would 3 spades be better than 4

[sceptic]

[hv=d=w&v=n&n=sjht985dt952cj832&w=s643hq432da876c64&e=sakq952hakj6djcat&s=st87h7dkq43ckq975]399|300|Scoring: IMP[/hv]

 

West North East South

 

 Pass  Pass  2♣    Pass

 2♦    Pass  2♠    Pass

 4♠    Pass  Pass  Pass

 

 

would 3 spades be better than 4 spades (pick up p)

[paulg]

In the old days, when 2♦ was a simple negative, then 3♠ would be best as you are maximum for the 2♦ bid and aces are valuable.

 

In these days, where 2♦ is negative OR 'waiting', I think the position is quite confusing for many (including me). My SAYC notes say that the cheapest minor, or 3NT, now shows less than 5 points here with no ace. This implies that your hand is minimum for a non-3♣ bid so 4♠ should be fine.

 

But it is an unclear area.

 

Paul

[P_Marlowe]

Hi,

 

assuming you trust partner enough,

that he knows 3S is forcing, I prefer

3S,you have primary fit, an Ace, a

shortage and a side Queen.

 

If you dont trust partner, bid 4S.

 

You may miss slam, but you make sue,

that you play game.

 

With kind regards

Marlowe

[EricK]

I would have bid 3♠ and hope that partner is on the same page.

 

If you languish in 4♠ you must just hope that the people at the other table use their superior bidding methods to get to the good 7♥ contract which (I think) doesn't actually make here!

[SoTired]

In strong 2 days, 2S - 4S was reserved for hands with no outside aces, kings, voids, or singletons. I think that definition still holds true for 2C 2D 2S 4S. 2nd negative is used only for hands without support.

 

So I would bid 3S, since I have support and an outside ace.