How to bid this hand

[masse24]

 

[T]here is a very straightforward and automatic and standard 2/1 auction (emphasis added) that makes it a snap to bid 6NT:

 

1S - 2C(a)

3NT(b)- 6NT©

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(a) natural, game forcing

(b) 5S(332) and 18 to 19 HCP

( c) 2 balanced hands with a total of 34 to 35 HCP belongs in slam

 

 

Megan,

I don't consider it "standard" to jump to 3NT with 18-19. With 18-19, I prefer to rebid 2NT, (yes it can also show 12-14) intending to show the 18-19 hand with 4NT over partner's 3NT.

The jump to 3NT being reserved for roughly 15-17 hands deemed inappropriate for a 1NT open. The 3NT jump also having two small cards in parter's suit.

 

Standard? Heck if I know. I would be curious about how others play this 3NT jump. :)

[aguahombre]

Megan,

I don't consider it "standard" to jump to 3NT with 18-19. With 18-19, I prefer to rebid 2NT, (yes it can also show 12-14) intending to show the 18-19 hand with 4NT over partner's 3NT.

The jump to 3NT being reserved for roughly 15-17 hands deemed inappropriate for a 1NT open. The 3NT jump also having two small cards in parter's suit.

 

Standard? Heck if I know. I would be curious about how others play this 3NT jump. :)

The only 15-17 hands with 5 spades inappropriate for a 1NT opening and which can't raise clubs are:

 

1) 5-3-3-2 17 loaded with primes which intend to treat it as 18-19.

2) Hands with a red suit to bid over 2C.

 

Therefore, you can have two paths after a 2C response to 1S holding 18-19 specifically 5=3=3=2.

 

A) Direct 3NT rebid

B) The 2-step 2N then 4N.

 

The direct 3NT, while shape and size specific, does preclude Responder's intent to support your spades at the 3-level --- making 4S forcing. The space gobbled up might be a problem.

 

So, probably the Direct 3NT should be the one with really great Spades to get that part out of the way -- and the slow way used with the run-of-the-mill 18-19 and mediocre spades. If Responder does bid 3S over 2NT, you can bid 3NT "serious" with the biggie.

[jogs]

My preference is with 5332 open 1NT with 15-16 points.

Treat 17 as you would a 18-19 point hand.

 

A real ugly 17 may be opened 1NT.