Matchpoints

[billw55]

argh .. would be nice if there was a "delete post" option ..

[kenrexford]

Actually, showing shortness makes finding a spade fit easier, in the sense of more flexibility where you need it, and a more natural follow-up.

That happens to be true in this sequence. It wouldn't be true in this very similar sequence

 

  (1♣) 2NT (pass) 3♦

Yes, that's true. This approach only works when you have two "other suit bids" below 3NT. But, that is a common theme, as well. The "rules" for handling notrump probes with two unknowns are always different, perforce, when only one call is available below 3NT.

 

However, in the situation you have provided, shortness still works:

 

3♠ = shortness

4♣ = shortness, clearly not a notrump probe (hence slammish)

3♥ = other (includes notrump probe with spades controlled)

 

Over 3♥, Advancer can introduce spades.

[mikeh]

late again.

 

1. 3♥ is clear. We do, however, have to anticipate what may happen next. if he doesn't raise, we bid 6♣. If he raises, we keycard, ask for the heart queen and then bid the club slam if he denies it and the heart slam if he shows it.

 

2. The choices are 3♥ or 4♥. Bidding 3♥ risks complications....if we next bid 4♥ then that shows a different hand than is shown by an immediate 4♥. The latter is 'to play', therefore the slow route suggests some doubt...we have no doubt, so we should bid 4♥, while folding up our cards and staring at partner. that way, he won't take it as a splinter.

 

3. 3♠ would be 100% natural...frankly, until I read someone suggesting that it wasn't, it would never have occurred to me that any bridge player would think otherwise. I bid 3♦.... since 3♠ is natural, all 3♦ does is show a good hand...I have one....I show it. Albeit I have a sneaking suspicion that pass will win the board..... where oh where are the pointed suits? Would it surprise anyone to find partner with 5=1=5=2 and a trump lead? But we don't get 10 tricks in our own hand dealt to us enough that we can take the low road when we do. And passing is a huge position, virtually assuring us of a bad board when wrong, whereas bidding is the field position. BTW, I am not a 2N bidder here....I prefer clubs then hearts...or clubs and over their 4♠, 4n to bring hearts back in.

[hanp]

I agree with everything that mikeh said except for his dislike of 2NT. I much prefer 2NT over 2C. Thinking about passing is pretty deep as well (by which I don't mean that it couldn't be the winning action).