pooltuna

and I thought you were mathematically inclined guess not since you are picking on my 3rd choice...maybe I should have added a couple of extra ">"

ah ha !! This is where my vote falls

don't try to extrapolate any bridge knowledge from random bboers this. yes but it leaves out the addendum "if you want to maintain your sanity" :) :blink: B)

pass

sorry but it is not forcing unless by previous discussion

so let's get a firm definition of solid vs "internally solid." IMV that would be any holding that has no trump losers more than 50% of the time across the whole spectrum of partner's possible trump holding (assuming no ruffs). For example using this definition a trump holding of AKJ5432 ought to be good enough as with 4+ cards there are no losers, with 3 cards at least 75%, with 2 cards somewhere in the greater than 50% range, with 1 card need 32 break and finesse , and finally with a void you are in "deep doo doo".

I'm perplexed ...where are all the posters for whom all doubles are takeout and for whom penalty doubles are just old fashioned and passe? B)

1NT>2♥>TOX>pass

1.) yes I TOX 2.) yes I bid 2♠ but pass partner's 3♣ call

Does the following hand qualify?[hv=s=sakqxxxxhxxdxxcxx]133|100|[/hv] If it does, pass is not obv, if it is too good then pass becomes clear.

Yes, that works (though on a CLUB lead South has to be VERY careful.) Actually, there are a few other solutions, but the most famous one is from several sources - and involved having Spades bid and supported by partner - a tougher bit of construction. The solution to THAT puzzle is below: Good job! Alternative Solution" [hv=n=sj10xhj10xxxxdkxxxc&w=sq98hxxdxxcjxxxxx&e=shakqxxdj10xxcaq10x&s=sakxxxxxhdaqxckxx]399|300|[/hv] why would you play to ruff the 3rd diamond when you can ruff the 2nd so a ♣ does not set the contract. T1

AMEN!

Protect your partner!!! if that means bidding 3♣ instead of X then do it just don't pass IMO

nah just bid 6♠ maybe that will guarantee in the future that he holds the hand he is bidding (assuming he is not) :)

1NT followed by 2♦. I want to whack 2♣ but I think it is just too risky not that 2♦ is risk free but should work out

not forcing and I am inclined to just pass.

you mean besides double, er penalty double?

well not sure which meta agreement would apply here over 5♠ but suspect it is the "do you have 2nd or better round control of their suit" rather than "If you have good trumps go to 6" but doubt remains.

I assume since you asked that we shouldn't try the "gut reaction" line that produce 6♦, 3♣,2♥,& 1♠ :)

I would suggest you read soon (more like study) the classic Watson's Play of the Hand or equivalent. You really need to try to solve each hand as it is presented rather than just reading thru the solution. This impacts your bidding judgement and defense as well. This is not light stuff and will take effort but it will improve your game significantly and faster than just about anything else at this point.

Only the last one is a slam try IMO. Everything else feels like a RONF call.

4♠

1. Since your probability that partner will lead a ♦ is <25%; 2♦, altho I might choose 2NT 2. Well since I was insane enough to X the previous round, 5♣!... Wait! a stroke of sanity, 3♠ 3. Well my meta agreement preference is "must save" by partner in similar auctions which makes for an easy pass.

since it is my turn to bid....Opps what was 3♣?

DIRECTOR! BID OUT OF TURN!! :P EDIT: oops I was facing south :D