4H transfer?

[paulg]

[hv=d=n&v=n&s=skt987h9xxdajtckx]133|100|Scoring: IMP

1NT (15-17) (4♥) ?[/hv]

The Scottish Juniors were having their final practice before the Home Internationals this weekend and this came up on the first board. I thought it was close between double and 4♠ but all the discussion was amongst the kibs rather the players at the table.

 

What do you think?

 

If you were vulnerable against not, would your decision change?

 

Paul

[hanp]

If I double and partner bids 5C, I won't be happy. I'll take my chances with 4S.

[gnasher]

If you have a penalty double available, I think it's close.

 

Partner probably has only two hearts, so probably has at least three spades. If so, 4♠ will probably be the normal contract and will probably be a good contract. However, it may be beaten by bad breaks.

 

Double is likely to produce about 300. That would be a loss of 3 or a gain of 8. Is 4♠ going down more than 3/11 of the time?

 

I think I'd be swung by the risk that partner is 22(45) or 22(63). This type of hand is more often treated as balanced than it used to be. I'd double.

 

FWIW, when I first saw the problem I thought 4♠ was obvious. (If double would be takeout, 4♠ is still obvious.)

[andy_h]

I think the suit texture of the spades sway me towards 4♠ and also like han that I'd hate to hear 5♣.

[Fluffy]

Agree with the above in most, I hate that 4♠ might start with 3 rounds of hearts tapping ♠Hxx and we are already down, but I know I'd bid 4♠ at the table

[jdonn]

Double is barely even an option to me, bid 4♠.