[bakeapple2]

Opposition opened 3nt.
We ask what it means.
Responder says, "I don't know what that means but I'll take it as strong. We haven't played much together and I'm not sure if it's gambling3nt or strong 25+."
Responder bids 4c. Opener bids 4nt which is passed out.
Director is called. Director says auction and comments by responder are fine. "Continue with the play."
Is this correct? Were we damaged?

[helene_t]

Hi Bakeapple, welcome to the forum

Could you show us the hands?

There are two ways in which you might have been damaged:

1) They actually have an agreement about the 3NT opening and if you had been given correct explanation you would have found a more succesful defense (or maybe a more succesful auction but that doesn't sound likely).

2) Opener made use of the information that his partner didn't know what his 3nt opening meant, and by doing so he got a better result than he would otherwise have got. This is quite possible - maybe he should have replied 4♦ to Stayman bit chose not to because he knew his partner would take that as showing a solid diamond suit.

The director's decision to ask you to play on was probably correct. In general, the TD should ask just play on and then come back after the hand is played and ask if you have any issues.

However, here the TD should ask opener if it was correct that they don't have agreement about 3NT. If it is not correct then the last opponent to pass is allowed to change his last pass.

[bakeapple2]

Very helpful. Thanks.