Apollo81

I'd have shown diamonds at my first call.

I think RHO has either: 1. A 5-count that was planning to pass whatever opener rebids, e.g. 4234 or 2. A distributional hand with 5+ spades, e.g. 5215, that is worried about missing a game and doesn't mind taking a preference back to 2♥ since it has a doubleton, some ruffing value and will make 4♠ sometimes. (2) is probably more likely. So I will cash ♠KQ and finesse diamonds based on whether opener followed to both of them.

It shows hearts, I've never heard of it showing anything else. 6♣ looks like a good contract if partner has the right cards, so I'll bid 4♣.

Yeah but that doesn't mean the hand can't be 1444 with the right honor placement =)

what does this mean The white house junior tournament is currently on Vugraph. I find it hard to believe that a serious bridge player as yourself has never heard of the White House tournaments. This hand raised some interesting discussion among the commentators. Actually I'm not sure if I qualify as a serious bridge player anymore. I've only travelled to a NABC twice in the past 3.5 years, each time for only one weekend, and have travelled to 0 regionals outside of the DC area in that time. I am planning to go to Vegas though. I also get bored easily when kibitzing so basically never do it =)

I also don't think this is true, leading/defense against 6NT is a lot easier than leading/defending against 1NT or 3NT. Agree that having a "conservative invite" and an "aggressive invite" would help on this hand and that this would be a obvious "aggressive invite"

what does this mean I would bid 2♣ at MPs and pass at IMPs. edit: I would also bid 2♣ opposite an unpassed partner

What if LHO bids 1♠ and partner doubles? What if partner responds NT without competition? I'd want to have started 1♦ in these cases. Also partner may be able to raise diamonds to the 3-level over a 1♥ bid when he couldn't raise clubs except maybe to the 2-level. Opening 1♦ has some merit. What on Earth is the problem with 1♣-1N on this hand? You have found your club fit, don't worry, be happy. I agree 1♣ (1♠) X is a problem, but it is the only problem auction I can see. I am surprised 1♦ is drawing so much sympathy. A lot of people play 1c-1n-2c as showing 6 clubs. You could get raised to 3♣ on Hxx if partner has a max. Also if opps jump in after 1N and you rebid clubs, pard may overcompete. Not big problems, but not no problem either.

Heart to the jack and spade to the ten, if it wins, play ♠Q, if it wins, play West for 4 spades and run hearts pitching a club and 3 diamonds, potentially squeezing him in various ways. Not going to think about other possibilities without finding out what happens on the spade play(s).

What if LHO bids 1♠ and partner doubles? What if partner responds NT without competition? I'd want to have started 1♦ in these cases. Also partner may be able to raise diamonds to the 3-level over a 1♥ bid when he couldn't raise clubs except maybe to the 2-level. Opening 1♦ has some merit.

Right thats all I was arguing, 3NT obv worse than 1♦.

I would bid 3N opposite a partner I trust to upgrade really good 17-HCP hands. Agree that this is a good hand for a simulation.

Obvious pass with the death holding in spades, (5332), and lack of internal strength.

5♥ is really ugly bid, but I think I'd do it.

Wow I completely disagree. I nearly always open 1♣ when 4-5 but here I would consider opening 1♦. There are a lot of people who regularly open 1♦ on 4-5 hands if they arent planning to rebid 1NT.

where did 3N come from other than that I think it's unlucky, the other calls were OK

Case 1: 5M is a general slam try 1. 5♣ is a slam try in diamonds 2. 5♠ is a cuebid Case 2: 5M would ask for a club control 1. 5♣ is a general move towards slam in any suit, probably with a club control 2. like Frances said - accepting red suit slam tries but rejecting a spade slam try If undiscussed, I wouldn't ascribe any specific meaning to 5♣ other than "interested in slam", and I wouldn't pass 5♠.

agree with frances, and I think your post could have been shortened to "what does this auction mean? <auction>"

#1 is non-invitational #2 is invitational #3 is a hand that would have invited if pard had shown the other minor #4 (IMO) is GF and creates a force if LHO bids 4♥ as to the 6 hand types....I dont think you can blindly classify them....depends on the overall hand too

I think stiff is the most likely holding from LHO, but, as Mike said, ducking the heart is almost guaranteed to work as RHO will probably return a club, so I would do that.

to actually answer the queston -- 2♦, whether forcing or not, planning to bid spades next

When I read the post title my first thought was "What is 'how ____ likes his women?'"

2NT...3♠ shows an invite, not necessarily 4 spades. You should use this sequence if you want pard to accept on a hand that would just overcall if playing split range Michaels. Bidding 3♠ directly shows less than that but 4 trumps. With the holdings you mentioned I think you have to guess whether the aces/kings/queens are working or not. With 4 card support and at least 7 HCP in partner's suits I think I'd invite.

If anyone is to blame, it is East's fault for handhogging then making a NF 3♦ bid. I'd play it as NF anyway.

In rough order of most to least important (with unlisted things being less important) (1) availability (how often, what events) (2) skill level (3) table demeanor (4) desired system complexity / flexibility (5) hand discussion (frequency, duration, when?) You may or may not be able to find out (2) and (3) before playing with the person. I think you need all of these things to work out for a successful partnership. I don't think things like lead style, preempting style, etc. are important - I see a lot of working partnerships where the two people are really different in these aspects.