robkat

That is a good question. In isolation, the clubs suit is 2:1 more likely to come in with a finesse. But this gives up on A of H with RHO which cuts the loss of losing to QT9 with RHO in half. How often would LHO lead the A of H's at trick one if he had it? Depends on the bidding which was not given.

South's double is a normal negative double except for the missing 4th heart. The alternatives are not so appealing so it is acceptable IMO. I would choose 2S showing limit raise or better of diamonds. North's double is far worse. I see no point to an obscure double; just bid 3C. Double should be penalty. 2NT good/bad is also available to distinguish the strength of the 3C bid.

Double is strongly indicated with Kxx behind their A and a singleton in partner's suit. Actually, I would have doubled 4H.

Starting with 2C allows reaching 7S via keycard blackwood at some point very easy. Starting with 1S is popular nowadays. The proponents of 1S ignore that you will have trouble letting partner know that you have a huge hand. With spades, I believe the downside of 2C is exaggerated.

I prefer 3C to 2NT. You can always continue with 3NT over partner's 3S bid. 2NT is somewhat discouraging for club contracts. From N's perspective you could be off 2 A's. IMO, 3C is a slam try not anything else. Partner already asked and you said NT. Why should he ask again after you gave your opinion? If you agree, then clearly you should bid 6 with your hand. Rob

It seems obvious that this is a bad hand so let me guess: partner has 4 card heart support and Ax in diamonds. Now this hand is good. Rob

There is another alternative; play the K (or J) of C. It is hard to evaluate the risk of opening up a diamond tap of dummy or to simply go for setting up clubs.

If 3NT by agreement does not guarantee a stopper and you know that, you certainly should alert. If your bidding agreements make a lack of stopper more likely than normal, the opponents have a right to the result of your agreements. If 3NT might not have a stopper due to the situation rather than your agreements, then you do not alert. I suggest that you explain your reason for not alerting instead of a immature lol. In my experience, when someone resorts to rude sarcasm he is unsure of himself for some reason.

What are you laughing at?

I find it amusing that bridge players have such strong opinions on hands such as this (as in politics where a political debate takes on wildly exaggerated claims). This is a close decision. In a short match, it is more important to be right frequently than right in the long term. In a long match or a match that is going against you, I would go for the double game swing. So I strongly disagree with those that have strong opinions on this. :)

You have an interesting suggestion. What do you do on this auction? 1D 1M 2M 3M ? Rob

1) Yes 2) Yes If LHO has lead 4th best, winning with the A does not guarantee that you will get 2 entries.

In my experience, the ♥A will be onside 95% of the time. So I would go for the spade ruff first and then lead a H to the K. This way I can make if spades are 2=4 and diamonds are 4=1.

With all this bidding by the opponents, they seem to have a several black singletons and a source of tricks in diamonds. I would bid 4♠.