mr1303

As a thought, what would 3S be? Since I can't have 4 spades, 3 to an honour and a stiff heart is not that bad a holding.

I'm sure that if I was pressed, I could come up with a 13 HCP that doesn't bid a game after partner opens, but this isn't one of them.

I remember Fred's rule about jump shifts control the auction. This being the case, 3NT is a strong message that 3NT is the right place to play, so pass is right. Over 3D and 3H I can bid 3S, and 4D over 4C, and I've described my hand well.

As others have said, you have excellent defensive prospects. Save when it is likely to be profitable, not a punt.

Since we're now speaking French, je pense que je vais faire une offre de 3 SA aussi, parce que je pense que je peux faire ça.

4NT, then raise 5C to 6C. The problem with 5C here is it sounds like the natural version of Polish Club (16+ with clubs, rather than the Rock of Gibraltar we have)

Because that would be game forcing. This is how it works: over 2S X 2NT forces doubler to bid 3C, then corrects to show a weak hand, either by passing 3C or bidding 3D/H. Weak is typically 0-7 ish. A direct 3 bid is constructive/invitational, 8-11 ish. Over lower weak 2s, when advancer can bid his suit at the 3 level, 2X is weak, 3X is GF and 2NT followed by 3X is invitational.

Is 2NT not Lebensohl? This might show invitational values in hearts, so I guess I bid 4H.

Incidentally, I don't think partner should be bidding here often. I would bid 2C on a 4351 Yarborough, would I not?

If partner had bid 2S I would bid 3S here, but I agree with pass.

3C the first time was better, but I pass here, especially at IMPs since 4S might be cold

I really dislike a 1NT opening here. You have 2 empty doubletons and all your strength in your majors. If you had Qxxx Xxxxx AK AK I could accept 1NT (even like 1NT) but not on this hand. 2S is wrong as partner will force to game too often. Which leaves 1H 1NT 2C

I know some people find the SB threads annoying, but I look out for them especially, even if I don't usually post in them.

1C looks right to me. If that goes float I'm a Dutchman.

If partner has a 3 card limit raise or a 10-12 balanced invite, you want to be in game, so pass is clearly wrong. Either 2C or 2H are ok here.

3H is too few here, and you don't have time to double then bid hearts. Agree with the 4H then double 4S bidders.

Hmmm, tough one. I think I'll start with double and hope to survive.

That isn't a 4H overcall over 2S either. 4S happens to be a lucky make. That doesn't make 4S correct. It especially doesn't make 2S correct, unless this is a 2S opening in your style, but then you are giving the opponents an easy time when you have a more normal 3rd seat green weak 2.

3C looks automatic unless I had agreements to the contrary. 4C and 4D are possible but I'd like to have discussed what those hands specifically show. Why shouldn't they show solid hearts and shortage rather than club support?

For part 2, the fact that this is even a question shows that 2S was the wrong bid to begin with.

1S is fine, I would do this in 1st/2nd seat so it can't be terrible in 3rd. 3S is OK, it allows partner to bid 4S with spade support over their 4H, and it'll probably be right when he does. 4S is a bit much, it will go X float too often and go for 300 / 500 when they weren't making anything. 2S is terrible. We would all bid 2S here on KJxxx and out at this seat and vulnerability, so partner is going to misjudge horrifically.

I don't double on either. I'm tempted by 2S on both.

I think X is right. If partner bids 3H I raise, else I pass. I think pass over 3S is 100% correct - partner should bid 4S on Q10xxx Qx Kxxx - all his points are working and my double is at the 3 level, not the 1 level. The reason I leave 3D or 3S is this: I do not want to get to a thin game here. Our finesses are not likely to work and suits are not likely to break. In fact, there's a case for even leaving 3H.

As Gordon implied, 3H + 1, castration for East. Hanging is too good for him.

Sounds right. If 2NT is undiscussed then it seems dangerous. 3D looks right at whatever strength.