ochinko

Imps, all white, partner deals and opens 1♦. You have [hv=d=n&v=n&s=sqxhqjxxxdxxxcxxx]133|100|Scoring: IMP[/hv] You bid 1♥, and partner bids 2♠. If undo and pass is not an option how do now you curb your partner's enthusiasm?

You could have ♠xx even with 17 pts and 4432 distribution, so that's nothing out of the ordinary. Bidding 1NT instead of 1♥ has some preemptive effect, and makes it less likely for opps to compete in ♠.

Surely I would prefer to know each other's style with partner. It's just that I play frequently with unknown partners, and there's never enough time to enter into such details.

I routinely upgrade 5332 hands with 14 hcp to a 15-17 1NT opening, no matter which the long suit is. All in all I am satisfied with the results. Recently, however, I noticed that my condition worsens, and I am now tempted to open 1NT even with a hand like xx-AQJ109x-K9-Axx. What do you think about this (assuming partner is unaware, and expects a normal hand)?

[hv=d=w&v=n&s=sq852hkqj7dkqc972]133|100|Scoring: IMP[/hv] This is your hand, and partner opens 1♠ after the dealer passes. Your RHO passes as well. Your system is closest to SAYC, and you don't play Jacoby 2NT. If you're ok with these limitations what is your bid, and do you think it should be alerted? As a side question, is JNT considered part of SAYC nowadays?

South should have realized that his prolonged thinking ethically bars North from bidding further, and he should either take a shot at 3NT himself, or accept the fact that the final contract is going to be 3♣. Sometimes different players have different perception of the time spent, but if all agree that 3♣ was slow, then indeed no other ruling is possible. Leaving 3NT as the final contract would make sense now only if 3♣ was forcing or 2NT was game forcing.

But RHO showed ♥AK. Why wouldn't he open with ♠A1098xx or ♠KJ109xx or even with 5 spades without the other top ♠ honor? hmm? It said west wins the HA and returns the K edit: Also says lead HQ, guess I could have figured out you meant to say east rather than west. How stupid I am. :( Sorry, named East West. I am going to correct it now. Perhaps for someone it won't be too late.

But RHO showed ♥AK. Why wouldn't he open with ♠A1098xx or ♠KJ109xx or even with 5 spades without the other top ♠ honor?

Edit: Read it wrongly. 1. 4♠ 2. Pass

Oh well, I thought I had at least picked the right forum, but now... :P

Yes, I really thought the line you mention was the best one. Which one is?

Your partner North deals and the bidding goes: Pass - (1♠) - 5♣ - (5♥) 6♣ - (Dbl) - All pass [hv=d=n&v=e&n=sq7632h843da82cqj&s=sh2dkq105cak1098654]133|200|Scoring: IMP 6♣ Lead ♥Q[/hv] East wins with ♥A, and returns ♥K which you ruff in hand. What is your best chance of making this? Advanced or better, please hide your answers if they appear immediately bellow, thank you. Edit: Sorry once again for the mistaken sides.

I smell reverse psychology. :P No, I haven't peeked in the database. Having read his posts I just think Oleberg is a better player than that. Come on, tell us. Your partner not only didn't pull, he misplayed ♥ as well, right?

I have forgotten what 4th suit meant with GIB, but even though we are not rich point wise I'll still try 2♣ pushing towards 3NT or invite a ♦ game if GIB denies a ♣ stopper. All the other bids look like I stole them from Jlall, but I didn't cause I don't read the other answers before I make up my mind.

1NT is 18-19 balanced. 2 and 3 of the same minor are just length and preemptive. 1M is a very strong hand that didn't open 2C because it was 2-suited. You prefer (or at least don't mind) a lead in the major if opps get to declare. Don't know what redouble is. Could be SOS especially if you play short club (2+).

You shouldn't think of only what you can make but also of what opps could make. Some of the best results come when you go down but it turns out to be a good sacrifice. The Law of Total Tricks isn't as popular as it used to be, but it still remains a good reference for where you'd want to be in a competitive bidding when both sides have their fits.

I admire those who have the guts to bid 4♠, but I think 3♠ is normal here. 2♠ is noise.

Given that there is 6♠ in the answers I was surprised not to see 7♠ as well. :D I voted for 4 though.

Because the Queen is a slower trick than the King. It may not matter in NT where the trick will often come back to you, but in a suit contract the slower trick has more chances to be ruffed before you take it.

♦8 hoping i won't hit the declarer's doubleton or that partner will have either the queen or the ace. Why? Because leading a shorter suit and a one with a higher honor is less dangerous of blowing away a trick of mine.

I am not afraid to pass. I've missed games before. Pushing forward requires partner not only to have a maximum hand, but also one that fits with mine very well.

Just because it's artificial doesn't make multi hard to cope with. It's certainly easier to defend against multi than to defend against std weak 2's because you have more space. The real power of multi is freeing 2M bids for other type of preempts (like Muiderberg). Funniest multi experience (partner deals and opens): 2♦* - (Dbl) - Pass - (2♠) Dbl** - AP * - multi ** - yay, they stepped in my suit! Having the better part of the deck opps made their contract with 4:3 in ♠. Being the smartass that I am, I asked: "Partner, why did you bid your hand twice?" :lol:

I add a point for the fifth card. The sixth could be even worth two. So with this hand I want to be in a slam. I don't have the science for an invitation. If I have a transfer to ♣ I do it, then I blast off to 5NT for partner to pick from 6♣ and 6NT. Yes, we could be two aces short, but I still believe odds are on my side.

Automatic pass. 1. Because I have already described my ♠ length and my general strength. 2. Because I don't have any ♠ honors I would need to protect.

♠Ace. Much less likely to be ruffed than ♥A. When partner doubles it is usually good to cash your own tricks fast.