structure enough when deciding whether to bid or not.

yes very well said, after shape it is the most important thing.

no. It's like this

1. shape
2. hcp strength
3. placement of high cards (hcp structure)
4. controls

Swap 3 and 4 if the hands are in the slam zone.

[pclayton]

The_Hog, on Apr 2 2008, 09:20 PM, said:

cherdano, on Apr 3 2008, 12:02 PM, said:

IMO people don't look at their honor structure enough when deciding whether to bid or not. Here we have very defensive honors (queens in short suits, no honor combinations, so our honors are not so easy to use when declaring), so passing seems clear. I would always pass at IMPs.

(Of course the possibility of partner having a balanced 14 count is not a good reason to double, since that is the perfect max and thus just too unlikely.)

I am not so concerned at finding the "magic" 14 opposite, but rather don't want to lose 5 imps. There are a number of hands where you can make 2 red while 1NT is in the refrigerator for them.
However, on reflection, the red suits, especially Ds, are probably a bit thin to take any action. Pass is certainly more prudent.

Yes, I changed my mind on this too - pass looks better, although 2♦ is a swingy action that could work.

[jdonn]

Jlall, on Apr 3 2008, 12:07 AM, said:

cherdano, on Apr 3 2008, 12:02 AM, said:

IMO people don't look at their honor structure enough when deciding whether to bid or not.

yes very well said, after shape it is the most important thing.

Exactly.

[Walddk]

Another problem seems to be that too many think they have been robbed just because it goes 1NT (12-14) pass pass; they take action on dubious values. The same applies for second hand after a weak NT opening.

Some think they must get in at all costs. It's as dangerous as it is after a strong NT.

Scenario 1: responder could have up to 10-11 hcp for his pass. Scenario 2: you haven't heard from LHO yet.

Roland