Free bids after single raise opposite TOX

[ahydra]

Partner made these two free bids today which I thought were a little on the thin side. His idea is that you don't want to miss out on a cheap partscore particularly when you likely have a major fit. However I think the bids are best used more constructively since if you TOX, third seat is pre-empting you more often than not.

 

Both are IMPs, short matches

1) both vul

 

[hv=pc=n&w=skt965hj5dj986c64&d=w&v=b&b=4&a=p1hd2h2s]133|200[/hv]

 

2) they are vul

 

[hv=pc=n&w=sqt96ht73dq76cjt8&d=n&v=n&b=5&a=1c(4+%20%5BWeak%20NT%5D)d2c(nat)2s]133|200[/hv]

 

What do you make of these 2S bids? How constructive do you play your free bids in these kinds of positions?

 

Thanks,

 

ahydra

[aguahombre]

Unless partner's takeout doubles are a complete joke, 2S is mandatory on the 1st one, IMO. They have 9 or 10 Hearts and we have probably 9 in the suit above that. Partner will not expect more.

 

On the second one, I see no need to advance unless partner makes a second double.

[rmnka447]

+ 1 for aguahombre comments.

 

If partner(TOXer) finds a raise on the 1st hand, you'll pass and probably be OK. You know there's at least an 8 and probably a 9 card fit.

 

On the 2nd hand, I don't think you should bid unless forced to (1 ♣ - DBL - Pass -? or similar). I'd like at least a good 7 or 8 HCP to come in with a flat hand and here you have a bad 5.

[blackshoe]

When I looked at these two hands, and before I looked at the replies in the thread, I thought "that first hand is worth more than it looks like, and the second one isn't". So I agree with the previous posters.

[neilkaz]

Unless partner's takeout doubles are a complete joke, 2S is mandatory on the 1st one, IMO. They have 9 or 10 Hearts and we have probably 9 in the suit above that. Partner will not expect more.

 

On the second one, I see no need to advance unless partner makes a second double.

 

Well spoken, and we agree. The 5th spade is BIG on #1.