rogerclee

Yes. This is the most common treatment around the states. 2D = GF, about any K or two Q's 2H = broke 2D catch-all is probably the second most popular treatment, but I may have these two mixed up. I can say with some confidence that in southern California, the first is more popular.

I am going to slam regardless of whether partner has a spade control, so it is only a question of whether I can accurately bid a grand without giving up too much information. I think a 5C cue doesn't jeopardize the slam greatly, so I'll try that. If partner bids 5D, this is bad news and I'd probably give up. If partner bids 5S, I'll follow with 6D, which should be asking for the spade K.

IMPS, White ♠QT8xx ♥Axx ♦Txx ♣xx Uncontested, partner opens 2C-2D* 3C-3S 4S-? 2D is GF, and that's all you know. If it matters to you, you don't play Kokish. Partner does not open 2C just because he had 20 points and was afraid you'd pass.

I voted for NF too quickly, and I actually think this is forcing. Probably a hand that would accept a 2N invite but is 4-6 in the minors and is offering 5C/5D as alternative contracts.

North went nuts. Passing with his hand is inconceivable; 100% to him.

Well, I initially didn't think it was stupid :). I think it's being unduly pessimistic. However, partner could even have a hand like Txxxxx xx xxx xx.

I would not be surprised if partner had 6 spades. At MP, I'd X again. At IMPs, I'm less comfortable about endplaying partner into playing 2Sx (he could have as few as 4 spades), and I might just bid 4D, though X'ing again is okay by me. 3C is awful. Edit: 3D was stupid, changed to 4D.

Not for me.

I have this agreement where I don't bid blackwood with a void.

Suit and rank. For a little while I would shuffle my hand during the play and found it to sort of stimulate thinking about certain plays that I may not have made otherwise. Chances of a revoke when you're tired go up by a lot though. I also open in first seat often without sorting my hand.

IMPs, Red vs White ♠QJ8 ♥J8 ♦AQT5 ♣A862 In second seat: 1♥-Dbl-P-2♠ 3♥-P-P-4♣ P-? Go for the money?

I'm 20. Pass.

3♠ on 4 for me. I can barely remember the last time this got hit for penalty. Time to force LHO to make a very heavy bid.

IMPs, White vs Red ♠Txx ♥?xx ♦Ax ♣KT864 1♠-(2♣)-? What would ? have to be for you to pass instead of raise spades/bid NT?

2♥ for me, exposing the psyche.

If I invent a suit to JS into, I always correct to my original suit at the first possibility, so I would rebid 4♦ to stop partner from supporting clubs. That said, I think 4♠ is clearly natural, usually showing 3154 (possibly 3055 and 3064).

I greatly prefer 2♣ on the first round to 1NT. There isn't even MP justification for bidding 1NT here. I cannot imagine expressing desire to play in 1NT with Kx as my stopper, bad spots, and 2254 shape. Double seems pretty clear now.

I'm happy to bid 5♥ now, not willing to bid 6♥ over 5♠, and doubling 6♠ for a diamond lead, though a club lead is also reasonable.

I'm not sure there is a standard here. There are some people I play with where I wouldn't even dream this is a penalty double, and there are some where I would suspect it is. Anyway, I bid 2♠. Passing is too risky for me if I don't even know what partner's x is. If I knew it was penalty, I would pass, since I have two trumps I didn't promise. I don't have great experiences passing out penalty doubles like this, though, so I could be easily convinced that 2♠ is better anyway.

3N by N seems good against human opponents. My auction: 1♥-1♠ 2♣-2♥ 2♣ = Gazilli, natural or 17+ art 2♥ = 5-7HCP, usually 2♥ So I don't get to this one.

In general, how do you feel about opening hands in fourth seat based on Pearson points (HCP + spades, open if at least 15)?

Welcome to the forums. To answer, yes, this is a very standard agreement, and definitely the default agreement. Whether this is a good agreement is up to debate, and I would say that it is not, especially if you are playing precision.

You can still make it in more layouts than the ones you mention. Agree, and (hidden):

I have no idea. Partner is insane. I have a club honor I didn't promise. Pass, since it sounds like partner invented his spade suit (seems as likely as anything else to spawn this ridiculous auction).

I have spent some time with this and can only make with one of 1) Hearts 2-2 2) Hearts 1-3 and Spades 3-3 3) Hearts 1-3 and Spades 2-4 with Hx in W's hand Still thinking, though. If LHO is sort of inexperienced, I can run the JACK of diamonds and hope W doesn't cover, allowing me to ditch my other diamond on the spade K without blowing a trump.