Choices

[lrussell]

Match Points

You Vul - they Not

♠J 2

♥Q 5 4

♦A Q 10 8 5 2

♣5 2

 

Partner opens 1♦(better minor) - RHO overcalls 3♠

 

Your call?

(Double is negative. If you double what do you do if partner bids 4♥?)

[whereagles]

Pard is a heavy favourite to hold a balanced 12-14.

 

Both 3NT or 4♦ could work but the hand is just so full of holes that I feel like passing is best. Opps may even have 4♠ on!!

[lrussell]

Personally I like a negative double as it keeps 3NT in play. Partner had

 

♠KQ9

♥K87

♦KJ763

♣AQ

 

They found the spade ruff in 5♦

[WesleyC]

IMO double and pass are the reasonable choices. A diamond raise feels too committal on a balanced hand (especially at MPs where 3NT will often be the highest scoring contract).

 

My first instinct is to pass at MPs, because you're not getting IMP odds on for a thin vulnerable game. However, if partner does have a minimum balanced hand, there's a decent chance they're making 140 so going 1 off in a contract our direction won't be the end of the world. So I guess I don't have a strong preference between pass and double.

[whereagles]

Pard has the expected shape, but considerable extras.

 

I think he would probably balance 3NT if 3♠ is passed round to him. After all, he could easily find 6-7 HCP across and make 3NT. Well, for once we'll have a great dummy for him.