[kenberg]

I am a fan of the strong jump shift and indeed 1H-3D is a good start at getting to 6D. The problem remains, however. The Q of diamonds and the six of spades could just as well be the Q of spades and the four of diamonds. Now 6H, requiring a 3-2 break, is highly preferable to 6D, requiring a finesse and a 3-2 break. [oops, added: With this rearrangement of cards, 6H is no piece of cake either. This doesn't change my view that most of us will end in 6H.] How do you determine this? An agreement I have had in some partnerships is that a strong jump shift, followed immediately by rkc, is rkc for the strong jump shift suit (not what you would call basic SAYC). That would work here (1H-3D-3H-4N(rkc for Ds)-5C(one key)-5H(Q ask, not to play)-5N(yes to the Q ask, plus some unshowable (because of level) king)-6D but I see it as a bit contrived. And scary since these agreements may be less solid than I thought. Presumably if partner doesn't have the Q of diamonds I convert to 6H, partner presumably passing. Not an auction I want to bet my life on.

In all partnerships that I have, playing whatever I play, I believe I would end in 6H. Maybe others can get to 6D, but I'll believe it when I see it. [The American phrase for expressing skepticism is "I'm from Missouri".]