Old chestnut

[EricK]

However, if you don't like supp doubles nor to raise on 3 cards, it's better to play it the other way:

 

1m 1H 1S = 5 spades

1m 1H X = 4 spades, regular take-out

 

So what do you do with

xxx

xxx

Kxx

AQxx

 

after a 1D opening and a 1H overcall? Give up and roll over?

I admit this is the cost playing 1S=5 and x=4 has to pay. On the other hand you can raise to 2M wihtout costing much. Furthermore I gain when LHO is going to raise to 2H or 3H. For example,

 

1C-1H-1S(4+)-3H(4H)

??

 

S: ATX

H: XXX

D: A

C: AKJTXX

 

Each method has merits.

I assume that 1♣ (P) 1♠ only promises 4 in your methods, so on your given hand you bid exactly the same as if the bidding had started 1♣ (P) 1♠ (3♥).

 

If your system doesn't have a bid for this hand then you may want to consider playing that 1♣ (P) 1♠ promises 5 as well :)

 

Eric

[whereagles]

However, if you don't like supp doubles nor to raise on 3 cards, it's better to play it the other way:

 

1m 1H 1S = 5 spades

1m 1H X = 4 spades, regular take-out

 

So what do you do with

xxx

xxx

Kxx

AQxx

 

after a 1D opening and a 1H overcall? Give up and roll over?

I bid 1NT. I never worried too much about stoppers, and this hand isn't going to change my mind :D

 

But mind you I very much prefer X = 4+ spades and 1S = no 4-card spade, unsuitable for other bid.

[Guest Jlall]

in north america i would always assume that 1s shows 5+ in a pickup game regardless of what i thought the best treatment was (since that is what 99.99 % of people play here). with the hand given (xxx xxx Kxx AQxx) i would suck it up and bid 2D.