Rubber bridge tactics (Chicago)

[MickyB]

I've started playing a fair bit of Chicago for 50p/£1 ($1/$2) per 100 at the local club. I'm getting the hang of it, and obviously most of the tactics involve knowing the tendencies of the other players, but any advice would be welcome.

 

The format is -

Four deals, noone vul/dealer/dealer/all

Part-scores carry

If you make a part-score on the last hand you get a 100 point bonus

4 card suits, strong twos, weak or strong NT, very few conventions

 

As I say, I think I'm getting the hang of it.

 

KJ9xx xxx xx Axx - You deal, both vul, 60 below, strong NT, I opened this 1S. Is this taking a good thing too far? We eventually went -200 (11 tricks) defending 4C.

 

xx AJx KQxx xxxx - LHO deals, noone vul, strong NT, pard opens 1S. I responded 1NT, pard bids 2S. Given that we will be vulnerable next hand and weak twos aren't available, should I have let this go? I bid 3S, pard had a minimum and the 4-1 trump break scuppered 3S.