vang

[hv=d=n&v=e&n=s643hq10dkj52cj1032&s=saq9875hda4caq876]133|200|Scoring: MP p - p - 1♠ - p ... final contract 4♠[/hv] opponents silent, you reach 4♠ (6 seems a little too aggresive at matchpoints). lead ♥ K.

at the table i choose the wet 3♣. still, i think partner should have saved me, with x Axxx x AKJxxxx he can count on 8 direct tricks from his hand (and 4♣ doesn't seems in big danger). do you agree?

for free you can get mtr (on linux) / winmtr (search google for winmtr).

[hv=d=e&v=n&s=saxxxhxxdaxxxcqxx]133|100|Scoring: MP[/hv] you are South, RHO opens with 1♥ and then: 1♥ - p - 1♠ - 2♣ 2♠ - ?

was about to say 3♠ mixed diamond raise ;-) but 4♠ is probably better.

iirc, it's stopper ask in bridge world standard.

imo, DBL it's worth considering it because of the (lack of) club quality. i may assimilate this hand with J AQ98 Jxx Axxxx.

i don't think 5♦ is ekcbw unless specifically discussed. isn't easier to assume cuebids and continue with 4♠ - 5♣ - 5NT etc ?

3♣ no spade stopper, nothing else to show.

i'll vote for 1NT, since you have a balanced hand, in range (11-14), with stopper. the diamond suit is too weak for 2♦. also, i don't think the theory that 1/1 balance should deny an opening bid. jump ina suit in balanced position shows something like (12)13-15(16) HCP with a GOOD 6 card suit. if you don't have that, you'll balance with 1/1.

agree with 1H. don't like to jump with a flexible hand. i play redouble here as strong (semi)balanced.

yes, part passed earlier. can he do that with Qx KQxxx xx Axxx ? is that your normal overcall on 3 level?

probably some of the voters didn't noticed we are in 3rd position. i'll vote for 2S in 3rd (but a normal 1S in 1st).

since when we overcall with 9 hcp at 3 level? i'll try 4h now. i dislike the king of spade placement but that life. i hope we have a 9 card fit and we'll have some play...

no, 1♦ doesn't deny a 4card major. it's a matter of style what to rebid, but with 4333 I think most will rebid 1NT. with 4432, rebid your major if possible.

see the list here http://bridge.df7cb.de/

you may try 3♠ instead of 3♦ to ask for spade stopper.

why not 2d michaels for active bidders?

of course it will work (weak NT with 5 card majors). see for example the kaplan sheinwold system or what the top italian pairs play.

wayne, I really like your effort and I think there is a need for a "common language". i have wrote something related here http://vangonbridge.blogspot.com/2007/07/sayc-secrets.html i'm curious how the ACBL booklet compares with the book I considered to be the reference (Ned Downey and Ellen (Caitlin) Pomer, Standard bidding with SAYC).

Simple one I have used: step one - all mins. Step 2 asks for shortness, then: bal, club/diamond/other M step two - extras bal steps 3/4/5 - extras, shortness club/diamond/OM. Higher bids & breaking relays can show more specific stuff (optional). i like this method. just wanted to propose an even simpler one, for beginners. "natural+splinters": - new suits at 3 level: natural, 4+ cards - jump to 4 level: splinters - 3M=waiting (denies side suit, denies splinter, not ultra-minimal) - 4M=ultra-minimal (11-13 hcp), nothing special (may have a side 4 card suit but no splinter) - 3NT = undefined (or splinter to other major?) with 4 card side suit and singleton (5431), have a rule on what to do first. for example start by showing the side suit so splinters usually are with 6331 or the like.

1. off in competition 2. off in competition ;-) 2. use 1NT. with 5 card fit, there is a trick, jump to other minor (1♣ - 2♦ and 1♦ - 3♣) to show a "mixed raise" - about 7-9 HCP - too weak for 2m, too strong for 3m. 3. 1♦ or 1NT depending on how your majors looks like (is it good to play NT from your side?). for 3m i'll preffer at least 5 cards.

[hv=d=e&n=sk83h6daqj97cqjt5&w=saj42hkj875d432ca&e=sq76hq942d5ck8432&s=st95hat3dkt86c976]399|300|Scoring: IMP[/hv] E S W N p p 1♥ X p 1N p p 2♥ p p 3♦ 3♥ 4♦ 4♥ X XX all pass

I don't see why it's logical for a beginner to answer 1NT to 1S when holding x xxx xxx KQJxxx. It's just one of the zillions rules...

1. GF, 5 hearts 4(+) clubs. some play it as GI (and then opener 3H is weakest reply) 2. GF, 5 clubs and 4 spades 3. GF (slam inv) clubs and singleton heart. promoted by Polish school.