Hi Helene

As I see it provided the descritpion of their methods are correct then there is no case for adjustment

BUT
a question arises

Was West's 3NT bid making improper use of unauthorised information (that East thought West's hand was weaker than it actually was)?

That would depend on the circumstances of West's mis-bid

If he forgot the system then he shouldn't bid 3NT
If he mis-counted the points (maybe a high card was concealed) then its Ok to bid 3NT
If he deliberately mis-bid (as a psyche) then its also Ok to bid 3NT

It is stated it was intended as a psyche so the 3NT bid is Ok
But it looks like a rather odd psyche to me so I would be dubious about that

But not so dubious as to adjust the result
In my view a statement such as this should be accepted, no matter how improbable, unless there are other factors suggesting it is likely to be not the case 

That is my opinion
I would like to see other views

Nick

I haven't seen an infraction, which I need for Law 12 to award an adjusted score, result stands. There is also no rectification for a psyche under Law 40C.

I've heard rumours about directors that award adjusted scores just because someone is unhappy with the bidding or the opponent's methods (when the methods are legal). E.g. say an 8-11 1NT opening unbalanced or a 2D opener showing 0-7 4+D, but Law 12 doesn't allow this. These kinds of actions from directors to just rule against the guy playing different methods are appaling.

Interesting that North would be more than happy to keep his result if this went down, but when it makes he wants his double taken away. Almost seems like a double shot.

If I was on an appeals committee I would be pushing for frivolous appeals penalty. North found a double that was completely baseless, your opponents have just confidently bid 3NT and you are going to hit them because why not? Then when your gambling action doesn't work, you want to call the director and try to have it removed. When the director gives the correct ruling you now want to waste more time and appeal. Maybe it's a triple shot rather than double.

Kind regards,

Jack James