Hanoi5

Teams. How low can you go? [hv=pc=n&n=st52hj985432djcak&d=e&v=n&b=2&a=1cp1s?]133|200[/hv] [hv=pc=n&w=sj98732h6dajt2ca4&d=e&v=e&b=2&a=p3h?]133|200[/hv]

I pass over 3♥; given the vulnerability partner should stretch over my direct double, so I stick by his decision. If they compete I decided to take the leap to 4♥, but I think double is more convenient. Had partner passed their immediate competition I'd double again.

[hv=pc=n&n=saqt87542hk5dkc64&d=n&v=0&b=1&a=1s2dd5d?]133|200[/hv] Teams. You would have opened 4♠, but under the circumstances, what would you bid? Would you change your mind on some other vulnerability?

If you control their suit go to 6. If you don't, stay here.

If I can transfer and know right away whether partner has a fit for spades or not, that'll be great. With a fit I'll try to get to slam; without a fit I'll stop at 3NT. If I have not talked with partner about how to show deny a fit I'll just transfer and invite to slam via 4NT which hopefully works as a quantitative bid.

3♣

♠K

♣3

I suppose 6♠ is a possibility but I'm just bidding 4, in case a couple of finesses don't work...

X

I believe the average player doesn't have a good understanding of what to do after the take-out double, either from the perspective of the responder or advancer. I like to play the redouble to show a 10+ HCP's hand that will likely double them for penalties. And if that's the meaning of the redouble, then advancer wants to make sure his/her side gets to their best fit and then Pass usually means 'you pick your best suit'; I used to play that the Pass showed some cards in the redoubled suit and no particular or interesting suit to show then partner could pass knowing they didn't have a good fit (usually opener would bid again, though) or partner did take it out to his/her best suit in case he was 'scared'. In any case, it is a good idea to have a discussion on these matters with regular partners for they can lead to abnormal results, like the one shown here.

Using the one I mentioned (which is probably better explained somewhere else, and migh have errors) you can play system-on over the double as the escape route uses only the pass and redouble.

If you're playing a strong notrump (15-17 or stronger) this is not a usual problem. Playing the weak nt you need to have this covered. Usually there is a system based on redoubles and passes that force a redouble. [hv=d=n&v=0&b=1&a=1ndr(Forces%20partner%20to%20bid%202!c%20or%20something%20else%20%5Blike%20his%20best%20suit%20or%20something%5D)]133|100[/hv] Partner bids 2♣ and we can pass with Clubs or bid diamonds, hearts to show diamonds and spades, hearts and clubs (respectively). Or it might just ask partner to bid his longest suit, but then you lose the possibility to show two places to play. [hv=d=n&v=0&b=1&a=1ndp(Forces%20partner%20to%20redouble%20in%20order%20to%20show%20a%20two-suited%20hand)]133|100[/hv] We can pass partner's redouble or bid clubs, diamonds, hearts or spades to show clubs-diamonds, diamonds-hearts, hearts-spades or spades-clubs.

If the hesitation in the play cannot be established then the result should stand but the Director will be wary of East for future opportunities. But if the Director ´knows` East, he could adjust.

You cannot do that legally.

I finesse both round suits by leading the Queen. Clubs first.

At this vulnerability I don't see any reason not to bid 4.

Why did North enter the bidding with 3♥?

If 1NT (15-17) were an option, I'd probably stick to that. I prefer 2♦ to 3♦ and this is one of the few instances I do an 'Alvin Roth'.

5♦ now. They should have been bid earlier.

You're white, they're red: ♠AK ♥Kx ♦AT98xxx ♣AK (3♣)-???

Unless you play some fancy stuff like the ones mentioned before me I think you better bid 3♥. Being white the chances of getting doubled are not that high and if we don't act now partner might pass with 8-9 hcp's and a hand where we could compete. Granted, a pass might fetch another double from partner or 3♦ but a pass is also likely. Playing imp's it could be a little less obvious to compete but at this vulnerability I'd also take my chances.

I always bid the Major in these situations. Not much to lose, especially here with a suit headed by the Ace.

I would have: (1)passed, (2)bid 3♠, (3) I wouldn't have had your problem but would have done the same you did, (4)Double.