how do I show 3/3?

[gnasher]

A 2C advance deserves to catch doubler with 4-4-3-2.

If which case, if partner has the 19-count that the bidding suggests, we will reach 2NT with the strong hand concealed instead of 3♥ with the strong hand in dummy. Which would you prefer?

[straube]

If which case, if partner has the 19-count that the bidding suggests, we will reach 2NT with the strong hand concealed instead of 3♥ with the strong hand in dummy. Which would you prefer?

 

I would prefer reaching 2N on that auction. Win for you.

 

I think you're missing what happens on other sequences. Opener doesn't have to rebid 2D. Responding 1H allows 1N by dblr. Responding 2C with 3 clubs might also persuade dblr to raise with four clubs so that we're playing a 4-3 club fit when a 4-3 heart fit might have been available.

 

Doubler could also have something like AKxx KQxx xxx Ax in which case advancing 2C is disastrous.

[mtvesuvius]

So are the 2♣ bidders saying they would NOT double with Axxx KJTx Axx Qx?

[rhm]

So are the 2♣ bidders saying they would NOT double with Axxx KJTx Axx Qx?

 

What will you do when partner bids 2♣ with 4 cards?

I am not saying that responding 2♣ on 3 cards will always work out best, only that it has a better chance to survive. Responding in a major shows lack of foresight.

 

Rainer Herrmann

[Fluffy]

Appart from pass being an option, is there any difference between this sequence and where LHO passes and partner cues 2♦?

[mtvesuvius]

What will you do when partner bids 2♣ with 4 cards?

I am not saying that responding 2♣ on 3 cards will always work out best, only that it has a better chance to survive. Responding in a major shows lack of foresight.

 

Rainer Herrmann

Sometimes partner does that, but honestly, I think that almost everyone would double with that hand. I understand that you are not suggesting that it will always work out, however I think that responding 1♥ (or 1♠) here is definitely better than 2♣. It will usually win when partner does not have a strong hand, and we can still survive sometimes when partner does have a strong hand (if we bid 2♣ and partner raises, things really are not good). Sometimes partner will raise our major and things will go bad, but it won't be the first time I've played in a 4-3 fit.

 

Perhaps it's better to respond 1♠ on 3-3 as well to avoid later problems, but IMO, responding 2♣ is taking it to the extreme.

[Rodney26]

I think the best thing to do is respond 1♠ initially. Textbooks aside, that's the only lead I can stand if the other side buys it, which seems likely. I know there is no upside to my playing a contract if partner persists but I'd like to beat the others on defense if they start by bidding hearts with my hand. If this auction pops up, I do the best I can with two ♥ on the second round. Everyone else is likely to be in the same torture chamber.

 

Whatever plan you choose, I don't think rebidding a 3 card suit will ever be right.

[Fluffy]

I think any bid but 2♥ shows something. Perhaps 1♠ was better when we do have the ♠K. 2♥ is an option, as is 2NT, but I like pass.

 

I would expect 2NT now to show some values and a 4card heart suit.

Maybe you are lucky, but the no suit no values hand happens to me much more often than the mid values with a stopper one.

[straube]

Appart from pass being an option, is there any difference between this sequence and where LHO passes and partner cues 2♦?

 

Not sure. I don't see an immediate difference in what advancer bids, but the cue bid does promise a rebid.

[nigel_k]

Good question and I doubt there is any standard treatment.

 

I think you were right to respond 1♥ rather than 1♠ or 2♣. Over partner's second double you don't really have any choice other than 2♠. This is more likely to be 3-4 or 3-3 than 4-5. In fact with 4-5 you should probably rebid hearts to avoid this problem though I wouldn't have thought of this before I read your post.

[straube]

Good question and I doubt there is any standard treatment.

 

I think you were right to respond 1♥ rather than 1♠ or 2♣. Over partner's second double you don't really have any choice other than 2♠. This is more likely to be 3-4 or 3-3 than 4-5. In fact with 4-5 you should probably rebid hearts to avoid this problem though I wouldn't have thought of this before I read your post.

 

Thanks. I think with 3-4 I'll rebid the hearts so that partner can take the tap.

 

Quite similar problem after 1C dbl P 1D 2C X P ?

 

I think with 3-3-3-4 I'll bid hearts next.