Valuation exercise

[IdiotVig]

This was a problem hand given at the club last night. It probably arose out of bidding practice or a sim or something; the problem-giver is creating a home-grown system, and didn't bother us with the details. Assume MPs, no auction provided. You hold:

 

[hv=pc=n&n=sat952ht32dqjck32]133|100[/hv]

 

Here are the parameters given by the person who posted the problem -

 

Partner is specifically 4-4-4-1. RHO has "shown strong clubs". You're being forced to choose between 3S and 4S. What do you pick if partner shows:

 

1) 11-15 HCP

2) 11-14 HCP

3) 12-14 HCP

 

None of these totals would count a stiff Q or J of clubs towards the total HCP, but could include a stiff A. How many spades are you bidding with each range?

[pooltuna]

2♠ for all 3 ranges

[Free]

Stay low, the ♣K is worthless. Even with the Ace onside, there's no real loser you can discard on it.

[mtvesuvius]

Yuck, 2♠, or 3♠ - Whichever is the lowest legal denomination. Possibly 1♠.

[andy_h]

Have people tried to construct partner's hand? Let's assume that partner has zero club values (OP said Q/J are discounted and given RHO's clubs, partner will very unlikely to have CA), let's see.

Kxxx KQxx Kxxx x - This is ok, needing to pick up the spades.

QJxx KJxx Axxx x - This one is not good.

KJxx Axxx Kxxx x - This one is OK.

KQxx K9xx Axxx x - This one needs one or two finesses.

Jxxx AKxx Kxxx x - This one is decent.

KQxx AKxx 10xxx x - This one needs a bit of luck or a misdefence.

Note that all of these hands are in the very minimum in terms of point count.

Assuming we are forced to choose between 3 or 4, at imps this is a clear 4S for all 3 cases but at MPs I will go for the game bonus too because they might lead wrong or misdefend.