What’s your call?
| 1♠ | 1NT | |||
| 2♣ | 2♦ | 2♥ | 2♠ | 2NT |
| 3♣ | 3♦ | 3♥ | 3♠ | 3NT |
| 4♣ | 4♦ | 4♥ | 4♠ | 4NT |
| 5♣ | 5♦ | 5♥ | 5♠ | 5NT |
| 6♣ | 6♦ | 6♥ | 6♠ | 6NT |
| 7♣ | 7♦ | 7♥ | 7♠ | 7NT |
| Pass |
Meyers bids 1NT. “I don’t think this is close.” Judging from preponderance of 1NT bidders on the panel, she’s absolutely right.
“Wish they were all this easy,” says Meckstroth.
Robinson plays it by the book. “1NT shows 7–10 HCP with a heart stopper.”
“1NT semi-constructive,” by Boehm. “The heart spots are not good enough for a one-level conversion.”
Cohen agrees. “Easier to try for seven tricks on offense than on defense (with my hearts in front of the bidder). Also, if partner raises to 3NT, we won’t be embarrassed. Picture, say:
♠Q J x x ♥x ♦ A K J x x x ♣A K x.”
Rigal bids 1NT, claiming, “I’m not brave enough to pass, though I would not be surprised if a simulation reflected that this was the clear winner – even if only at this specific vulnerability.”
Colchamiro almost passes, then his fingers search out the 1NT card. “The IMP odds seem to favor bidding because if we pass and go minus 160 instead of plus 90, we lose 7. But if we pass and go plus 200 vs. their plus 90 or 120 in 1NT, we win only 2 or 3. Besides, my students would crucify for violating my own Rule of 9.”
Korbel doesn’t even seem tempted. “Passing is too speculative for my taste. Better to make the normal response and achieve a normal result.”
Nor does Kennedy. “1NT. Somewhat routine.”
Lee: “Not quite enough wood to play for penalties.”
Calling one-level penalties “hard to exact when onside,” Hampson passes. “Flat with some cards and two-plus heart stoppers – this seems clear.”
Falk bids 1NT, but calls pass tempting. “Even if I can take three heart tricks, who says partner has four defensive tricks for me? At 200 a pop, doubled overtricks are no bargain, either, and pass invites a heart lead into the mashed potatoes.”
Sanborn: “Sure, passing could work. But so could 1NT. At least I don’t have partner leading a trump for me.”
Stack says, “It’s tempting to pass and possibly I would pass at matchpoints. But at IMPs, making a good, sound bid with the correct HCP usually pays off in the long run.”
Lawrence sends his defense on the field. “Pass. Odd without a solid heart suit, but West bid in third seat and East passed. My hand has the potential to produce four tricks. Getting 500, while optimistic, is not out of the ballpark.”
The other hungry defenders are the Sutherlins. “When partner has 12 points, 1NT and 1♥ are photo finishes. When partner has 14–16, we become a big favorite to beat 1♥.”
