nick_s

I've wondered about using 1NT to show the other 2-suiter. Does anyone else think this is reasonable?

Thanks all. That was very helpful. I think I'm starting to get it now :lol:

Hi, I often use the Losing Trick Count (LTC) to double check a proposed bid when in doubt. I make adjustments for Aces, Queens, and extra trumps - and try not to get too religious about it. I've seen people mention cover cards in relation to the LTC, and I've no idea what this is nor how to use it :) I'd be grateful if someone would explain this for me - or point me to a reference. Thanks, Nick

Something's not right here. ... Edit: Fixed now, thanks.

I prefer not to have these agreements and play each hand on its merits, opening the major only if it is "rebidable" and opening 1NT if half the strength is in the short suits. Rebidding a 3 card minor is a fairly good option if one suit is exposed, or rebidding 1NT/2NT whenever prudent Tony These are good recommendations if playing a 4-card major system (like Acol) IMO. Playing a 5-card major system (note the forum), a 5-card major is hardly ever going to be rebiddable.

Great explanations. Thanks!

I sense a learning opportunity here :lol: I thought this was a forcing pass auction because partner made a forcing response at the 2-level. I don't have a penalty double but I have extra values and don't know what to do so I pass the decision around to partner. Evidently, that's not the current thinking. It seems like expert opinion (here anyway) now plays double as takeout. Is this accurate? If so, would someone please explain why the thinking about the meaning of a double changed? (And is this still a forcing pass auction?) Thanks

[hv=d=n&v=b&s=sqthkqtxdt98xxcxx]133|100|Scoring: MP 1♠ (p) 1NT (p) 2♦ (p) ?[/hv] 1NT was not forcing

K&R hand evaluator gives 10.3 for the N hand. (http://www.jeffgoldsmith.org/cgi-bin/knr.cgi?hand=QJx+Jxx+Kx+KQxxx) Personally, I'm still on the fence about whether it's a good idea to open the hand, and have enjoyed reading the comments. The S hand is a clear 1NT (12-14) opener for me though.

Thanks for the link. This is awesome stuff. I'd happily pay money for bridge writing this good.

How about leading the K♦? I'm trying to look like I'm trying to create an entry to the closed hand.

We had the following auction come up at a regional over the weekend. (1♣) 1♥ (pass) 1♠ (pass) 2♣ ..and had a difference of opinion about the meaning of 2♣. I thought it was a general purpose force and pard thought it was natural and non-forcing. He asked what I would do with 5-5 in hearts and clubs, and I asked what other bid I could use to ask for more information. Since we could both see the other's point of view, he suggested I ask the forum since you guys tend to give such thoughtful responses ;). Thanks in advance.

6♦. I think the best shot is find partner with Q♦ and declarer to guess wrong.

I know this is old-fashioned, but the first think I do when considering a game try is consult the Losing Trick Count. This hand has 6 losers, so right away I'm thinking game try. Next I look at plus factors and minus factors: I have more aces than queens so that's a plus. I have a singleton, so that's another plus. Finally, the honor structure is great because the honors are working in combination rather than being alone. I think making a game try is pretty clear here.

[hv=d=e&v=n&n=sat85h765dkj943c7&s=sq7hakt2d2ckqjt85]133|200|Scoring: MP (2♠) 3♣ (P) 3♦ (p) 3♥ all pass[/hv] Result: 3H - 1 B) I chose 3♣ also. Thanks for the sanity check.