Saturday, November 12, 2005 4:59 AM

Hand Evaluation - Penalty Conversion Chart ( Quick Tricks )

PITBULLS:

The Bartons , in devising their control asking system , have some default understandings. An opening bid shows 2 controls as a starting point , a 2/1 shows two controls , a constructive response starts at one control , a NT auction starts at 4 controls for their purposes I believe. A splinter auction , jump auction or Jacoby auction starts at a pre-determined # of controls for the purposes of their system.

I think we should borrow a page from the Bartons and build a “conversion chart” for D.S.I.P. competitive double theory. In previous articles, we stated that we revert to Culbertson defensive quick tricks for the purposes of D.S.I.P. double theory. If an opener , T/O doubler or overcaller doubles a contract , she is showing within a ½ of a defensive trick of booking their contract using the Culbertson method. If responder or someone who has limited that hand in some way , we should play her for 1 ½ defensive tricks for her choice of making a D.S.I.P. double.

I think we should have some D.S.I.P. default understandings that could get refined over time but at least are guidelines .

An opening bid shows 2 ½ defensive tricks

An overcall at the two level shows 2 defensive tricks

An overcall at the one level shows 1 ½ defensive tricks

A T/O double shows 2 defensive tricks

A balancing double shows 1 ½ defensive tricks

A limited response shows 1 defensive trick

A pre-emptive bid shows zero defensive tricks

A strong NT shows 3 defensive tricks

A competitive 2/1 shows 1 ½ defensive tricks

For the purposes of competitive auctions where forcing pass theory does not apply , you convert partners D.S.I.P. double for only two reasons. You have a trump stack in their suit ( the obvious one) or they are just too high based on defensive tricks so you do not feel like bidding up to that level. “Counting beans” in these D.S.I.P. auctions just means how many defensive tricks (quick tricks ) your side is expected to take rather than HCP’s . Make a D.S.I.P. double when your expected defensive tricks in your hand with the default ones taking partners bid into consideration , will beat their contract. You are inviting partner to bid again , of course, but you always must make allowances in case she just converts. If partner converts with their trump only, it is obvious that action substitutes for defensive tricks. Converting partners D.S.I.P. double without trump is a rare action but it can happen in certain “balance of power” auctions. Sometimes the opponents bid badly vulnerable ( Terrorist factor) .

Do not forget to “bite the Bullet” if partner’s double has put your side in a precarious situation. A doubled game making is a disaster in matchpoints but it is only a 4 IMP loss in IMPS. If you feel that partners action is not going to be “cost effective” for your side, bite the bullet & take your –4 IMP loss.

D.S.I.P. doubles have a risk factor . Sometimes they put the partnership in danger where remedial action is required for damage control. Tom Gandolfo held ♠xxx ♥Kxxxx ♦xxx ♣xx & the auction with everybody vul went

1♣-1♠-P-2♠

3♣-4♠-P-P

X-P-? OK damage control time. Partner is not going to be happy with this dummy at the 5 level. She shows 3 quick tricks for her double but they have a good chance of wrapping this one up. This is a good time to “bite the bullet” & give them their +790. This is only a 4 IMP loss so no big deal. It turns out you actually beat 4♠X for +200 & 5♣ goes for –800. So we are only talking +16 IMPs riding on your decision !!