Responding To Overcall

[eagles123]

Hi all,

 

I've been thinking about this hand a lot even though the result was inconsequential (random BBO game) but my P was a good player and disagreed with my action

 

[hv=pc=n&e=s974hkq965daj9ct3&d=s&v=0&b=11&a=1h1sp]133|200[/hv]

 

Thanks,

 

Eagles

[helene_t]

1NT could work. We might suffer a heart ruff in a spade contract. Then again, we do have ruffing values in clubs. I think I bid 2♥. I might get the opportunity to suggest 3NT later.

[kenberg]

2♠.

 

You are probably not making more than 2♠ but partner should have a play for 8 tricks. He bid spades, I have spades, I raise spades. I don't expect the hand to play well, but 2♠ should be ok.

[kuhchung]

I would bid 1NT. There, all bases covered now!

[mike777]

2s

 

nv 1s could be light.

[jallerton]

1NT could work. We might suffer a heart ruff in a spade contract. Then again, we do have ruffing values in clubs. I think I bid 2♥. I might get the opportunity to suggest 3NT later.

 

I agree with your first three sentences, but on balance I prefer 1NT. If there's no ♥ ruff available that will usually be because partner is singleton or void in the suit herself. In that case, she'll be disappointed with your dummy if she bids game or makes a game try over 2♥.

 

The hand seems a bit strong to raise to 2♠ but I think you'll be more comfortable suggesting 3NT on the next round: at least you'll have extra values when partner makes a game try. If you bid 2♥ and partner makes a game try with (say) 3♣, wouldn't you have to bid 3♠ to show that you are minimum?

 

I accept that spades will sometimes play better than NT, but the opposite is equally possible and the advantage of 1NT is that it gives a better indication of your overall strength.

[Zelandakh]

1NT for me.

[whereagles]

1NT has the advantage of catering for all the silly things pard can do :)

But since it's close, I would bid 1NT or 2♠ depending on non-technical merits.