[nielsfoged]

Scoring: IMP

Pass-Pass-1♠(5+)-Pass, 2♥(5+)-Pass-?

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This hand was presented as a bidding problem on our local Danish bridgesite, and most (including experts) saw it as an easy 3♠.

Obviously, I understand the arguments for that bid, but still I personally went for the direct 3NT. That may not always end the bidding, but 4♠ will typically only be reached if Responder has a 3-card support.

In contrast, the more popular 3♠ is forcing, and could lead to 3NT (frequently with 0 or 1 spade, rarely with 2 spades) or 4♠ (frequently with 2- or 3- card support).

Where I come from, a vulnerable pass followed by 2♥ over 1♠ will typically show exactly 5 cards and 9-10 hcps (or perhaps 6+ hearts with too many (3+?) spades for a decent 2♦(Multi)/2♥/3♥-opening, planning to support ♠ no matter what next round - if any!).

Thus, I assume it will be quite rare for Responder to follow up with a bid of 4 Minor or even 4♥, whether Opener rebids 3♠ or 3NT.

Please feel free to comment on:
- Openers 2nd bid
- Any of the above assumptions
- Your expectations of winning 3NT and 4S, respectively, if Responder has exactly 2-5 in the majors, and 9-10 hcps. Maybe someone can run a simulation?

/Niels

[awm]

In many places/styles, opener could rebid 2♠ as a forcing call. This potentially helps a lot (saves a great deal of space). Presumably in Denmark a 2♠ rebid is NF (this is also what I gather from Roland's posts).

Another possibility is to rebid 2NT if that is forcing. This still gives space to sort out any potential spade fit and offer a choice of games. I'll assume that 2NT would also be NF.

Now we're down to a choice between 3♠ and 3NT (or I suppose manufacturing a minor suit bid). Perhaps some of the reasoning for 3♠:

(1) Bidding 3♠ allows partner to bid 3NT with ♠xx if that seems best. Bidding 3NT doesn't allow partner to correct to 4♠ on doubleton.

(2) Bidding 3NT might suggest doubleton heart, and encourage partner to correct to 4♥ with a bad six-card suit. Presumably not all six-card heart suits are viable first seat preempts at vulnerable.

[whereagles]

It's an easy 3♠ call.