dake50

9 could neg X at 2-level. I have 3= one trick more. I try 4D to announce double fit and no Q-bid 4C as 0-1C.

2NT asking specific Aces seems much better. Maybe 'right' Ace(s) promotes to moose. If general number Aces, just show big hand. Why ask?

I do like 4C. Partner won't try 4S with at best KJ unless he can survive doubleton support. AND he will infer H-short, S-not invited into this auction. So, some D-length if 4D may be much better than 4C. Probably giving -100 for -140, but there is a partial + partial upside maybe. My fear is 4H lucky make when Pass allows -170.

2D claims D are no easy source of tricks, so warning off NT. Wouldn't partner evaluate his hand as contributing to the 3NT game which 1NT suggested? 2D warns NOT. Thus 3D as pre-competing against 2H reopen.

Punt 3NT. Hope hold-up works. Did partner's 3C suggest 3NT is still a live possibility? Or 'my turn to bid'? If I trust partner he IS inviting 3NT, so I try it with M-stops. If he is to trust me, this is just the hand he tried 3C to invite 3NT on. I imagine something near S-xx H-Kx D-K10xxx C-AQxx Or D-KQxxx C-AKxx.

7H! Partner didn't use bidding space to explore, so he doesn't need to. NOR do I!!

I go as I have a reputation to uphold. Loved Club game Vul is only +600 -great pun!

Yeah, kenrexford vs 2-/3- bids. Next how high still on? vs 4H? 4S? 5m?

Whichever Major partner has, he chose to make the other Major harder to come into this auction. So I want 6xS, as partner's 6xH preempting opponents Spades(as he assumes) means 0-1xSpade and wasted SQ. Why didn't partner start 1H or 1S? Esp in late seat?

Not 2C but 2D. Next 2N >2S looks just right.

I too keep many bids natural. BUT reserve some one(few) bid for "Where do I go, partner?" Strong continuations if I overrule partner's "Here's what I suggest".

Am I betting my 12 + partner's 12 won't set opponents' freak? Or do I bet they tried to put the guess on us? Double both cases. I must guess wrong a few times to get the bonanzas in close double situations. Wouldn't I hate +150 instead of +500?

Do opponents near always take the push? Balance anyway.

Open 1D intending Jump shift 3C over 1M. Get my lead inhibitor in cheaply.

What reopening garbage could partner have that converting AK +A in 4333 won't be reasonable maybe best? Try that.

Welcome to BRIDGE! Your advantage is knowing strong with weak. Disadvantage is not knowing which where is our fit. The very trade-off of 1C-forcing. Accept this problem exists on rare occasions. I suggest bidding out your shape as game is usually remote --find best partial fit. Thus 2m, not 1M on 4-suit. Let partner suggest his suit if he has one; max negative if that.

In situations of captain-ask verses 'I got-you got?', relay for lowest missing ask. BUT 2-step relay(if not agreed signoff) asks next rank. Eg. I got A answer I need, now skip K's, go to Q's.

What would partner's 4C,4H,4S, esp 4D mean instead of 3S? Ie what's left for 3S?

As I play 4cM, and weak openings S-, H-AJxx, D-KQxxx, C-xxxx is 1H opener. Now what is the problem? To find grand with H-KQxxx known strain? To find 'fitting' D-stuff? Both are routine.

Play puppet Stayman to control 1N opener's rebid. Now unfolding is not confounded by his 2D,2H,2S cases.

I use xfers to T/O double, so 2D->2H by tenaced hand. No insane bid trying to declare.

Try jump raise as mini-splinter in the other major OR mixed limit raise. Then only C-splinter is ambiguous.

3-3 in majors persuades me to open. Having 4+M 3xM fit possible.

Do any bids in this auction promise 'good'/'bad' controls for previous? Rant back to G.Rozenkrants(sp) c1975: big bids promise good controls. When neither partner is constrained to have good controls isn't overheating guaranteed often?

May I have a fit-jump 4C? Or psych a splinter jump? Not that I would, but I'd consider them.