Method/Suggestion/Input needed on Rubensohl

[bgm]

[hv=pc=n&s=saq32haqj32d32ck2&n=shk4daqj4caqj6543&a=1c2s3d]399|300[/hv]

 

We are playing natural 2/1 and want to try the Rubensohl. GIB interfered with a 2♠ WJO.

 

We have agreed that the 3 level bids are transfer, so the bid 3x-1 showing 5+x, competitive or FG.

2NT are puppet to 3♣, either 5+♣ FG or INV in other suit (5+ if new suit).

 

So the typical bidding of S hand should be transfer to ♥ and bidding 3NT for the choice of game (if not trying slam).

 

Given N hand is such a powerful hand and want to FG against a competitive case (typically ♥AQJxxx and out),

N try a move with 3♠ and we subsequently messed up the auction, not reaching the grand properly.

 

I would like to hear

- your favourable method handling this

- any suggestions/comments on our agreement.

 

Thanks.

[helene_t]

Your agreements look good.

 

After North's 3♠, maybe S can try 5NT (pick a slam) and then raise 6♣ to 7.

 

But it's always easier with open cards :)

[dokoko]

I prefer to play inv+ transfers. That way a strong opener usually knows when to investigate slam.

 

Playing your methods IMO North has an obvious 4♣ rebid. This is forcing because opener has to accept the transfer with any weak hand.

 

Your agreements look good.

 

After North's 3♠, maybe S can try 5NT (pick a slam) and then raise 6♣ to 7.

 

But it's always easier with open cards :)

 

I would take 3♠ as either stopper ask or ♥ support as North should bid naturally with a strong unbalanced hand.

[bgm]

Thanks for the comments. Actually after rethinking of the problem, the "ambiguous" 3♠ can be more clearly pictured when we do some eliminations:

 

I guess some "natural" meaning of the bids, without further discussion, could be

 

4♥ = any hand with good ♥ fit to play opposite a competitive hand, may not have many points.

4♦ = big reverse hand

4♣ = big 1-suiter, FG

3NT = strong BAL - typically 18-19

3♥ = catch all, no distinct feature.

 

So all remaining is the 3♠, or even 4♠, 4NT, 5♣ to sort out the remaining hand types.

3♠ could be

- 8-9 tricks in m and seeking ♠ stopper (3NT probe)

- strong BAL but no ♠ stopper, no 3 card ♥ (we open 3244 in 1♣)

...

 

At the table N want to keep every option open (including playing of ♥, ♣, ♦ contracts) so the choice is 3♠.

If S bid 3NT over 3♠, will N thinks that S is just a competitive hand and have some chance to pass without trying slam?

So even 4NT have comes into the picture, but we have not thought of the 5NT yet :)

And N is already planned to pull 3NT to 4♣ if S really bid 3NT, and we all agree this has to be forward going.