Offshape double?

[shevek]

[hv=d=e&v=n&s=sak76hk7d94caj964]133|100|Scoring: IMP

East opens 1♦[/hv]

 

If your style is Equal Level Conversion, you might consider doubling 1♦ here. Then 1♠ over pd's expected 1♥ could show this.

Any hand with 5 spades would have overcalled 1♠ or can jump to 2♠ now, say 18+.

 

Of course, the problem with double is a sequence like

(1♦)  X  (2♦)  2♥.

 

Are you prepared to risk that?

[the hog]

Nicoletta, I prefer to bid 1S on these sorts of hands if I am not playing Raptor.

[vang]

my choice is also 1♠ (or Raptor if available)

[Cascade]

Out of left field I play in one partnership that a bid of 3♣ shows this hand - around 11-15 4 spades and 5+ clubs.

 

Surprisingly it seems to work better than I might have imagined.

 

Without this I bid 1♠ or 2♣ depending on how understanding partner is about a 4-card major overcall.

 

I hate 2♣ though - it is very difficult often to find 4=4 major fits after that start. I hate pass even more though.

[jdonn]

I bid 2♣. The most common result in my experience is it comes back to me after either 2♦ by the opponents or 2♥ by partner and I get to bid 2♠, easily showing my hand rather than distorting it with a 1♠ overcall to begin with.

 

I think 1♠ and 2♣ bidders would both agree double is not a reasonable option.

[maggieb]

2♣, since this is more flexible, more preemptive, and doesn't lie about my suit length. I'd call this obvious, but boy howdy, some people like to bid spades!

[kfay]

Often with these 4-5 hands I'll bid my major first. But usually it seems for me there's a big difference between my suit quality. Here my hand is strong enough that I can bid clubs now and spades later with complete comfort so why wouldn't I just do that?

[cherdano]

Personally, I hate 1♠ on this hand. I can't properly investigate for the right game if partner raises. If partner bids 1N I don't have a good bid either (I don't fance getting a preference over 2♣).

[han]

2C.

[kenrexford]

1NT.

 

It gets us to 2♠ often enough. It gets us to 2♥ when that is right, played from my side. I have an easy solution to a double.

 

The downside of lacking a diamond stopper does not bother me.

[han]

Why is it good to have things played from your side? You have two small diamonds.

[kenrexford]

Why is it good to have things played from your side? You have two small diamonds.

Because I am that good. :P

[han]

I figured that those might have been your thoughts.

[kfay]

1NT.

 

It gets us to 2♠ often enough.  It gets us to 2♥ when that is right, played from my side.  I have an easy solution to a double.

 

The downside of lacking a diamond stopper does not bother me.

These ideas of yours really amaze me sometimes, Ken.

 

What is your plan after (1♦)-1N-(2♦), might I ask? I guess since we live in la-la-land that I can make a takeout double here? Can I pull pard's 2♥ bid to show a hand with 9 cards in the blacks and no real diamond stop? Or do I just have to bid my 4-card suit at the 2-level?