They got the hearts! x2

[Phil]

1. [hv=pc=n&n=sjt62h97dk32cqt98&d=e&v=n&b=2&a=1cp1hd3hp4hdp]133|200[/hv]

 

2. [hv=pc=n&n=sa982h7dak2cakqj2&d=e&v=n&b=2&a=1hd2hppd3hppdp4dp]133|200[/hv]

 

Thanks

[mcphee]

First hand is easy 4S which I expect to make. This second hand I find a little more difficult. I suppose it would be rather hard for pard to bid 5D on Q 5th and out and even should that be the case 5D could lose 2S and a H. I really can't bring myself to bid less than some game however. If I feel partner would understand 5C I would try that as a safety move in case he is 4-4 minors with Q4th D. I think bidding 4H is too much now, and I will be delighted to make 5.

[andy_h]

1. 4S, king of diamonds is a nice card.

2. 5C, a delayed flexible strong hand but not this strong... Let's see. If partner has 3352 with QJ10xx then 6D is good on a heart lead. I'll pay off to that by finding the right game (if partner's tendencies are to bid 4D on 3343 or 2443) and hope they find a spade lead vs 6D. If partner has 5D he should always remove it to 5D but whether or not to raise to 6 is another question.

[mikeh]

1. 4♠. I have no idea whether this is going to work out well or not....the opps could well be working us over here, but I can't bring myself to pass.

 

2. Ugh. I'd very much like to know if he had a lebensohl type 2N call available over 2N, so that I can rule out QJ9xxx in diamonds, opposite which slam seems virtually cold.

 

As it is, I have to bid, but I am not in the least bit interested in making a slam try...playing him for Qxxxxx seems a bit much (and, yes, I know that even xxxxxx and out may be enough).

 

This auction is not the same as our doubling a game.....partner will often leave in the double of a game when holding nothing, since we don't lose much if they make, and we may do better at -590/790 than by being -800. But a partscore doubled into game is a different story...he will tend to take it out unless he has a reason to pass. Thus I'd expect him to pull on xx xxx Jxxxx xxx and now game is against the odds, let alone slam.

 

I could try the delicate 5♣, but it is amazing how often partner's interpretation of our subtle call differs from ours. Yes, we know that this shows 4=1=3=5 and offers a choice of games while conveying mild slam interest, but maybe partner thinks we have a monster 3=1=3=6 and feels that xx in clubs is enough support...and passes with xx xxx Jxxxx xx....we're in a world of hurt here compared to playing in diamonds.

 

Finally, there is an inference to be drawn from LHO's auction. Assuming they don't play a method that distinguishes between sound and courtesy raises to 2♥, over our double, the fact that LHO bid 2 then 3, rather than preempting immediately, suggests that he has a sound 4 card raise. Since we own 21 hcp, and can place LHO with 6-8, and opener with approximately 12 or so, there isn't a lot of room for even the diamond Q in partner's hand.

 

But I can't pass....so 5♦ it is.

[Phil]

4♠ and 5♣ / 5♦ would work fine.

[mikestar13]

#1 is an easy 4♠.

 

#2 I pass. When he is expected to be dead worthless, he would jump to 5♦ with ♦Qxxxx. I expect 4 rat ♦ in a 0-count.

[Free]

4♠ and pass for me

[Fluffy]

I'll be the first to pass first hand, I expect partner to be quite balanced when he failed to bid 1♠ or 2NT. 4♠6♦ is possible I guess but not that likelly. ♣Q1098 looks highly defensive to me, and probably useless on offence.

 

 

The second one I don't think we have any extras, so pass and hope it makes. Defence starting with 2 hearts will not e pretty.

[andy_h]

I don't quite understand passing on the 2nd hand. Even though we have doubled three times I think we can still have the same hand without the Ace of clubs so A98x x AKx KQJxx or maybe even lesser with a heart void say A98x - AKxx KJxxx, so therefore I don't expect partner to be bidding 5D with Qxxxx of diamonds and out. We have a hugee 21 count and we're vul and there's very good chances that game will make. Heck, even xxx xxx xxxxx xx might make 11 tricks in 5D if the defence starts off with 2 hearts (we ruff, draw 2 trumps and play on clubs).

[the hog]

4S and 5D. I don't think either of these decisions is difficult.