wanoff

If you are weak you bid 2♥, partner may be as little as 9 (or good 8) and may have one major. If you wish to FG then 3♣.

Not really what this post is about. The good players you observed may have been tired, slow witted or cheats.

I would guess not, unless you're willing to take the spade finesse. Misplayed at trick 2.

Surely it can't be double for penalty and 4♣ nat.

Why is 4NT possibly showing hearts ? In my (very old) book it shows diamonds with double showing hearts. Obviously double would be nicer because partner can make a penalty pass but that's tough luck. We have a fit somewhere, probably in clubs - I don't buy, as previously stated that partners pass of 3♣ denied xxx.

Doesn't need much. 4NT

sorry

Not a great example. You wouldn't want to make a free bid of 2♣ with only 4-4 minors and certainly not with hearts as well.

Acol has moved on so you open 1♦ these days. 1♥ stinks because the 4-3 trump game will not normally play well but 1♠ may work out ok, although 1♠-2♣-2♦ guarantees 5 spades.

Finesse ♠Q. At least if this wins (except 4-0) you will make. However if Kx is offside, ♠A and another won't guarantee the contract.

Play the double squeeze if you really like double squeezes, but there are 2 simple squeezes...........

Depends on the system (I could tell you about Acol 4cM) but if an immediate 2♠ shows less than an invite, then I can bid 2♠ now. 3nt does not really describe your hand.

I wondered how long that would take coming - but good advice.

7♠ It's either cold or close and no way of finding out. There may be a Lightner to beat it but hopefully they won't find it.

What about being 'duped' by: Kxx A109x Kxxxx x ?