mtvesuvius

I think pass is definitely a logical alternative, even if I might not choose it at the table, it would certainly be considered. The UI clearly suggests bidding, so I agree with your ruling.

Never heard of 'em

Definitely agree with pass over 2♦. I'd bid 2♠ now, partner should realize we are protecting, and unless they have something unexpected, we'll be in 2♠. At IMPs in particular, going -200 occasionally isn't so bad. This also seems to be an assumed fit situation, but since there isn't a good way to show the second suit, if you're doubled, it will be a guess. Of course you *could* double 2♦, but this isn't the situation you expected. As a side note, what do you play in Direct seat over 1N? Did partner have a penalty double available?

1. I would bid 2♣, attempting to prepare for LHO's expected 4♥ call. Over that I would probably bid 5♣, but 4N could certainly be right... 3 Card difference is a bit much though. Double on these hands causes a lot more harm than good, and it's very very rare that 2♣ will pass out. Even if it does, it may be the best spot. 2. I still wouldn't double probably -- I would definitely bid 3♣ on the given auction though. I assume 1♠ was artificial? Or Natural and <8 HCP? If it was natural, I'd probably bid 3♠. If not, I'd bid 3♣. 3. How do you show a takeout double? How do you show a 15+ (or even 15-18 or whatever) with a stopper?

Yeah, we all know you'd bid 2♣, Ken... Even if we gave you: AKQJx x QJxx xxx :) Anyway I'd bid 4N. I agree that the one-under splinter should be better than most, and if we get to a slam off two cashers in diamonds, they haven't led them yet.

I'd open 2♣ if I have the ability to show the 4-5 in the reds... Otherwise I think it's a clear 1♦. After 3♣ I'd Double (if I opened 2♣), otherwise bid 3N (1♦)

The unthinkable has happened: I agree with the hog!

3♦, next.

I would pre-empt 3 here, 4 if NV... If we had spades I'd pass here, and bid 4D if NV...

I miss jdonn :(

2N, good suits, good quality, good hand, good shape. Need I say more?

If upvoting for Sarcasm wasn't allowed, I would only have about 15 or 20 reputation :)

Compass?

AJxxxxx xx AKxx - Would be my guess, however I never am confident about the meaning of 5 level jumps in general. I would pass, the fact that I lack first and second round controls in both minors probably means that bidding on is wrong. I also don't have any trump honours, which doesn't help much. I think regardless of what 5♠ is, I would pass. LOL at passing this hand in first chair btw

:( I guess I'll take a few more classes then come back to read this thread again.

I lead a heart

I knew it! That's why all the random 18s open 2♣! :)

Double & Pass 3M from partner, although I'm quite tempted to bid 3N over 3M, it won't work out enough at MPs I think.

OK, when I posted this last night I forgot a few things. We are really South, and the scoring is IMPs. Sorry if this is a really easy one though lol

Why are we looking for a second strain to play in when we have a great diamond suit? You lost me at "XYX", Timo... 3♦ describes the hand very well, and 2♣ does not. In fact I prefer to rebid 2N than rebid 2♣! A jump shift into 3♣ I usually play as GF anyway, but even if it wasn't, this isn't enough for it IMO.

[hv=pc=n&e=st876hat7543da9c6&d=e&v=n&b=2&a=3cp5cpp]133|200[/hv] Perhaps this is obvious, sorry if it is, but... Do you bid anything here?

Not I :)

:o Sounds pretty unplayable... How on earth do you discover major suit fits without getting too high?

Clear double, I'm not upset if partner bids 4♥, in fact I may pass that depending on my mood :)

There are not many options on this hand. Although it has a great trick taking potential, partner needs to have the ♦A, and/or both majors stopped for 3N to be making. You are correct that with this shape, you cannot rebid 1 or 2 NT. This only leaves a few options. With a 3 card difference in the suits, it's not a good idea to show the secondary suit... Especially here, where the diamonds are so good. There are only two options left now: 2 and 3♦. Since the hand has to much trick-taking potential, as well a nice 7 card suit, and a 16 count, I think 3♦ is a perfect description. Rebidding 2♣ is not forcing, and will mislead partner in the long run.