An Auction

[kfay]

Consulted some very good players so I think I know the answer to this one. Just thought I'd post it... first of a couple hands from a sectional around here.

 

 

1♦-1♥

1♠-1NT

3♣

 

What does opener have?

 

Is 3♦ by responder forcing or not?

[pclayton]

Opener has a strong 17-18 4=0=5=4 or a 4=1=5=3.

 

It isn't forcing but responder won't pass very often.

 

3♦? By responder? No that isn't forcing.

[ArtK78]

Agree in principal, but I don't think opener can be 4153. With 4153 his last bid might have been 2NT.

[mikeh]

Agree in principal, but I don't think opener can be 4153. With 4153 his last bid might have been 2NT.

agreed

[rogerclee]

4054 max, just under JS strength.

[han]

Not forcing. Of course opener does not have a minimal opening and is not GF so the right choice isn't listed.

[fromageGB]

... the right choice isn't listed.

Um .... I would have thought the 5th choice covered it ? :)

[jdonn]

I think 4144 is possible too, but definitely not 4153. If partner bids 3♦ that is nf.

[TimG]

Not forcing. Of course opener does not have a minimal opening and is not GF so the right choice isn't listed.

I agree (so I voted "something else").

 

Many beginning texts separate opening bids into minimum (~13-15), medium (~16-18) and maximum (~19-21). For his 3rd round jump (especially opposite a limited responder), I don't think opener logically be in the minimum range. So, the "maximum minimum" poll options seem to be out as far as I am concerned. Unless you meant "medium" by "maximum minimum".

 

I'm curious about what shape/strength combinations responder could have to bid a non-forcing 3♦. Not four spades, not four clubs and not six hearts, for sure. And, with a minimum and three spades, responder would pass 1S some significant portion of the time.

 

What about diamond length? Can responder have four diamonds? Something like 2443. Does 1D-1H; 1S-2D say something different than 1D-1H; 1S-1N with regards to values?

 

I think responder would pass 1S if he is 35(23) and doesn't want to be in game opposite opener's 3rd round jump to 3C. Would a weak responder with 2533 shape rebid 1NT or take a preference to diamonds? Maybe that is what he can have to want to bid a non-forcing 3D now. But, I would tend to think that the diamond "fit" is enough extras for the partnership to want to be in game.

 

I put "fit" in quotes because opener could be 4144, but I think he will tend to be more conservative with that shape (rebidding 2C instead of 3C with more minimum medium hands).