The Imp of the Perverse At Work

I’ve mentioned my companion, The Imp of the Perverse from time to time. The Imp sometimes cajoles me, trying to replace good judgement with what he considers “fun.” Often the Imp is quiet; but when we’re playing Bridge he is quite chatty. Luckily, my particular Imp listens to Reason. He won’t consider an obviously bad decision fun. But if it isn’t obvious … or he can come up with a plausible argument … Sometimes it is tough to distinguish The Imp’s blandishments from stylistic differences. For example, should you make a takeout double with a two card minor (assuming you have 4 cards in each major, enough points, etc)? A national champion told me “You need to pass those hands,” but I believe that East Coast (Washington) Style is more case-by-case. At least, that’s what the Imp said. One of my regular partners (who, like most people, cannot see the Imp or hear his soothing words) summed it up as “You think too much” and just advised me to bid the hands straight down the middle and let…