Partner opens 4[hearts]

[HeartA]

vulnerable vs. not, partner at first position opens 4♥ and RHO overcalls 5♦. What would you bid with ♠987xxx, ♥xxx, ♦-, ♣Jxxx?

[Free]

I'd probably bid 6♥. I think opps will bid and make slam when I pass or bid 5♥. But grand is probably too much for them, so I don't want to give them any room to investigate. I guess we can count on 2 ruffs, so 1 or 2 off is probably a good score.

 

Maybe the scoring might influence my judgement, but that isn't mentioned...

[Zelandakh]

Not only the scoring but also the level of the opps. In club bridge, nobody ever bids slam unless it is practically cast iron so 5♥ will often be enough. And even if they do bid 6♦ and we make a delayed 6♥, there is noone around with the tools to determine if 7 is possible so we will not have lost anything. Good opponents will be able to use the extra space more profitably though - that is when a direct 6♥ has more to gain.

[the_clown]

Pass in tempo. 5♦ is wide ranging and there is a good chance they don't bid the slam if you pass.

 

If they bid 6♦ in confidence you can still decide to sacrifice although I wouldn't do it at this vul.

[billw55]

Hmm, three possible approaches in three replies, each having some merits depending on the opposition. I guess that means it's a good problem.

[RSClyde]

then of course there's the ole ape