Bid this 2 Hearts or double?

[biggerclub]

Note to OP: This has turned into a very interesting discussion (for me, at least).

 

Hypothetical situation;

(2♦)-X-(3♦)--P

P-3♥-P-?

 

 

Let's give partner something like this 5=2=2=4:

Jxxxx

Kx

xx

xxxx

 

If I held this, I would pass on the first round over the opponent's 3♦. Now, on the second round, I must decide whether to convert to 3♠ or, perhaps, to bid game in one major or the other. If I can trust partner to have three spades, no doubt I should convert to spades at some level, especially if the hearts might be Ace ampty fifth. 3♠ seems right, somehow passing on the first round and jumping on the second seems to mean that one of those calls is wrong. Although as 4 point hands go, this one is pretty good on the auction.

 

So my question, for Phil and the other doublers: Imagine that you are in fourth seat with the above hand and auction. You opt for spades, not hearts here, right? Second question, how many spades?

 

As I say, I am finding this interesting and useful.

 

This may be masterminding, but I feel like I am very close to a 3s call on the first round with your hand. With both opponents making weak bids, I want P to know that I have a definite preference as to strain . . . my cards are working. The small clubs are troubling (I wish at least one were a diamond). But I think I am coming in.

[whereagles]

I thought it did show the flexible hand type - what do you think is standard if not this?

 

well, the GOSH I suppose

[Zelandakh]

well, the GOSH I suppose

That double + bid shows a GOSH after a preempt is a misconception based on the ordinary one level takeout double everyone learns as a beginner. We should be past that in the I/A forum I think.

[whereagles]

I wouldn't be so sure.. In fact, I'm willing to bet most people play it as a GOSH by default.

 

I prefer flexible hand though.

[kenberg]

This may be masterminding, but I feel like I am very close to a 3s call on the first round with your hand. With both opponents making weak bids, I want P to know that I have a definite preference as to strain . . . my cards are working. The small clubs are troubling (I wish at least one were a diamond). But I think I am coming in.

 

I agree that it is tempting. When the auction starts at 2♦ by the opponents, there will always be some guesswork. Actually most auctions involve some guesswork, at least with me. So sure, you might end in 4♠ here. As long as partner doesn't go off the deep end and try for a slam after you come in over 2♦-X-3♦ on the first round.I don't think it is crazy to bid 3♠ there. not at all.

[MrAce]

1- I start double, For the same reasons Phil King explained.

2- if pd bids 2h I am not stopping before game vs his xxxx hearts and out even though he may occasionally hold only 3. If he bids 2sp I will raise it to 3, if he lebens via 2nt I will bid 3h, if he bids encouraging 3cl I will bid 3h which is forcing obviously. Again not stopping shy of game.