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Vulnerable at imps? Definitely 3♠. I agree with 2♠ at Matchpoints. Steven

This hand doesn't seem to match the bidding... Steven

In a no-trump contract I count my winners. Sometimes, when preparing for an endplay, I will count my losers (because it would be silly if they can cash one trick too many). In a trump contract, I count my losers. However, I will always count my winners when planning a cross-ruff. Steven

2♣-2♦ (1) 2♠-3♣ (2) 4♠-p (1) negative (2) 2nd negative (i.e. no A/K, no 3crd support) Steven

IMHO ♠T stands out in matchpoints, while the ♥2 is the IMP lead... Steven

Using 1nt-2♥-2♠-3♠ to show slam interest is actually not a bad idea... You will have to find another way to bid the invitational hands then (like bidding 3♦ with those). Steven

Dutch Doubleton, played by Brink-Drijver, is a system with a 15-17 1nt opening, but all balanced hands outside that range are opened 1♣. The 1♦ response to the 1♣ opening shows any 0-7 or 8-11 unbalanced without a 4crd major or 12+ natural. After 1♣-1♦ the 1nt rebid shows 18-20 balanced. With 12-14 balanced they rebid 1♠ with a 4crd spade suit or 1♥ otherwise. This is all very similar to Polish Club. The 1♦ opening shows a 5crd suit with one exception: exactly 4-4-4-1. Your two example hands for responder: (1) xx xxx Kxx KJxxx (2) xxx AQx xx KJTxx With hand (1) they can respond 1♦ to a 1♣ opening, but they would still respond 1nt to a 1♦ opening. With hand (2) they can respond 2♣ which is an invitational or better relay (but I have no idea how they continue after that). Steven

I think 3♣ should show a more distributional hand. 1♠ is the most flexible bid. Over partners 1nt I suppose I can bid 2♣ next, showing a hand that lacks the values for 2♥ and lacks the shape for 3♣... Steven

As this hand is not worth an invite, only 1♠ applies from the list above... Steven

The short club has advantages when there is no interference or when 1♦ is opened. Steven

5nt following 4nt RKB shows that all keycards and the queen of trumps are present and asks if partner can bid 7. If partner cannot bid 7 he will bid side suit kings so you might be able to bid 7. However, in your sequence 4nt is not RKB, but a natural quantitative slamtry. Your hand is good enough to drive to 6. I would have bid 5nt over 2♥ asking partner to pick a slam. 6♦, 6♥, 6♠ and 6nt are all possible contracts. Steven

I'd duck the first trick and take it from there... I assume LHO has to switch because he only has one spade. Steven

Responder needs an invitational or better hand to check back. Rebidding 1nt will bury the spade fit if responder is weak. I'm not convinced that 1nt is as good as 2♠ when that happens. Steven

4♣ = ♣ & other major 4♦ = ♦ & other major after (2M), (3M), (1M)-p-(2M), (1M)-p-(3M), (2M)-p-(3M) 4♣ = other minor & unknown major 4♦ = both majors after (2♦)*, (3m), (1m)-p-(2m), (1m)-p-(3m), (2♦)-p-(3♦)* *natural weak two diamonds assumed After their multi-2♦: 4♣ = ♣ & unknown major 4♦ = ♦ & unknown major is most common, but you can also play: 4♣ = ♥ & unknown minor 4♦ = ♠ & unknown minor Steven

After 1♦-1♠, what is the meaning of the following rebids: 3♥ 3nt 4♣ 4♦ 4♥ 4♠ Is there some expert consensus about these? Steven

AQTx or KJ9x are two reasons why 3rd/low is not as popular against NT as it is against suit contracts... From 98x(x) I lead the 9 against NT, but 3rd against suit contracts. I don't make any other exceptions. Steven

I prefer 2♣ iso 1♥. But the worst bid of all in that sequence is 3♣! Having bid only 1♥ you have a great hand now, so you should bid 2♠ to set the GF. Steven

I prefer to support hearts immediately. Then the choice is between Splinter and Jacoby 2nt. I would choose Jacoby. 1♥-2nt 3♠-4♣(1) 4♥-4nt 5♠-6♥ (1) should show serious slam interest (otherwise 3nt) Steven

What is the rule of 7? Steven

How sure are we that 3nt is making? Because it is MPs I think I'm going for the sure plus and pass. Steven

Can you explain how they work? Steven

I don't play 2/1 GF either, but like Frances I also prefer playing 2M over 2nt. In my system it is even impossible to end in 2nt after a 2/1 by making 2nt GF. Steven

1.1 No 1.2 Yes 2.1 Reverse 2.2 Splinter 2.3 Splinter 2.4 EKCB Steven

I cannot remember a hand where I continued after openers 3nt, because it doesn't come up that much... It makes sense to play 4♥/♠ as shortness with a 5-5. 4♣/♦ can be played as a 6crd in the bid suit and at the same time asking for keycards. Steven

I play Minor Suit Stayman over 2nt: 3♠ asks about a 4crd minor, partner bids 3nt without one. Steven