pooltuna

I would lead a spade. What else? A diamond lead seems to accomplish nothing and might well give them a finesse when RHO is void and LHO has AQ. A spade might set up trick if partner has the SK + something or the AQ of spades. yep you are kind of strapped in to a ♠ lead :)

Yes. Why would you want to bid? because 1♠ is more lead directing, preemptive, and in the same amount of trouble as pass?

Was 2♦ <=8? Also what were the options over 1♠? Are there any limits on the 2♠ call?

You're doubling them in game so it's going to cost you an extra 170(=) unless they find a redouble. Of course it could make you 420,100,300, etc.

My answer has more weight than Justin's because it's longer. Unfortunately, however, I can't think of any other reason for you to believe me rather than him. The weight of logic takes precendence :)

so you pass holding? [hv=s=sakxxhaqxxdxxcjxx]133|100|[/hv]

That was combined choice on the list so you are REQUIRED to bid 4♣ over 3NT :lol:

What no respect for Hamman and doesn't he make the rules? :lol:

2NT wouldn't be interpreted as Jacoby 2NT? Generally your overcall response structure is too wide. It is more useful in that context when the opps overcall your major

2♥ is enough for me at this point

hardly partner did have a stiff T after all.

All my sure entries make me lead the right suit....♠ <_<

While I agree it is shady, I believe he has the right to ask the question. Any inference you take from him asking the question is at your own risk although I think it is clear he was trying to induce you into leading the suit. He doesn't have the right to ask the question simply to fool you when the answer makes no difference to him! You can ask questions about holdings you know the opponents can't have (such as whether they have shown/denied the queen with their keycard response when you hold it because you need to know what they knew when they chose the contract) but only if you need to know the answer for bridge reasons! You take inferences at your own risk, but in this case declarer should get his score adjusted, which I have rarely if ever believed should happen in cases like this. By the way, this is your second post lately that shows you think it's ok to do anything to fool anyone at any time as long as your intent can't be proven. You might want to rethink how you look at this game... I see! I am not allowed to have my own ethical standards I have to have yours? As far as this hand goes it wouldn't even occur to me to ask but thanks for the vote of confidence. <_<

oops I stand corrected. In RLB you have to ask the partner what the agreements are.

The truth is there is probably a coin toss difference between 1♠ and 2♠. I just think you need to be variable to keep the opponents off balance.

While I agree it is shady, I believe he has the right to ask the question. Any inference you take from him asking the question is at your own risk although I think it is clear he was trying to induce you into leading the suit.

so after P P X P are you ready to pass? Yes because partner wanted to double TWO diamonds and is stil doubling them into game after hearing a raise! He expects me to have a bad hand with a diamond void! good choice :)

perhaps an explanation of why 5♣ is WRONG is in order?

so after P P X P are you ready to pass?

Q♣

It is? I thought it was just a blocking bid for opponents having a constructive auction.

There are no good choices but you have to play the odds and X. There are those who advocate 3NT with hands like this. Gambling on partner having a ♣ stopper reasoning that the preemptor never has a solid suit. That should be enough to perhaps change the mind of those who refuse to preempt with[hv=d=w&v=b&s=sa4hkjt6dakt3ct93]133|100|Scoring: IMP (3♣) PASS (PASS) ?[/hv] and similar

on the auction your partner is showing something near 3451 and consequently your ♣ suit contains a lot of wasted values try to get out for 5♠

1) no problem with 2♥ but unless you know partner is an inveterate overbidder (3♥ should have shown xtras) you should bid game after the raise instead of passing. Since I am guessing you know partner has rebid his hand I would X. 2) Didn't they teach you? 4♥ is a transfer to ♠ 3) I would pass. The alternative is 3♦ and may go for 2 undoubled.

defend! the offensive alternatives look worse