ATB - Hearts vs Spades

[Hanoi5]

All Red, Teams:

♠A

♥AKJT

♦Qxx

♣AKJxx

 

♠Tx

♥Q9xxxx

♦Jx

♣Qxx

 

(1♠)-X-(3♠*)-Pa!?

(Pa)-X-(Pa)-4♥

(4♠)-X!?-(Pa)-Pa!?

(Pa)

 

Is 4♥ instead of pass correct and automatic?

Is the third double correct?

Is the second pass by South too wimpy?

[ArtK78]

Partner made a takeout double of spades. The opponents announced that they have a 9+ card spade fit and you hold 2 spades, so the chances that partner has a strong balanced hand are greatly reduced. And, after partner forced you to bid your heart suit at the 4 level he doubled 4♠, showing you that he expected to beat 4♠ opposite a zero count with a heart preference.

 

Was your pass of 4♠x too wimpy? You becha. Your hand is closer to a slam bid than a pass. But 5♥ is enough.

 

Should you have bid 4♥ over 3♠? I would like to bid 4♥ if I knew it would be the last call in the auction. Unfortunately, a 4♥ bid directly over 3♠ is likely to get partner too excited. So, I would reluctantly pass over 3♠ and then bid 4♥ when I get another chance.

 

I would not be shocked to find others bidding 4♥ directly over 3♠.

[JLOGIC]

All the bids seem pretty reasonable to me. Bidding 4H directly would not be reasonable.

[Finch]

I think South should bid 5H over the double of 4S. Earlier actions are normal.

[Trinidad]

I agree with both Frances and Justin: The earlier calls were normal. South's last pass is a matter of judgement. I would criticize neither pass nor 5♥.

 

Rik