Ghestem Warning

There are probably more rulings over forgotten Ghestem, reverse Ghestem, modified Ghestem and Quantum calls than any other area in the auction. To put it bluntly when a pair mucks up an explicitly defined 2-suited overcall either by describing it differently from what they have on their convention card, or not having it on the card and describing a hand partner doesn’t hold then they are about to lose their argument with the TD, with the appeals committee, with the EBU Laws & Ethics Committee, no doubt with the BBL, the EBL (European Bridge League), the Portland Club and probably with the WBF too. We’re not quite as draconian as, for example, the Dutch who just adjust the score. We listen to the arguments and then we adjust the score. (You get the show trial with a pre-ordained verdict).

Quantum Cameo

Playing in the Gold Cup Proddy opened 1 (limited to 15 points, possibly only 2 cards, precision), RHO bid 3 (alerted as majors, Quantum bid) and holding Kxx, x Kxxxxx xxx I bid 3 , natural 3 or 4-carder NT probe (out-and-out psyche). My LHO hesitated for about a minute and then passed. Proddy bid 3NT which RHO reluctantly passed. I passed, LHO passed looking furious (knowing I’d nailed him and not being able to bid because of the hesitation), and on the non heart lead (the other hesitation guaranteed that) it quietly went off 1. That was a pretty good result against their vul 10-card fit heart game. I assume that opponents playing these methods won’t be sure of them and one way or another I’ll get a good board. Moral: Ghestem (Quantum) is bad for your wealth