Halo

In my jurisdiction I have a rule of 19 opening and I have spades. Almost whenever I can, I open. Here 1D is clear for me because I don't falsify suit length unless I absolutely have to.

I would switch to 10 of hearts after cashing the diamond Ace

I see your point, but if so limited I would have passed partner's 1S overcall - if you would not then we are on different tracks.

I actually don't mind 3♥ at all, in fact I'm surprised everyone is going to spades instead of rebidding this very good heart suit. However, in what world does 3♥ imply spade support? Slow to respond because I wasn't taking credit for the 3H bid. I think the logic is that you are not screwing partner. He asked for preference and instead you make an alternative (IMO forward going bid), that implies if he bids 3S you are OK (Hx). This is the 'expert' zone and I hope that doesn't mean that there is some magical answer out there that successful players divine in some way. There is a kind of obsequious tendency occasional on the Forum. Great players perform well in the real world under pressure. Their opinions (so far as they choose to share them) are therefore a bit better than average, but not so much better than then majority at any point.

Interesting post. I have to think hard about the fact that double is impossible for me.

Well this isn't right. It does show four hearts. If partner tries to raise them, you will bid spades and partner should understand what's going on. I wouldn't make this bid opposite someone who is just going to keep putting me back in hearts if he has 4 no matter what. Would you play transfers with someone who didn't understand them? It's no use saying 'it shows four but then it doesn't'. IMO in the modern game 2H does not show four.

2H The current concept, in this position, you are not showing 4+ suit. It's a bit like transfers, once you think about it, it becomes standard.

Good point - I assumed 1S overcall.

2NT Pass is the only alternative, but that's not how I play the game.

2S No alternatives.

Pass I don't hold good cards, so I sometimes try too hard on reasonable cards, this is a joke, or once in a lifetime. I don't bet on once in a lifetime (good tune ...)

I like the idea of bidding 3H here (with implied spade support). It's true that the three small clubs in my hand are a downer, but then partner could struggle to get full value out my hand playing in spades.

OK Given the vote is one spade, it seemed reasonable to push the non-silent minority for a clarification. I understand the arguments, I'm not sure I'm right, but I am still not convinced. When I've got spades I bid them. The rules of the game favour it.

After: P - 1H- P - 4H ? Why is it best in this aggressive age to try to describe your hand at the 4-level than the 1-level.

1S Previous - bid by length tempered with common sense - says it for me. Maybe preemption will work well, but I've got the spade suit and good potential playing strength, so I would rather open one and see how it goes.

I think it depends whether your Key Card can handle a void. If yes then 5H can't be asking about hearts. If not, then I guess five hearts is asking about hearts.

Reese also made the argument many years ago about ignoring the slam bidders in this kind of situation. Taking special measures applies to, say, being almost sure you are in the wrong part score, and taking a particular line in the play can recover/win against a field that has almost certainly outbid you.

I will in a few days. ...

Really difficult. I think I would double. Personal preference for seeming overoptimistic versus being pushed around from the start by the favourites.

When trumps are 22 you can just take the heart finesse and finesse spades later. I think Inquiry's line is technically correct and gives some small extras based on opponents actions. My own earlier notion of cashing the top spades at some point is clearly technically inferior and could only be justified if you believe West will (almost) never lead a club holding the kings in both clubs and hearts.

I'd bid one spade. I'd bid two spades with 8-10. Cue with better than 10. For me this approach is 'traditional' and may well not be optimal. I can see some attraction in being able to bid two spades as a weak preempt.

3D Less optimistic than most here, but it is what I do. 3NT is a valid alternative.

Completely disagree with Nige1 suggestions. As a chess player, clocks are just intrinsic to the game since the 19th century as timekeepers. Nothing to do with judging claims or any other Bridge Laws rubbish. Bring them in to control timeliness, nothing else.

It's almost worth the two finesses just for the chance of this ending! Truth on reflection is that this is too close for me to call.

If West has at least three spades to the Queen then he will be playing a heart through whatever line we choose. We are comparing either player having Qx spades versus East having Qxx. On that basis I think playing for the drop is better. There may of course be a deeper insight into the hand that I have not considered. (Edit: I have been assuming diamonds 31 in this discussion)