jjbrr

7♠

I don't know the exact numbers but quick research suggests that it is beatable, but it's not worth it. The general consensus seems to be to play 4/8 or 5/10 when you can and use good judgment for table selection.

Er... I have a suspicion that the average 2/4 limit player is not a thinking player. Ergo I would probably 4-bet A6 and 67 and the hands you mentioned and live with the consequences.

4♥ 3♥. I'm glad partner will be playing the hand!

If it were me, personally, I would stick with 4321 and focus on the play of the hand before anything else. Once you learn how to take tricks, then you can start making whatever changes to system and conventions and whatever else you want. The ability to take lots of tricks will also give you better judgment in hand evaluation, which makes point-counting less important. This isn't exactly learning to walk before you run... it's more like learning to walk before you decide to pursue golf. Taking tricks is more or less unrelated to counting points, but it will make you more successful the better you get at it, regardless of what method you use. But like others have said, you should do whatever keeps your interest, and I imagine I didn't answer the question you asked.

I'd bid 1♠

same for me

Pass for me

raise

Brag: Monkeys

Easy pass of 1NT

If you have 2NT conventional available with one option being "slow down, partner" I would bid that. If not, I guess you're stuck bidding 3♦

Why don't we just have a "Thread Hall of Fame" subforum or something? It doesn't have to be every decade lol.

5♣ for me. Partner has wastage in the majors.

I'm a doubler.

I'd open 2♣ with most of my partners, and like jdonn says it's a little light. Not the first time I've bid with a little less than I'd like!

The cicadas and general night noises of the African plain is very relaxing at work imo. Also, excellent analysis by kfay, as usual. Puppies are indeed nice.

Isn't this an argument for not playing your modified norman? It's better to conserve space and bid naturally so that you can have a constructive auction.

Lions and tigers! and PUPPIES! (give them a couple weeks and they'll be a barrel of monkeys.) [x] animal kingdom itt

I'd just bid 4♦

I'd bid whatever number of ♦ that will get partner to bid again.

You could have ♠xx even with 17 pts and 4432 distribution, so that's nothing out of the ordinary. Bidding 1NT instead of 1♥ has some preemptive effect, and makes it less likely for opps to compete in ♠. Yes, I understand xx is fine in NT sometimes, but when you have such a clear alternative, there's no reason to be a genius. It's just risky. If the auction goes 1NT P 3NT and lefty gets a spade lead on the table before everyone finishes picking up their bids, you will feel sick.

I opened 1NT with a 6 card major and bid 2♦ when partner bid stayman. I really wanted a major suit lead, and sure enough they led my 6 card suit. I've done it exactly once in my life, and I doubt I'll do it again any time soon. So I give it the thumbs up as some sort of tactical bid. I give it the thumbs down to something you do routinely. And why would you want to bid 1NT with xx in ♠?

I'd be interested to hear about coin collecting in either this thread or another thread. How did you get into it? How large is the collection? Any remarkable pieces in your possession? How long have you been collecting? Do you collect other things? Did this hobby evolve from collecting one thing into something more serious/substantial?

I'd only open 1♣ or 1♦ if it is strong, artificial, and forcing. Otherwise 2♣ and treat it as balanced, as others have said.