REBECCA ROOD'S MAILBAG................

Dear Rebecca,

I would suggest that instead of introducing a whole raft of new, weird and fanciful, bidding cards, more should be done to develop the ones already there in the box. For instance, why is there only one red " double " card ? Given that are so many interpretations of its use, which is a nightmare for many who play the game, why not have a different coloured "double" card, for each possibility. This would certainly clear up the confusion and ambiguity that players experience from time to time.

So here are my suggestions :

Red : PENALTIES......which must not under any circumstances be removed

Pink : Optional......leaving it to partner to take a view

Yellow : Responsive and/or co-operative

White : TAKE OUT

Orange : All I have is a decent suit in the one that my RHO has just bid

Blue : Not sure what to bid, but at least partner you can bid again if you want

Purple : Just felt like sticking one in for the fun of it

Now how good is that ! And what's more I've also got an idea for separate coloured " pass " cards :

Black : Forcing

Grey : Mildly forcing

Cream : I would like double the opponents, but I'm short in their trump suit

Khaki : I've nothing more to say about my hand

Green : Absolute zilch......I have no interest in this hand/auction whatsoever

Turquoise : I have just a few points, but sod all help in the suit(s) you have bid partner

Brown : Partner, I'm out of this auction.....you're on your own

So with all these cards available in the bidding box, how can anybody go wrong ?

Yours doing my hardest to be helpful, Buster Gutt