pran, on 2010-December-21, 11:33, said:
???
Law 70E1 begins: The Director shall not accept from claimer any unstated line of play the success of which depends upon finding one opponent rather than the other with a particular card
In my world this means that when neither alternative has been stated we would not allow the finesse if it works and require the finesse if it fails (unless of course if the claimer can avoid playing that suit at all).
However, as Gerardo posted: He stated a line - so he is bound by that line.
We certainly agree on 12 tricks.
Yes, he stated a line, by implication, and that was to make five club tricks, three hearts, two diamonds and two spades. I think when the claim breaks down, the TD "adjudicates the result of the board as equitably as possible to both sides, but any doubtful point as to a claim shall be resolved against the claimer.", and nothing in the Law prevents the TD accepting an alternative line, whether or not it was stated originally (70D1 and 70E1),
if it is the only rational line. So, when the claim breaks down, because he does not have five clubs, then the only rational line remaining is the second spade finesse. The fact that RR stated he would not take it originally is irrelevant. So, I think you are all wrong.
I prefer to give the lawmakers credit for stating things for a reason - barmar
2C-Pass-2D-Pass-3NT-Pass-6NT-All Pass