[dellache]

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1. Do you agree with 2 Hearts ? What else ?

2. Do you agree with Double ?

3. How should it proceed frome there ?

4. What would the following bids from North now show :
- 3C
- 3D
- 3H
- 3S
- 3N
- 4H

[P_Marlowe]

Hi,

#1 no, the suit quality is terrible - X
#2 my impulse was no, but on reflection, I agree with X
#3 3C from North, ..., 3S (Stopper ask) from South,
4C no stopper, ..., 5D
#4 3C - to play, 4-4 in the minors
3D - to play, 5 card suit is most likely still possible
3H - Hx, but to play
3S - stopper ask
3NT to play
4H - ??? does not exist

With kind regards
Marlowe

[paulg]

I would bid 2♥. I don't like the suit quality but we have a game forcing hand and I'd prefer to start showing that.

I would double 2♠, especially when partner's pass suggests that we are now looking for the best game rather than any thoughts of slam.

North has a tough call - 3♥, implying Hx, is tempting whilst 3♣ might find a second suit. As partner might have bid 3♣ himself, I'd plump for 3♥. South might just bid 5♦ at this point, or after an exploratory 3♠.

[Cyberyeti]

Does nobody play a form of good/bad 2N opposite this X ?

I agree with the auction so far. For us N would bid 2N intending to pass partner's 3♣ but S is too good and the wrong shape to just bid 3♣ so would bid either an optimistic stop seeking 3♠ or a pessimistic 3♦ and we'd play 3 or 4 ♦.

[whereagles]

2♥ seems ok. Now with North's hand either 2NT or 3♣ seems adequate.

[Phil]

#0 I wouldn't open this, but thats me.

#1, #2 - OK

#3 - Probably 3♣ now. I agree with Paul that we've denied heart support, and while 3♥ isn't a lie, its very preemptive and I think we might get the chance later. Then it will proceed 3♦ (forcing)..3♥...4♦...Pass?

[Fluffy]

pass-double
3♥-3♠
4♣-5♦
pass

why is so many people bidding 3♣ with ♥Kx, note: you are not suposed to know partner's suit is Jxxxx?

[mtvesuvius]

I agree with 2♥, and double seems fine. Over the double, North has a clear 3♥ call. South will now try 3♠, and North will bid 4♣... At this point South will probably bid 4♥ (unlikely) or 5♦, neither of which will make, but oh well.

[gnasher]

1. I have five hearts and a 14-count, so I can't see why I wouldn't bid 2♥.

2. On the next round, I'd bid 3♠ rather than double. That usually implies diamond support, because without diamond support I'd usually be happy to start with double. If I did double, on the next round I'd have to bid 3♠ anyway, but partner wouldn't be expecting diamond support, so he'll be less well-placed.

3. With opener's hand I'd bid 2NT, scrambling. The entire auction after responder's double would probably be

2NT-3♠
4♣-5♦
pass

If I couldn't bid 2NT because it would be natural, I'd bid 3♣. If we belong in clubs, someone has to bid them, and taking out the double hints at secondary hearts anyway.

4. You didn't ask about 2NT, but that affects the meanings of all the other bids.

If opener's 2NT would be scrambling:
- 3C = natural, NF, probably not much in hearts
- 3D = natural, NF, not interested in hearts
- 3H = something like 4243 without much in spades
- 3S = like 3H but better
- 3N = a weak notrump that fancies bidding game, or can't think of anything better to do
- 4H = nonexistent

If 2NT would be natural, I suppose that 3♣ and 3♥ would both include this shape, depending on where the honours were.

This post has been edited by gnasher: 2011-January-26, 06:48