Apollo81

I agree with this, although I put the hand's value at closer to 2.98♥ =)

This type of situation where there is a need to make a general invite to a higher level (grand in this case) but only one bid available (6♦ in this case) other than a signoff (6♥ in this case) is common. The intermediate bid (6♦ in this case) is best played as "last train" It doesn't show/ask for anything specific but rather is a general invite to the next level. Another common example of the "last train" concept in action: 1♥-(Dbl)-2♥-(3♣)- 3♦ Since 3♦ is the only bid other than a signoff that could let the partnership out below game, it is last train: a general game try rather than a diamond-showing bid. This is a convention of sorts and you should make sure your partner understands this concept before trying it. In your auction, South may have signed off anyway even if North had bid 6♦ "last train"

I know a spade lead doesn't set anything, but... The irony of this deal is that I bid 3♠ instead of 4♦ to ensure a spade lead. I don't belive in preempting when holding a side five card major.

Indeed. I play 11-15/1m, 13-17/1M since i seem to get 16-17 hands reasonably often over 1♠ and don't mind doubling/passing with 11-12-

No, this seems like a light slam where you will need the trump suit for extra tricks.

1NT Balancing NT's are usually a couple points lighter than direct NTs. I'd say 11-16 is normal.

36. In the auction that you had, the biggest mistake by far was East sitting for 4♣x. This is a 100% clear pull to 4♥. Given that East is bidding 2♥ over 2♣, the rest of the auction should go something like: 1♦-(2♣)-2♥-(3♣) 3♥-(4♣)-4♥-(Dbl) all pass All of the actions after 3♥ are a little unclear, but opener should definitely bid 3♥ over 3♣. I don't want to comment on the 2♥ bid; I think it's reasonable but many wouldn't do it. 38. In the auction that you had, the biggest mistake by far was North sitting for 4♣x. This is a 100% clear pull to 4 of a major (probably 4♥). The first decision was North's pass over 3♣. IMO 3♥ is also reasonable. If North bids 3♥ then South is going to bid 4 and go down. Given the pass South should double 3♣ so partner can pull to 3♥ if he likes hearts better than spades.

I would play the ♥10 if RHO was me because I usually play the ♥A from AK if I can recognize this position. Most people are unimaginitive and play an auto-K from AK. IMO the best play is the ♥Q because even if you play the ♥10 and are right, you still need the ♠A onside to make if LHO switches.

Pass isn't forcing in this auction. The point of the 4♣ bid is to see if we should bid 5 over 5

I'm sure this will not be popular but there is something to be said for opening 1NT on 3361 shape in the right strength range.

Something to think about: If EW had gotten to 5♦ with North/South silent, South has an interesting lead problem, no?

Yeah I forget that other people will JR on complete trash vul against not (I dont) Maybe this is too strong anyway. My 2nd choice is 4♠ not 2.

I'm sure I'd lead the ♠A given the conditions. If I thought I had a high 50s-pct going into the last round or two of a MP game then I might try a low spade.

2♦. RHO is going to drool if you bid 2♠

Opening 1♦ may actually help them bid/play the hand. Still as people have pointed out it's the best action against bad players since they tend do to stupider things in competitive auctions than they would otherwise.

I'm going to throw in with the splinter crowd. I'm not sure if that includes anyone other than jdonn since I'm too lazy to read all the posts =)

If I were sure partner had 4♠ then I'd pass. I'd probably bid 2NT.

I'll join the "4NT quantitative" chorus.

I vote for either 4♦ or 4NT. This isn't the time to psych a splinter.

I'd have bid 3♠ the first time. I don't think 4♣ is necessarily a slam try; I just think it shows 5+ clubs. I'd bid 5♠ but it's real close.

3♣ at any vulnerability other than favorable. 4♣ at favorable.

i agree

I blame the 3♣ bid...if no one knows what breaking the relay means then dont break it!

This is a penalty double. Partner may be able to tell that it was not intended as such if he holds spade length.

So instead your methods force you to pass and let them find their fit first before coming in at the 3 level? Hmmm. and your methods over strong 1n provide for a way to show an 18 count with 6♦ before they can bid hearts? hmmm