Interference of Blackwood

[KiwiFraser]

Can any expert partnerships tell me what agreeements they have after the opponents interfere with their ace ask. I know that DOPI and ROPI are popular, but in these days where all ace asks are RKCB, are these still as valid? And when they double, don't you want to be able to send it back, especially on hands where slam seems less certain?

I.e., after they double 4NT, why not have Pass showing an even number of key cards and XX an odd number? Asker can relay with 5C if he doesn't want to play 4NTXX.

I can see where DOPI could be used to give more options after RKCB (e.g.,
1H-(2C)-3C*-(4C)
4NT-(5C)
Pass = 1
Double = 3
5D = 0 or 4 (Note that this is less ambiguous than 1/4, 0/3).
*Agreeing Hearts.
However this takes away the option of penalising opponents (who frankly deserve to be penalised for such a ridiculous bid).
Also if the interference is 5H or higher, you lose steps, which is particularly dangerous if you're looking for spades. It makes sense to have some compression (e.g., with spades agreed, over 5H X = 0/3, P = 1/4, 5S = 2, with or without the queen). However it would be vital to have an easily remembered algorithm.

This is pretty hypothetical, as I have never had interference here and have interfered only once myself (the opponents missed a grand they were probably missing anyway). I just don't like being unprepared.

[revert2b]

SH and I play PISSSD and DOPE in this situation, whatis where the oppos overcall with 5 cx or 5 dx Pass=1st Step (1/4 Key cards for us) and Second Step Double. Other responses stay as is. If the oppos overcall 5 hx or above, then Double = Odd, Pass = Even number of Keycards.

[Peter]

(1) This reminds me of what I think is the best defence if they open 4NT Specific Ace Ask: Double = the default bid with most hands including balanced yarboroughs, and Pass shows a desire to compete. This defence takes advantage of the fact that there is almost no sensible way to play 4NTX or 4NTXX, given that opener must have a void, and that the X is more likely to create a misunderstanding by them than for them to have discussed how to handle it. I have tried it out once (in the NOT) and it worked - they missed a cold slam after my Double of 4NT caused a mix-up by them.

(2) In the BWS 2001 survey, expert consensus was DOPI at the five level and DOPE at the six level. Some prefer DOPE if the interference is higher than five of our trump suit.

(3) Just joking now: as well as PISSSD and DOPE, a comprehensive armoury when they overcall our 4NT could include:


sx hx dx cx
CENSORED
:eek:
sx hx dx cx

There are plenty more variations along this theme. Not recommended for OzOne partnerships. Convention Card censors might have to be introduced to the game.

Sartaj and I would to revive interest in this forum.
Perhaps I am being too silly? :)

Peter Gill.

[KiwiFraser]

For accuracy of description I still think that Strong Club, Relay, Opening Transfers Emphasising Majors can't be beaten. Though under pressure from the Blue Rinse Brigade that got changed to the less accurate Strong Club, Relay, Avoid Passing Ever.