[benlessard]

A x .............. J 10
A 9 x x ........ Q J x x
A x x x x ...... K x
Q x .............. A K x x x

The slam isnt that awful even on a S lead. Youre ok if south has Kxx,Kx, and some case of Kxxx/KTxx. If they dont bid S the chance H break goes up.

In a M fit I think there is no reason in 2012 not to play frivolous 3nt/serious cuebid especially in A/E forum. But before those times, my point of view is dont bypass a cuebid unless you hand is dead minimum (or partner is limited). Playing 1995 2/1 it would go

1D-2C
2D-2H
3H-4C
4D-4H
pass or
5H (my H are poor)--6H

I think its clear that EAST must make a cuebid in face of a unlimited partner. West has no singleton and minimum values (for 1995 ) so he might surely pass the 4H) knowing partner has extras only for 1 cuebid.

Note that if 4D cue is a denial (showing S asking for D) its tougher.

[Zelandakh]

rhm, on 2012-February-22, 05:05, said:

I never understood the concept of a frivolous Cue. Does this mean do not take me seriously? Then why give the defense information in the first place?

If you play Frivolous 3NT (or 3♠ for hearts) and serious cues then "frivolous" is practically synonymous with "slam-try" and a cue says you want to be in a slam whenever we hold 4-5 key cards and controls in all suits. I do not think this is giving unnecessary information to the defence. If you play Serious 3NT then a cue is simply a slam try with a control. In this case you are giving away unnecessary information if partner declines the slam try. I suspect you know all this very well though and are just using humour to make a point.

[aguahombre]

Frivolous is not frivolous. It shows willingness to cooperate with partner's slam probe, and good cards for the previous bidding context. Serious is better than that.

[han]

gnasher, on 2012-February-21, 03:55, said:

According to the description in the diagram, 2♥ denied five diamonds. It is therefore most likely to be a weak notrump, and East should bid on that assumption. East's decision to go past 4♥ was simply wrong.

Absolutely, but there should be some way for opener to say that he has a 12-14 balanced hand.