jmcw

[hv=pc=n&s=s543haj32d765ckt3&n=sjt2hq54dq2caqj42&d=e&v=n&b=2&a=ppp1cp1h2ddp2hppp]266|200[/hv] -200 got us 1MP. It's not the first we've been handed a poor result by just following our agreement to show 3 ♥ Making the support X is virtually mandatory for us unless our minor suit is quite strong (AQJxxx) and the Major 3 small. Is it time to change our agreement?

Does anyone think 3♣ should be forcing?

Looks like a 3♣ opener to me.

Nailed it. It is so important to have a couple of different ways to show a raise. If this is a 3♥WTP, then what would you bid if the ♠K changed to the ♣K.

1. I pass 2. Yes

Very often on 13(54). Often on the 2353 with a weakish dub Rarely on a 6 card ♦ unless weak suit and a stiff. But only within the last year since I have better methods to find out.

It comes as little surprise that many N would act immediately. When making the decision to pass I would be concerned that I was not making the "field" call, perhaps it is wrong to pass initially since it may be our last best chance to get the hand off our chest. Maybe 1 for the sim guys.

Can your partner have something like this [hv=pc=n&n=sak42h2da543ckq32&d=n&v=n&b=5&a=1dp1hp1sppp]133|200[/hv] [hv=pc=n&n=sakj2h2dat9876cj2]133|100[/hv] Best to play 1♠ as a virtual 1 round force and even if you don't the hand is far to good to pass.

Yeh, agree with Ace, Phil and Dave. Pass but It continues 2♠ pass pass ?. Would you bid now?. I would.

This hand has fallen apart. I think its way to dangerous to act, besides we may be beating it. Pass and lead 3 rounds of trumps.

I struggled to place declarer with 5♥, but once you reach that conclusion then the defence becomes clear(er). Tx for the hand

If you passed the first time. You really ought to pass again. Perhaps, the best arguement for acting immediately is to avoid making this decision now.

If you do not have reversing strength why would you not open 1♦ if 4/5 in the minors. With 4/6 just rebid 2♣ if you don't have reversing strength. The X shows 4♠ and a decent 6+ count, ♦ are by no means guaranteed.

ditto

Ok here's my 2nd try and then I'll leave it to the experts. Partner doesn't have an odd number of ♥, he's getting cute and the lead is suit pref for ♣. So give partner 4630 and declarer 2452, declarer assumes ♥ are 5/2 and goes about ruffing ♥ thinking it is safe to do so. Agree that it is odd partner would pass with 7♥, but if he has only 5 then declare must have 5 also, this too seems unlikely.

Usually I get this stuff wrong, but this one intriques me, so I'll try. Looks like p is leading from 7 ♥ to the Q but did not open 3♥ in 1st seat. Would he make this lead holding 1 or 2 ♣, I guess not. So partner is 4720 and declarer 2362, declarer should not have the AK of ♦ since he might play them immediately before ruffing a ♥, so declarer has kx kxx aqjxxx xx. I ruff the ♥ and return the ♣K, p ruffs and shoots back a ♠ etc. We get 4 tricks and -110 Now I wait to see what I should have done :rolleyes:

Is everyone bidding 2♥ here!

Ty for the replies I posted because I did not know what action N/S should take to shake the 1♥ overcall. As a general rule many believe that at mp's you should "never" let the ops play at the 1 level, preffering to compete with some "speculative" bid in the pass-out seat. If memory serves I think LC among others has championed this theory. So, my OP was intended to solicit debate on general stategy in the balancing seat I was confident expert players would have methods to compete effectively, expecting comments "its suicide to pass" or some such, hence my surprise at the vote for pass.

Lotta votes for 2♠, can't say I disagree, but what would 2♥ be? Surely not an attempt to play!, is it revealing a possible psyche?

oops sorry

[hv=pc=n&s=sj52hkj4dkq2cat75&w=sk74hat876d65ck98&n=sqt3h32daj874c432&e=sa986hq95dt93cqj6]399|300[/hv] Well, passing 1♥ got us -110 and 2-1/2mp. There were a few +50,+90,+110 and 120 our way.

Ignorance has always been the weapon of tyrants; enlightenment the salvation of the free. FWIW I would pass 2♠ and pass again. Ofcourse, seeing all hands makes it easier to persuade that 3♥ has some merit.

Frankly, I was surprised by these opinions. Passing seems like rolling over and playing dead, usually few matchpoints coming our way defending at the 1 level It occurs to me we have 1/2 the hcp and therefore should be competing. The auction suggests we likely have a decent chance of making 1NT or maybe 2 or 3 of a minor. In spite of the tenuous ♥ holding I suggest X is the % call. Never occurred to me!

Figures. Pass now.

Clear IMO. Close to minimum HCP, but the near perfect shape wins the day.