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Psychic opening bids should be banned
 WHAT
is your opinion about psychic opening bids? Some people say ‘they are
part of the game’. Myself, I would be happy to see them banned. They
introduce a random element to a game that is meant to be one of skill.
This deal was reported from Otago. West made the psychic opening bid of
1H in third seat. North doubled and East raised to 3H.  Had South made a
responsive double, North would have passed and seven down would be a
likely result, for a penalty of 1700. No, South bid 3S. What could be
more obvious than 3NT on the North hand? No, North raised to 4S.
Declarer won the heart lead with the king and played a second heart to
the queen. A third heart was ruffed by West. Declarer won the club
switch in dummy and cashed three rounds of diamonds. A second high club
was followed by a club ruff; a small trump was then led to the queen.
Declarer had scored nine tricks already and ruffed a fourth round of
clubs with the king. Game made! The hand also serves as a reminder that
32 points are not enough to generate a small slam in no trumps. There
are only eleven tricks, even if the hearts break 3-3.
— David Bird
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