wbaker

5!s would be the call I have already bid the extent of my values let partner decide. However I must agree with previous comments 4!hs would not be my call. Instead I would bid 2nt yes Jac. 2nt no my hand is not flat but now partner can see if he has slam interest if so he can start the cooperation. If not he will just bid game.

Two factors come to mind that would argue against the bid being a psyche. The first is the expression when 6-5 come alive. Meaning that hands that are 6-5 in length are playing hands and not so good for defense. The 2nd point is that you have a 7 loser hand. Granted you have only 6 high card points but they are found in your longest suit so therefore they are carrying their full weight. The primary problem with opening such hands is that you throw your partner under the bus so to speak. He should respond normally and will not take into consideration such freaky distribution. Thus if he has any type of decent to great hand you may very well get to high especially if the hands are not fitting.

To double then bid a new suit must show a strong hand. Also the bidding up to this point is giving you several clues. Dealer is doing nothing but passing and the other opponent prempted to 3♦s. So should have between 6-11 points at best. Your 10+preemptor's 6-11 if that many is only 16-21 points. With 19-24 points out there who has them more importantly would dealer pass if he has an opening or close to an opening hand. Now we are ready to consider partner's hand. To double then bid a new suit at the 4 level shows an opening+ hand and long ♠s. With that in mind I would now look at 5♦s as an exclusion keycard blackwood bid and that would enable us to place the contract in the correct spot either 5, 6, or 7, ♠s depending on the response. :)