Board 11
Nil Vul
Dealer South
WEST |
NORTH
 K8
 2
 9874
 J97542 |
EAST |
T643
AQ82
A63
A8 |
SOUTH |
AQJ5
KJ9765
Q
T3 |
|
972
T4
KJT52
KQ6 |
| West | North | East | South |
| | | 1H1 |
| 1NT | 2H | // | |
| |
| 1 Alerted, 7-12 Balanced, no major |
Result:
2H NS: -350.
Tournament
Directors Statement of Facts and Ruling:
2H systemically was natural, but NS have a history of
bidding in this was as a psychic manoevre. This was therefore an
alertable call under Law 75C. At the conclusion of the auction North
called the director to advise of the failure to alert. East called
me away from the table. She said that she was expecting a re-opening
double from partner and hence passed. If she had known that 2H may
not be natural, she would have taken some action as she knew
that EW had game on. Score was adjusted to NS -480.
Reasons
for Appeal: Had East known that 2H may not be natural they would
double 2H as there is too big a chance that North had psyched. Once
East doubles it is very hard for EW not to reach spades which makes
13 tricks.
Opponents
Submission:
1) EW need to construct a plausible auction to
4S. For instance after 1H P 2H X, P P 3C ?
2)
This is NOT A PSYCHE. 2H shows this "natural
non-forcing, occasionally a weak hand short in hearts."
3) Agree infraction and damage. However, the principle
cause of the damage was East's failure to act.
Decision
of the Appeals Committee: Director's ruling
upheld.
Committee noted that 13 tricks in spades was possible but
judged it not sufficiently probable given the early bidding suggested
danger of a ruff.
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