JSSMP1

Interesting to see the responses! I though North should bid 1♠ at first to show some strength, but after Pass by South jump to 4♠. I don't like the X for North. The strength is mainly due to the length of spades, so I would want to show my suit immediately.

This was matchpoints. At IMPS it is an easy 4♠ bid. Thanks for the extensive answer! I do think I underestimated the ♦ strength at the time. Still, even in hindsight I cannot really explain to myself why I would not bid after our 3♠, but I would bid it after their 4♣.

I was sitting south in the following auction: [hv=pc=n&s=st9hj942dkjt2cj83&w=s5hk7dq93cakt9764&n=sakq7642hqt3da5c2&e=sj83ha865d8764cq5&d=w&v=0&b=8&a=1c1sdp2c2spp3c3spp4cppp]399|300[/hv] Most other tables played 4♠ from North and made it (although it goes down on perfect defense). On our table West played 4♣ and went down 1. I'm uncertain how the bidding from North-South should go. I (south) was thinking as follows: - My 1st decision point (after 1♠-X): I don't have 3-card spade support, not many points, so pass - My 2nd decision point (after 2♠): Partner holds 6♠, we have an 8-card fit, but likely no game. No need to increase the level - My 3rd decision point (after 3♠): Partner likely has 7♠ and just under 16 points. I have very bad points for him, especially if the A♦ is with West. Probably still no game, so pass. - My 4th decision point (after their 4♣ and partner pass): They will likely go down, but I am not confident enough to X. Should I have entered the bidding at some point? Should partner have bid 4♠ at some point? Or was our bidding good this way? Curious to hear your opinions. EDIT: This is matchpoints