Youth knows no fear, and the young U.S. players who reached the 2011 Bermuda Bowl final last October employed an active bidding style, opening and overcalling light. Clearly, their style generated good results - but not in today's deal.

At one table, the U.S. bid and made 3NT as East-West, plus 660. At the other, where East opened one club after three passes, the U.S. South threw in a hair-raising vulnerable overcall. After two passes, East reopened with a double, and West passed for penalty. I'll spare you the gory details, but after a club lead, South took four tricks, minus 800.

SILVER

The U.S. brought home silver medals while I sit tapping away at my word processor, but I refuse to believe that overcalling with that hand opposite a passed partner is a good idea - certainly not in a world championship match against opponents who won't miss any chances to penalize.

To win at IMPs, you need steady, disciplined effort. Just a 51 percent game will be good enough.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: S K 5 4 3 H 10 2 D J 8 7 4 2 C K 5. Your partner opens one club, and the next player overcalls one heart. What do you say?

ANSWER: Most players use "negative doubles" in this situation. By agreement, a double is for takeout, not for penalty, and shows four cards in spades plus a tolerance for a contract in one or both minor suits. A response of one spade would promise at least five spades. Discuss negative doubles with your partner.