Forum Question 9 – Hand revaluation versus declared points
Hand revaluation versus declared points
This question was asked to: David Stevenson
Question
An elderly colleague was challenged in a friendly duplicate tournament when their 1NT 12-14 hand was found to have had 15 hcp. She declared it was a counting mistake that she often makes and the director deducted 1 trick from their score. I took a look at her hand and it could probably have been revalued to 14 points. I she had explained it was revalued for whatever reasons, would that have been allowed?
After South doubles 3C (showing clubs), what should actions by West mean?
(a) Pass = no preference between the majors; 3H = longer hearts than spades
(b) Pass = no values and/or fit; 3H = willingness to play in hearts
(c) Pass = length in clubs and willing to play in 3C; 3H = not willing to play in 3C
Answer
The director was completely wrong. It is common for players to be outside their declared range and it is not correct to adjust the score for it.
I do think that any duplicate where a trick is taken away for a simple mistake is not a friendly duplicate.
After 3C is doubled, pass should show no preference, so West’s 3H is fine.
Regarding the shape, I agree you do not want to overcall with a 5332 shape. sometimes you have a 5-card suit and a 4-card suit or even two 5-card suits, in which case you do not want to have always to pass. You cannot make a takeout double of 1NT because double would be for penalties. Sometimes if you are short in one major and have four cards in the major, you could pass first time with the intention of doubling if responder transfers into your short suit.
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