Deevan

This is for sure a problematic area in 2/1 GF auctions. The problem might even start with the 1NT(F), or the 3D bid; rather than just the principle of fast arrival IMO. Without any advanced agreement; e.g. does the 3D bid promise a 5 card suit; or is it showing 3+ GF values? I believe Meckstroth has some recommendations on this issue; as well, there are others who have developed more effective treatments. The 1NT(F) seems to cover a wide range from "a possible misfit with 6 HCPs" to "limit raise in M"! Again, one needs, I think, more advanced agreements.

3H=minimum, may be bid with 2 card support. 4H= constructive to limit; but not good enough to Advance-Cue 3S or 4C. ?=need an agreement to describe a hand with prime values; a hand that improved after hearing opener's two bids? I would like to hear how the soB concept works here?

It may be a bit presumptous to think that opponents might compete in Spades at a high level; the responder did not make a negative double or bid spades. The opener could be sitting with 6/5 C/S hand (little will stop him/her). Who knows, partner might be sitting with some prime values in spades; all he/she did was bid 1D! To some extent, the strategy may depend upon our partnership bidding agreements when in competition. For example, what is 1C-1D-P-1H-2D(1S or X)-2H? For now, I bid 1H, and see how things develop. With FSJ, partner may place HCPs in Hs, and could it not create problems in later bidding?

I can see some benefit of differentiating, 1HP1NP2CP2S=power club acceptance, from 1HP1NTP2CP3C. I use this method with some partners. Re:1♥-P-1NT!-P-2♦-P-2[_SP: I am not sure what methods do you use after 1HP1NP? What do you promise when you bid 2D? We usually bid 2D whenever we have at least 3 diamond cards as opener (fewer club cards). It is not clear what is the advantage of pushing opener to 3 level (minimal fit), or 2 NT (rather doubtful source of tricks)?

I do not understand the bidding at all. 1-Partner passed 1NT, so it does not look like he/she has a big hand. 2-It would sound reasonable for Partner to assume that South's hand may provide one trick (just bid 1NT), may be one and a half! Now suddenly, partner has found 5+ defensive tricks? where are these coming from? Did the 2D bidder go crazy?

I would pass 4S "till death do us part"! The way I play with my partner, a direct 3S would be stronger than the bidding shown on this post. I agree with those who assume that partner was hoping to bid 3S(NF) over 3H; but, got stuck at the four level. Hopefully, partner was prepared for a bid other than 3H! Adequate values and distribution! This is an interesting post. Not as entertaining as the "vituperation" one; regardless, these posts add to the learning experience in bridge! Those who might have played negative doubles for a long time, or "Sputnik" doubles, or Negative Free bids might relate to what I am saying about the "learning experience". We have won or lost matches at high level competition with hands of this nature where one agreement might work better than another. As far as I am concerned, the bottom line is to make sure that you discuss with your partner and pin down the gray areas in bidding; this post is a good example.

Occasionally, one may lose 11 IMPs just because another partnership pair with the given hands landed in 4Spades; and got lucky. In the long run (any 24-26 board match), I am not sure that bidding games on this type of bidding sequences will be a winner! I wonder how many top flight pairs will bid game on this bidding sequence? A case could be made for the responder to double 1NT; and, then lead a small Diamond! 5S+1H+4D+1C= +1100 down 5 doubled! Sorry the 4S bidders lost the board! Now, I am sure someone will tell me that the opponents will somehow land in 2H!! The two hands turned out to be a perfect match. Is it really a good idea to establish your partnership bidding just because a particular layout of hands results in a game? On the given bidding, I would expect partner to have a weaker hand; and I would pass 2S! Okay, I am willing to lose 11 IMPs on this board!

Partner did not use some version of blackwood, so it looks like Pard is asking "anything more to tell?". Partner is suggesting that 5 level is safe. If partner wanted to find Key Cards he/she would have used some version of blackwood. The thing that 1H and 4H did not tell was the existence of the 5th heart (I don't think partner is asking for that feature,else this would not be a problem). Partner would perhaps like to know if we have a side K in the minors. So, I vote for 5H. Nothing more to tell. The one related point is as follows: May be a matter of style/agreements. Would you advance Cuebid the side minor King over 3S (if you had one)? and would you have bid serious 3NT over 3S with extras? P.S. After writing the above, I saw comments on page 2 that I did not see earlier. Ken has pointed out something very interesting that 4NT should show the 5th heart. I do not think 4NT by responder would be KKB, you would not know what to do with the information thus provided! My question is how many players at the top most level systemically use 4NT as showing extra length?

Assuming partner did hear the double (else, it would not be a problem! More like a "cow flew by" scenario) and bid 4H what could it mean? Also, we have to assume that the double was not showing some hearts! So, a likely 2 suited takeout! Does partner have 4 6 1 2 or more distributional hand with not too many HCPs?

The sequence sounds reasonable; subject to the following: Would North bid any different with values in clubs or diamonds; e.g. Kxxx,AKx,xx,Axxx or Axxx,AKx,Kx,xxxx (or some variation of these hand) Would he/she still bid 3H (honour Que)? The answer to this question may perhaps determine subsequent bidding. Assuming that 3H, and subsequent bidding all show working values; then it would appear there is enough information to move beyond game.

