Halo

EDIT : Post removed - read the problem wrong!

RKCB after 3S. I wouldn't cue bid as North because I'm not going to stop if partner tries to sign off.

Pass

I bid 2C first time round and 3C now. Why not?

I would always (100% of the time) bid 1NT on this hand, for all the reasons given by pclayton. Bad games are the soul of IMPs but not MP. The spade hand doesn't have to stretch so far.

Trump promotion is the only clear cut tactic I have at this point.

I think the logic for a spade lead is convincing.

Pass.

I'd start with 2S. They say the best players are very good at avoiding 5-level phantoms and this may very well be one with both sides -1. I'm still bidding 5S. There's no helping some people!

My choice is 4th hand upwards as a minimum at this vulnerability. I used to play split range, but I now think wide range makes more sense. The chance of a penalty exists, but its hard to get an adequate penalty against an opponent with 55 of anything, even when he is vulnerable. Telling the opponents where your cards are, when they have already bid a major, and you have little chance of taking them to the 5 level, can't be good - as already pointed out.

Double Yes, I'm not brave enough.

This is MPs. You are passing. Could work - don't understand the doomy 'nothing else appeals'.

My view: With spades - doesn't exist. With hearts - not sure, maybe your had (pclayton) maybe still doesn't exist.

3NT If partner's got 14 points, then maybe we are already in trouble versus 1H passed out, -100/-200. I don't like the idea of telling partner I have a club invite with poor points on this hand. My second choice would be play in 3C, where I may do better than NT part scores.

Just about maximum unsuitable South, and 4S doubled still beats par. Can't be such a bad bid. 'Fielder's choice' can also be a written 'chance to go wrong': half full, and half empty.

Small ruff. Cash AK ruff out diamonds etc. If I'm off I'm off.

Thing of beauty as a single dummy problem. Well done the two who analysed it.

Redouble. Seems my duty.

1S Yes my next bid might be over 5D, but I think we should take the risk to give partner the chance to make a bid.

2H This is one of the hands where I override partner.

I used to try to stop on a dime (decades ago). Now with six card suit and 3S from partner the answer is I bid game. I really don't care if I can make or not, because: a) I probably can unless opponents are making something :lol: The rest of the universe is in it

I'm probably out of line. I would be hugely disappointed in partner. I'm OK with 3C, because its flexible - maybe not ideal. Pass out I cannot contemplate.

I guess the modern view is that if you give him the King he is too strong. So we play him for the Jack.

OK then, show us the surprising maths. I can see nine hearts and eight clubs. How does that translate to twice as many of something?

I'm sure partner is going to bid game with that monster if you bid 4 of a minor over his 2nd X. A lot of flat 0 counts produce a game. Yes, very reasonable. Why 4C from so many? Why is the 53 fit better than 44 - nobody suggested less than 4D. He doesn't have to be solid clubs and diamonds with gaps.