🚀 go-pugleaf

Bill Jacobs wrote:
> 
> In my opinion, a "self-alerting bid" is a perfect example of an oxymoron.
> The concept should be scrapped.
> [snip]

I agree 100%. Conceptually any rule that assumes standard practises is 
a time bomb. What is more most of these start off pretty badly.

Further, the problem is not confined to jump bids. One of the most 
bizarre punishments I have seen from the rule was in an ANC a couple 
of years ago. RHO opened 1C, promising a heart suit in a weak hand, I 
bid 1H natural, and LHO bid 2H natural. A silly result (hearts didn't 
break), brought about by the definition of 1H as a cue bid; hence not 
alertable.

I sort of understand the premise for less alerts. They are so 
prevalent that people start to assume they know the answer: say 
1NT-Pass-2H*. Most would assume 2H when alerted was a transfer to 
spades and hence not ask. Caveat emptor! If a new alert were 
introduced (red alert, serious alert?) all that would happen would be 
the debasement of the plain alert. You can't make people ask, but you 
could and should give 'em a chance by alerting.

David

 

-- 
David L Smith
e-mail: David.L.Smith@dsto.defence.gov.au
postal: PO Box 4331 Melbourne Victoria 3001 AUSTRALIA
voice: 	61 3 626 7882  fax:    61 3 626 7086