A hand and two sequences

[Hanoi5]

Red, teams:

 

♠A9xx

♥xxx

♦xx

♣AQJx

 

1♦-1♠

4♠-???

 

1♦-1♠

2NT-3NT

4♣-???

 

In the first sequence partner showed 18-19 with 4-card support, in the second 18-19 balanced, 4-card support and a club control (which has to be the King). Do you move forward?

[SteveMoe]

On LTC alone, it looks like slam is at worst on a finesse. Partner's 18-19 should be about 5 losers (2 Kings above a 12 HCP 7-loser opening bid). Our hand is 7.5 losers.

 

Aside: I am unfamiliar with the interpretations for these 2 sequences. Does 1♦-1♠-4♠ deny the ability to make a splinter raise? Which would partner use with 4=2=5=2? (I play the first as balanced 18-19 and the second as 2=2=5=4 18-19).

 

Possible honor card packages that make slam interesting:

 

♠KQ ♥AK ♦AK ♣-

♠KQ ♥AK ♦A ♣K

♠QT ♥AK ♦AK ♣K

♠QJ ♥AKQ ♦A ♣K

 

With

♠KQ ♥KQ ♦KQ ♣K we are safe at 5

 

while

♠KJ ♥AQ ♦AJ ♣K

and others would be unfortunate.

 

I am inclined to advance 5♣ in either sequence. I cannot initiate key card. I will rebid 5♠ over partner's red suit control bid. Partner will know I have Blacks controlled but none in the reds.

[Fluffy]

On the first one I don't have the experience so hard to tell.

 

On the second I bid 5♣ and let partner decide.