Raising Partner

[boris3161]

[hv=d=n&v=b&s=s9hq9854d653cakjt]133|100|Scoring: IMP[/hv]

Playing SAYC, partner opens 1♥ and RHO bids 1♠ - what should you bid? I'm torn between 2♠ and 4♥.

 

What criteria inform your choice?

 

Thanks in advance.

[helene_t]

I think the hand is good enough for a 3♠ splinter.

[P_Marlowe]

Hi,

 

The difference between 2S and 4H is, that 2S will prepares the

partnership for the case they bid 4S over 4H.

If this happens, your partner has a better understanding, what

you are holding, i.e. you can leave it to partner to make the

decision. After 4H, you cant leave it to partner.

Add to this the fact, that 2S also invites partner to make a move

toward slam, if happens to hold a suitable hand.

 

The disadvantage is, that it allows the opponents to show that their

fit at a lower level.

 

As it is, you have to weight the above points against each other,

taking into consideration the level of your partner, the level of the

opponents, the state of the match, ...

 

With kind regards

Marlowe

 

PS: The 3S splinter bid, mentioned by Helene, serves the same purpose

as the 2S bid, it has the advanatge over 2S, that the bid gives partner

a better description of the hand you are holding than 2S does.

[hrothgar]

Hi there

 

This is an ugly hand. I don't think that there will necssarily be much consensus regarding the best bid. Here's a few thoughts:

 

1. I don't like 4♥. Four Hearts is (essentially) a transfer to 4♠. Everyone seems to balance. Moreover, you'll be badly positioned when 4♠ comes back around to you. Partner doesn't know you shape or where your values are localed. Nor will he understand that you have a stiff Spade Spade.

 

2. 2♠ is right on values, but doesn't communicate much about shape. This bid will work out well if there isn't any further competition, but there's going to be.

 

3. 2♣ - Strong bid. Shows values. Very useful if partner has Club length or the Club Queeen. Unfortunately, this bid really shows 5+ Clubs.

 

3. 3♠ - Probably your best choice. 3♠ communicates the Heart fit and the Spade fit and the Spade shortness. The bid leaves plenty of room for a 4♦ cue bid. Moreover, if partner cue bids 4♣ it has to be based on shortage (which isn't a good thing). I think that you're hand is (slightly) weak for the splinter. However, all you're values look to be working.