dond01

As just an intermediate player, I'm not sure I have the background to comment, but my take is that 4NT "quantitative" is usually more useful than Gerber. However, there may be times where responder feels they have the trick-taking values for slam, but a concern about being off 2 cashing aces, so it still has some use. On the actual bidding of the hand, it should be relatively easy to reach 6 spades (or 6NT if responder (presumably playing matchpoints) prefers using standard bidding methods. I'm pretty sure the GIB robots play that after a Stayman enquiry, a bid of 3 of the other major agrees to a fit and shows slam interest. So: 1NT-2♣; 2♠-3♥; (confirms spade fit, asks for cue-bids) 4♣-4♦;(1st round controls) 4♠-? South now knows the ♥A is missing, and can choose the slam. [if N/S are playing that cue-bids show 1st or 2nd round controls, would still have to go through keycard]

Parts of this idea might be useful. 1. The idea of having a members "pick a system" as part of their profile - such that only members using the same general bidding system could sit as partners might not be a bad idea. (Perhaps with a toggle switch to allow others - no reason not to be flexible) 2. For those who select the lowest tier (or 2nd lowest) of ability, only opponents using the same general system would be able to join tables. 3. However, I strongly agree with the suggestion that players or at least those at or beyond intermediate levels do need to compete against opponents using other systems.

On a side note - looks like East was also fortunate on this deal that West decided to support spades instead of the presumably equal or longer hearts, given West's holdings.

I'm not sure I'm skilled enough to comment..but here goes: 1. Contract cannot be made if West has K♠ (unless singleton, but cannot for those odds), so have to assume it is held by East, since if W has the K♠ doubleton, will win 1st or 2nd round depending on whether South leads A or Queen, and then play a club. East is pretty much marked with having singleton ♣A based on the leads. If West has 3 spades to the King, and spades are led from South, can duck until 3rd round and then play a heart once South has no trump. 2. It follows that if spades are being led from South, the Ace would have to be retained to win the 3rd round, forcing East to win the King earlier (likely 1st round). East must also have the ♦ Ace, otherwise a diamond return by East would allow West to return a club for East to Ruff. 3. Given the assumptions that must be made as to location of the Spade King and diamond Ace, I think I'm pretty much in agreement with Phil - may as well lead diamond King around to East with a view to taking the finesse in Spades.