ARE ANY TREATMENTS STANDARD?

It never ceases to amaze me how often I run into a problem with a regular partner on what is "standard" and what is a "special treatment." So often I think a bid is "standard" and my partner never heard of it and vice versa. This is my most recent problem.

I was on OKBridge with a partner I have played with quite a bit.

The bidding:

* 11-14 HCP

** Natural and to play

Do you play the double for takeout? Or for penalties? If X is for takeout, then how do you handle

1.)S-KQJx H-xx D-AKx C-Jxx? or

2.)S-KQJx H-Qxxx D-Kx C-xxx?

Can you expect your partner to balance with a double if you pass and they have shortness in spades? I don't think so when they already passed once over the weak notrump. I doubt I would have reopened with my partner's band: S-xx H-QTxx D-Axx C-KJxx. Would you?

Years ago, when weak NT was first popular, my partners and I agreed that the double was penalty oriented and 2NT was for takeout. That seemed to be the best way to handle this dilemma at the time.

A misunderstanding is usually costly, so my partner and I have agreed how we will play this sequence in the future. How would you and your partner handle this auction? All experts do not agree. The important think is that you and your partner agree. What is "standard" anyway? My point is that there is always one more convention or treatment that hasn't been discussed.

I love this game!

[ "ECHO"Editor's Note: This can also be a director's nightmare - there is no such thing as "standard". To protect yourself you need to KNOW your agreements and it is a good idea to have them written out in a regular partnership. It is much easier to bid and play in tempo when you know what your partnership agreements are.]