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Forum Question 16 – Mislead by mistake with Convention

Mislead by mistake with Convention

This question was asked to: David Stevenson

Question

Hi David, Last night I opened the bidding with 1NT, LHO bid 2D which was alerted by his partner and described when asked as “Spades and another”. Bidding continued and finished in 5Cx by my RHO. Before I led LHO explained that he had forgotten the convention they were playing and his 2D was in fact natural. What should happen now? At the end of the board my partner said he had been damaged as he would have bid Spades if it were not for the explanation after the 2D. Is there any comeback?

Answer

No, I am afraid not. If you were told the system correctly that is all you get. Mistakes in bidding are just part of bridge and sometimes gain. The only thing that might get you an adjustment is if LHO has used the information from his partner’s alert and explanation, assuming he heard it. It is always reasonable to call the director in such cases but it is likely there will be no adjustment this time.

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