For now, I would bid 1NT to see what is partner's rebid. It would appear that the key is where are partner's values outside the spade suit, and what is partner's likely distribution. a)If partner bids 2C: I am encouraged. I would like to take some forcing to game (slam interest!) action with my regular partner (e.g 3D=splinter). Without any prior systemic agreement; I would just bid 4S, hoping partner realises that my hand improved with his rebid. b)If partner bids 2D: I am not that encouraged, I would just bid 3S showing limit raise in spades. Partner could have wasted values in diamonds. c)If partner bids 2H or 2S: Again I would like to use some game forcing (slam interest) sequence with my regular partner (e.g. 4D=splinter). Without any prior systemic agreement; I would just raise to 4H or 4S. In my humble opinion, the sequence has a lot to do with partnership agreements related to forcing NT auctions. It has a wide range from the good old "logic bidding" to the more modern structured approach.

Prior to undertaking this study; or, developing a "reference table" for use in a Stratified game, we may need to first define "insanity", and its close variations; e.g.: absent mindedness distraction misclick illness tiredness mental block inexperience black swan etc. etc. Here is an example from a recent Regional Stratified event: Contract: 3NT Dummy (Expert) : xx,KJx,QT9876x,x Declarer (Expert): KQxx, Axxx, A,KQxx bidding 1C-x(declarer)-P-2D(dummy)-P-3NT-PPP Lead: Small H-x-T-A T2:DA,x,x,K T3-13: Declarer thought of all types of endplays, squeezes; etc. Right or wrong he ended up down 2 The actual fact is that the RHO had DKJ; and, for some reason (your pick); he dropped the K. Was he showing a doubleton!! Obviously, it makes at least 9+ tricks if you wanted to take advantage of the situation. You can debate the bidding or the best line of play, all you want. This to me is funny, to say the least. Was it insanity or something else? where did it reside during this board? How would a table be of help? Yours was an interesting question to ask anyway! It generated some lively responses.

The following hand is from a Regional event: Partner's hand: xx KJx QT98765 x Your hand: (S,H,D,C) KQxx Axxx A KQxx (Tx Helene) Questions: 1) How would you bid this hand with your favourite partner when your RHO starts with 1 Club (opponents are silent for rest of the auction). 1a) What would your partner bid if you decide to double with your hand? What will be a follow-up sequence? 1b)Does your system allow you to bid 1NT with your hand over 1C; and what will be a follow-up sequence? 2)How would you and your partner bid the hands if your RHO never opens the bidding and opponents remain silent throughout.

An experienced player with wins in Open competition; familiar, and flexible, with use of conventions. Need for disciplined partner/s experienced in Open competition with the ability to communicate (am a good listener). Can try and/or practice on BBO.

I don't like the 1S bid either for the simple reason that I like to have some useful lead directing values for 1S bid. I prefer a pass. Having said that, perhaps, your partner is more familiar with your bidding style. His 2C and then later 3H sounds like asking you to evaluate your S, D and C holdings and make a decision (you have already shown a minimum ... reluctant support in Hs). Sorry, but I cannot find anything to blame your partner. I would probably bid on with your hand since DK likely onside, no wasted values in Spades, Jxx in clubs is some help. A subtle point might be, how does one differentiate the quality of 6-4 holdings with your partner. Do you always re-bid the new 4 card suit first; or. do you rebid the Major when you are barest minimum e.g. x,AQJTxx,xx,KJxx!

Clarification further to earlier comment: Meant 4D asking for doubleton A,K or Q in Spades. and, 5D, denying good 6 spades.

I do play 3D as NMF but I agree with another comment that we need to elaborate our system a little more; especially: What is 4D,5D,6D when bid directly over 2NT? Coming back to your question. In the absence of knowing more about your bidding style or system details; I would like to sumit the following humble opinion: -If we go via the 3D route, (a)we have some logical reason to ascertain partner's holdings in S and H suits (;) we are taking the slow route since we have a strong hand© Given the assumptions (a) and (:P; I would say that (i) 4D should show GF, 4+Diamonds, and give partner a chance to show doubleton Spades (ii) 5D is to play with the knowledge that partner has some Diamonds, should deny 6 spades (iii) 6D is also to play (iv) To tell you the truth I do not like the idea of 5D or 6D bids since they both sound unilateral. (v) To some extent the bidding should be influenced by the type of competition MP or IMPs. Perhaps, some of the complications could be avoided by playing Wolff

Call me old fashioned or whatever, I have problems with the bidding by W hand. As far as the opener(E), I would bid, it may be aggressive but I do not see much wrong with it. I think, the 1NT response is a bit optimistic too. But the real problem started, I believe, when W bid 4C with meagre values and a massive fit, and holding a lower rank minor. Did it not tell the opponents that they probably do not have too many club losers! They probable found their hands as a good fit. Either I would bid 5C or not bid at all with the W hand after 3C Qbid. I would not double 5D with that hand.