Hi Chris,

The world of the Active Ethics player can be complicated.

As long as you are 100% sure your partner will know that your 3NT is BW (possibly discussing it in the last short period of time) then it can be announced. If however, there is 1% or more doubt in your mind then it is necessary to not announce it until it either becomes obvious to you and partner or the end of the hand before the opening lead. At that point you should detail what the responses meant and any special tendencies your partnership would be known to have between the two of you. If you suspect your partnership has gone off the rails, tell the opponents exactly that. Your partner should then corroborate your statement or else tell the opponents what he thinks you would want to know if the shoe was on the other foot and you were defending against your bidding.

The ACBL may think unkindly to this treatment, but as long as two partners can live with themselves and do right by the opponents, the game improves enough to offset the hand slaps from the TD’s. Eventually this type of morality will thrive and becomes contagious for all to join in for the good of the future of the game. Do Not Ever fall victim to only giving name, rank and serial number. “Do unto your opponents what you would like them to do unto you.”

Good question by you, controversial answer by me, and everyone who listens and contributes will help make the game fluorish,

Thanks Bobby. Still wish you would write up some of this stuff for the Bulletin. I was just looking at the one with you on the cover as the incoming WBF President. Time flys…