danailov

I apologize for my bad English. Thanks for the tips!

If the bidding start with 1NT(14-16) it's very likely to stop in 3NT. Most of the points in east's hand are in the side suits, no shortness, west will show 5332, so I didn't see why should play in Hearts. It doesn't make sense to go one level up and to give the opponents a chance for ruff(s). I think that the overcall must change the stereotype of east's mind, and to push him to bid NT in a prospect to protect Q♦. The four-card support makes easier to clear the suit and you have nothing to ruff.

Playing 3NT has few advantages. Diamonds lead giving the 9th trick immediately. Hearts finesse give the 9th trick also. Against 4♥ opponents can start with 3 rounds of clubs and ruff the last one. Even with a heart finesse on you may go down in 4♥ by losing three clubs and one diamond. The layout in this particular board is one more example of how much better to play 3NT.

I watch an interesting hand in a BBO match. It was obvious that 3NT is much better than 4♥. But how to get there? This is the deal: [hv=pc=n&s=s9652h6dkjt962cak&w=sat3haqt53d54cj92&n=sj74hk94d83ct8543&e=skq8hj872daq7cq76]399|300[/hv] Board#10. E/All The bidding was: 1♣ 1♦ ? 1) You play transfers and start with double 2) Bid 1♥ My opinion is east hand should ignore the fact that he has four-card support and just rebids notrump.

My preference is: 1♥-2♦: 3NT = 15-17 and ♣ Splinter 4♣ = 18+ ♣ Splinter 1♥ - 2♦ 2NT - 3NT: 4♣ = 3 ♦ + ♣ cue bid 4♦ = 2542 18+ 4♥ = 3♦, Solid ♥, no ♣ cue 4♠ = 3♦, no ♣ cue bid, no solid ♥