L68B2 improper deception
r
roger pewick
I point out that L68B2 is an endorsement for improper deception. To demonstrate consider this occasion:
N dummy, lead S
SAKJ
H-
SQxx s-
H- Hxxx
Sxxx
Upon the lead of a small spade, W returns his cards to the board and E objects immediately. It is ruled no concession and play resumes. Declarer spurns the finesse because the only valid reason for E to object is possession of the Q. This results in W collecting the SQ.
It is arguable whether declarer would finesse this occasion without the concession, or only sometimes. I argue that it is clear after the rejection that a thinking declarer would never finesse given the outburst of E asserting possession of a trick.
This situation is known as improper deception- yet it is endorsed by law…and ought not.
D
Danny Kleinman
Good catch, Roger. There was indeed deception, by WEST, who had a possible spade trick, and should not have slipped his cards back into the pocket. We cannot establish whether West made an innocent mistake or a clever ploy, knowing that East would object.
I find EAST's objection perfectly valid, for if he were keeping accurate track of the cards he would know that South was faced with a guess. East did not need to believe that he had a possible trick to object; he needed to believe only that the DEFENSE had a possible trick---and that was actually the case.
In my opinion, Claims and Concessions should not be an option as they are under current laws. Instead, let a player who wants to claim lay his cards on the table without announcing a line of play, saying only he's continuing open faced---an option not, of course, to be given to a defender's partner.
Delays, disputes and injustices follow claims. To the extent that on the whole, claims increase the time spent. The rule about stating lines of play misses the point. Claims should be reserved not merely for all 100% makes of the rest of the tricks but only for those endings where it is obvious without explanation that the claimer has the rest. Claiming on a double squeeze may demonstrate a declarer's cleverness, but it's nonetheless better for bridge if a declarer simply shows his hand saying he'll continue open faced.
H
Henk Uijterwaal
Danny Kleinman Do you have any data supporting your claim that claims delay the game?
E
Ed Reppert
Where is the deception?